Parent Teacher Conference Guidelines

Twice a year, DPS holds parent/teacher conferences. These conferences play a critical role in establishing a good relationship with your child’s teacher. Careful preparation for this conference can help you get more out of it, as well as enable your child’s teacher to better understand how he or she can help your child succeed in school.

Getting Ready for Your Parent/Teacher Conference

1. Before the Conference

Talk to your child about how he or she feels about school, teachers and academic progress. Questions can include:

What do you like about school?
What challenges are you having?
What are your favorite subjects?
Is there anything you would like me to ask or tell your teacher?

Review your child’s recent work and ask yourself:

Do I have specific concerns about his or her academic progress?
Do I have questions about the curriculum?
Do I understand how my child is assessed in class?

2. Questions for the Conference

How does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
What are my child’s best and worst subjects? How can he or she improve in areas that need work?
What are the standards for my child’s grade level? Can you show me an example of work that reflects the highest standard?
How does my child compare to other children in the class?
How does my child interact with other children and adults?
How much help should I provide on homework assignments?
What is your homework policy, including late and makeup work?
Is my child trying as hard as he or she can?
How can I best communicate with you?

3. Follow Up After the Conference

Tell your child how the parent/teacher conference went.
Praise your child’s strengths.
Talk with your child about how to address areas for improvement.
Ask your child how you can continue to help him or her succeed in school.