Involving Family: Conferences

Conferences establish and maintain a relationship between home and school. This relationship is a partnership focused on student achievement, growth, and well being. Use conferences to stimulate this partnership by:

• Creating an inviting atmosphere with chairs side-by-side and refreshments.
• Expressing your care and concern for every child.
• Remembering conferences are two-way conversations, not one-way reporting.
• Exploring what the families care about, what previous experiences they have had with the school, what expectations they hold for their child and for the teacher.
• Beginning and ending on a positive.
• Displaying examples of the student's work that illustrate strengths and weaknesses.
• Celebrating the child's unique learning styles, developmental level, and personality.
• Collaborating with the student and his/her family to develop a plan that supports school improvement.
• Committing to plan follow-up by everyone.
• Congratulating the student and family on successes.

Related Books and Internet Resources on other Websites:

National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs

http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118251710359.html

National PTA Parent Resources

http://www.pta.org/parent_resources.html

Aronson, M. (1995).

Building Communication Partnerships with Parents. Westminster, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc.

Steele, K. (1996).

Involving Parents in Schools. Pieces of Learning.