Education is a shared responsibility. To help students learn the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success, teachers need your assistance and input. Working together, you and your child’s educator can ensure your child reaches his full potential this school year.

Here are some easy to use resources that parents can use to make the parent-teacher conferences as beneficial as possible.

• Ask your child if there are topics he would like discussed with his teacher.

• Write notes to yourself about your child’s personality, learning difficulties and study habits - aspects that you feel his teacher should know. Take these notes with you to the meeting.

• What is your classroom homework policy? Is homework graded?

• What are the skills that you expect my child to master this year?

• How do you accommodate for learning styles?

• How can I stay involved in my child’s learning?

• Start off on the right foot.

• Be respectful of the teacher’s time and arrive promptly.

• Discuss your notes concerning your child’s learning habits.

• Ask your most important questions first – in case time runs out.

• Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child reach his full potential. This is the most important part of the meeting.

• Take notes so you can discuss the meeting with your child.

• End the meeting by reiterating the actions that will be taken by the teacher or you.

• If needed, schedule a time to meet again.After the Conference:

• Tell your child what you discussed with the teacher.

• Begin your action plan and work with your child to make learning fun.

• Stay in contact with the teacher and continue to discuss your child’s progress.