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Family Involvement Articles

These articles are written especially for parents by our Buddy Project staff.

Parents: Conferences Are Coming!

Could a little of Aretha’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T make a difference?

Respect is the key for both parents and teachers during conference time and throughout the year. You both come to the table with your own unique expertise. You are the surefire experts on your own children. You understand what drives your children; their strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and worries. Teachers come to the table with vital knowledge about learning styles, age-appropriate skills, developmental milestones, and an understanding of where each child is on his/her educational journey.

It takes both parent and teacher to further the child along in the journey. Conferences will be successful when attitudes of respect and gratitude are communicated in both directions.

So, find out what R-E-S-P-E-C-T means to teachers…
Teachers want to understand your child. Any information you can give them to reveal your child’s passions, worries, day-to-day attitude towards school, or problems at home will help immensely. They want to know which teaching strategy will work best.

A classroom teacher with 30 students also needs your understanding that undivided, individual attention to each child is not possible. You are responsible for your child’s education. With your feedback, teachers can make required changes to create an effective learning environment for your child.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Before the Conference

1. Be prepared. Ask your child to answer some questions about their school experience.
2. Be prepared with your own questions. (Ask the most important first.) Visit these sites for more question ideas:
   1. Parent- Teacher Conference Kit
   2. Making Parent–Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child
3. Be prepared to be on time. Everyone’s time is valuable.
4. Be prepared to be on the same team. Voice your concerns AND listen to suggestions.
5. Be prepared to take notes so you don’t forget the agreed upon strategy!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T During the Conference

1. Relay positive comments about your child’s experiences at school and about your child.
2. Expect to hear something your child will be challenged to improve.
3. Share any relevant information that may point to a solution.
4. Partner with the teacher in creating an action plan to benefit your child.
5. Express any questions or other concerns you have.
6. Close the conference with a review of the plan and the agreed upon timeline.
7. Thank the teacher for their suggestions and their concern for your child.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T After the Conference

1. Follow through on explaining the plan to your child.
2. Follow through on the plan…do your part.
3. Follow through with any unanswered questions you may have.
4. Follow through in communicating the progress your child is making.
5. Follow through on changing the plan as your child changes.
6. Follow through on expressing thanks and R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the teacher’s hard work!