Parent Teacher Conferences Are Important

I recently read an article called Are Parent Teacher Conferences A Waste Of Time and felt that I had to share my thoughts on that subject.

I do not believe parent teacher conferences are a waste of time, however I do think they are used incorrectly. Years ago a parent teacher conference lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Nowadays, the average one lasts 15 minutes, which I think we can all agree is not enough time to completely discuss a child’s performance for the quarter.

I believe that parent teacher conferences should be a re-cap of things that have already been discussed throughout the quarter. I talk to my child’s teacher every day. We may only talk for a few minutes, but this is how I can really keep an eye on how my daughter is doing in school. Sometimes I talk to her before and after school.

A huge benefit to this is being able to deal with issues while they are fresh and currently happening. But it is not always about bad things. This is a great way to see how your child is flourishing and reward her, even if it the reward is a loving hug. Either way, it is best to address things as they are happening. Regardless of whether you talk to your child’s teacher every day, it is still important to attend the parent teacher conference.

Before your parent teacher conference get yourself prepared. Make a list of questions you have or ideas that you would like to discuss. Talk to your child and find out what they would like to be discussed. If the child is allowed at the conference then by all means include them. My daughter attends all the conferences with me and participates in the conference.