BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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The Power of Parent Teacher Conferences: Tips for Teachers and Administrators

Baltimore City Public Schools

Office of Engagement

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Session Objectives 2

Participants will: •Understand how to use parent-teacher conferences as an opportunity to build partnership with parents. •Understand best practices for successful parent-teacher conferences.

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Reflection

Think about your past experiences in parent-teacher conferences, what factors contributed to your most successful conference? What were some of the challenges?

Do your parents view themselves as equal partners in their child’s education? If so, how? If not, why?

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Foundation 4

•Parent-teacher conferences are an important component of ongoing home-school communication and family involvement in your school. •Students whose families are involved in their learning earn better grades, enroll in higher-level programs, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education.

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Parent Perspectives: Elementary/Middle School

“ A great parent-teacher conference, for me, is when there is a back

and forth to the conversation. When, as a parent, you are able to give and you know the teacher has taken in what you offered, and then when you come back to the next conference, and they can show you how they’ve acted on it.”

“ My daughter’s teacher talks about her socially, and I appreciate that. Not just the academic but the whole child. Looking at all elements of a child and being able to speak to all of them. I think it’s all equally important.”

“I appreciate being able to walk away with something that my child needs to work on.”

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Parent Perspective: High School 6

"I do appreciate how the administration at my daughter's school charges staff with the responsibility of being available for quarterly parent-teacher conferences. However, I do feel that there are some inconsistencies in how well prepared all staff are in thoroughly explaining students' progress as well as areas which need improvement."

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Tracking Progress: Important Dates 7

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

Beginning Date August 26 November 1 January 21 March 31

Progress Reports September 25-October 1 December 4-6 February 19-21 May 6-8

Conference Dates October 1-October 4*

(suggested)

December 9 – 12 *

December 13** February 24-27* February 28**

May 12-16* (suggested)

End Date October 31 January 17 March 28 June 9

Report Cards November 1-6 January 21-23 March 31 – April 2 June 9-11

*Indicates evening Parent-Teacher conference window **Indicates early release days

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Parent Teacher Conference Toolkit

1. Before the Conference

2. During the Conference

3. After the Conference

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Before the Conference: Engaging Parents

Start to invite parents 2-3 weeks before the conference window. Include complete information about when conferences will occur, how to schedule a conference, and alternative scheduling options.

Use more than one form of communication. Call, email, backpack flyers, and text parents to ensure they understand the importance of the conference and that they feel invited.

Send reminder emails/ calls/ or texts the week of the conference. Send reminders more than once.

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Sample Tools for Engaging Families 10

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Before the Conference: School Preparation

Schedule conferences in 15-20 minute time intervals.

Review and gather recent class work and student assignments, assessments, and behavior and attendance data. Think about questions you might encounter from parents.

Think about what you would like to learn about your students from their parents.

Prepare some specific suggestions for activities parents can do at home to support progress.

Ensure you have sign-in sheets and a central location for parents to sign in when they arrive.

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During the Conference: Framing the Conversation

Create a friendly atmosphere - sit on the same side of the table as the parent, not across from the parent.

Maintain a two-way conversation. Ask questions and be an active listener.

Establish best method of communication for reaching parent (i.e. text, email, phone call).

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During the Conference: Framing the Conversation

Frame the conversation in terms of strengths and challenges so that the parent understands what the student is doing well and how he or she can improve.

Suggest specific resources and activities that parents can use or make available at home to support student learning.

Familiarize parents with upcoming events and learning opportunities (e.g. workshops, parent resource rooms, community programs).

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After the Conference 14

•Follow up with families in reference to any questions or concerns made during the conference. • Continue to communicate significant progress and struggles with parents between conferences.

•Invite parents to observe a class or volunteer in the classroom.

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Resources

http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-hojas-de-consejos-para-las-reuniones-de-padres-y-maestros

Conference tip sheets for principals, teachers, and parents in English and Spanish

www.nea.org/tools/parent-teacher-conferences.html

Tools, tips, and advice for successful parent-teacher conferences, from teachers

http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/19382/

Tips for successful conferences with ELL families

http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html

Tools and information for parents on helping their children academically

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Thank you for your participation!

For tools and sample documents, please reference the toolkit on City Schools Inside, or contact your

Network FCE Specialist.

Contact:

Office of Engagement

410-545-1870