Parent-Teacher Conferences: Strong Relationships Help Children Learn

The arrival of November causes many schools to begin academic progress reporting, which kicks off with parent-teacher conferences. While the main focus of these meetings is student learning, other factors that impact learning (such as social-emotional development) are also discussed.

Though critically important for the success and wellbeing of children in school, parent-teacher conferences can be fraught with emotion. Teachers are the experts on childhood development and academic growth, while parents and caregivers specialize in the child as an individual. Both understandings are necessary for a whole and healthy picture of the young person. By maintaining the focus on the success of the child, parents and teachers can work together to build strong systems of support that benefit everyone. 

Children spend much of their life in school, putting teachers in the unique position of being both objective and informed witnesses to peer interactions and academic performance. For some parents, it can feel uncomfortable to hear a teacher describe their child’s behaviors and learning processes. Dr. Andrea Canter, a nationally certified school psychologist, says that when teachers make suggestions for caregivers at home, it can feel personal, but it isn’t. “Try not to worry or be afraid of a conference with your child’s teacher. Even if you have talked frequently with school personnel about your child’s failing grades or misbehavior, a conference may be an opportunity to start a cooperative partnership” (Culturally Competent Assessment and Consultation. National Association of School Psychologists). Research indicates that when educators and caregivers embrace a growth mindset and attitude of partnership, everyone will benefit, especially the student (Edutopia). 

Caregivers have an important role in making conferences productive and positive. Often, pre-conference nerves can stem from feeling unprepared. Rally Reader has assembled a few simple strategies to help parents feel ready and composed for meeting with teachers:

• Talk to your child about it! Children should know why the conference is taking place and that you are excited to learn more about their schooling. Ask your child what you should know ahead of time (allowing them an opportunity to discuss grades, relationships with other students, goals, etc), and what your child would like you to share with the teacher.

• Ask your child about what they are reading. Do they seem to have a good understanding of the story? Do some research and determine if the book is at their grade level. The teacher will have more insight on your child’s progress, but reading comprehension is often a good indicator of their academic development. 

• Create a list of questions and concerns. Remember, the teacher will have their own, and conferences are typically brief (20 - 30 minutes), so stick to what is most pressing. You can always schedule another meeting or exchange follow up emails!

• In the conference, be sure to spend some time on the positive. No matter how much your child might be struggling, save time to celebrate them, too. Everyone has something they love and appreciate about your child. In the unlikely event the teacher does not share positive attributes, it is appropriate to ask.

• Listen to the teacher with a growth mindset. They have valuable insight into your child and they will likely have tips to make parenting (at least a little bit) easier! Remember, you are the expert on your child, but they are the expert on this age!

Parent-teacher conferences are also a good opportunity to share anything happening in the life of the family (a move, divorce, sick loved one, etc.). It might feel uncomfortable to divulge personal information, but educators will appreciate knowing when children are carrying extra emotional weight to school. Often, it will inform how they engage with them.

Focusing on the goal of helping children learn and feel successful is critical for productive and collaborative parent-teacher conferences. Research indicates that when caregivers and teachers communicate and work together, everyone is more effective at supporting the child. Not only do children earn higher grades and behave better overall, but caregivers receive tools that encourage intentional parenting and teachers develop an improved understanding of a child’s home life (Child Mind Institute). 

For educators, productive parent-teacher conferences means sharing your personalized observations of the child, what their behaviors indicate about their development, and taking parental concerns seriously. Some tools for teachers to help make conferences productive include:

• Open with positive, sincere comments about the student. Parents will feel better knowing you see, understand, and appreciate their child. Funny or heartwarming anecdotes always go a long way! Starting the conference on a positive note will help create the right atmosphere.

• Leave time for parents to share their concerns and observations. This should be a collaborative process, and nurturing open channels of communication will help the student.

• Have data that supports your observations. This can look like samples of the student’s work, anecdotes from other teachers, and reading statistics. If you use Rally Reader in your classroom, your teacher dashboard will populate with accurate, individual student data on their reading performance which will inform your conferences well. 

• Conclude the meeting with a plan. This should include actions for you and the caregivers at home. Provide examples they can draw from, resources (if appropriate) and common language you can all use. Offer to follow up on any questions you didn’t get to (and then make sure you do!). 

After the conference, both caregivers and educators should come away with a clearer understanding of how to support the student both at home and at school. Teachers have the benefit of a curriculum with specific progress markers built in. Many parents want to engage with their child’s educational growth, but don’t always have the time or expertise to do so. In some cases, it can put an unnecessary strain on the parent-child relationship (Kids Health).

This is where educational tools like Rally Reader come to the rescue! Designed by parents and educators, Rally Reader has the instructional benefit of a personalized AI reading coach with the convenience of accessibility. Students can use Rally anywhere they can access the app (supported by all Apple products); enjoying popular titles while practicing their literacy skills. This will improve their reading development and boost their confidence and achievement in all school subjects (National Institutes of Health). 

Educators and caregivers have tremendous impacts on the lives of children. When they work collaboratively as a team they establish a strong system of support. This teamwork, along with the right educational tools, helps students thrive. Rally Reader wishes you a wonderful parent-teacher conference season! 

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