I found last year's conference pretty useful for my kid. She's ahead on reading and math but the teacher said she seems to be overcritical of herself and has some confidence issues. Gave me something to think about.

But I've never understood why there's not a spring conference to see how the kid has progressed over the year. Anyone know?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, please do not punish your child if they get a report indicating that they are below grade level. Listen carefully and ask, how can I best support my child at home?

- Teacher

People do that???

I would, because they're not meeting basic standards. Until they can, they don't get to spend time doing fun things.

- NP

Whoa. It’s scary that people think like this in 2023.

Dramatic. Pretty sure what they are saying is they need to do their homework, supplemental work before their video game binge playing begins.

Anonymous wrote:Just go and listen. The teacher will talk about progress in math and reading. Will probably give you some Of their work to take home. It’s a warm fuzzy. They will usually tell you a cute story about your kid. You can ask a few questions, but the meeting is pretty short. If you have any serious concerns, you should have a separate meeting at some other time..

Agree. Or if there are questions that you want answered thoughtfully or you think may be a longer conversation, reach out ahead of time so the teacher can be prepared. You don’t want to put them on the spot. Be mindful of the time and don’t go over your allotted time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, please do not punish your child if they get a report indicating that they are below grade level. Listen carefully and ask, how can I best support my child at home?

- Teacher

People do that???

I would, because they're not meeting basic standards. Until they can, they don't get to spend time doing fun things.

- NP

Omg. Please reconsider your approach to parenting. Instead of punishing, support them more at home so they can get to the "basic standard" as you say. Kids aren't supposed to be at grade level at the beginning of the year!!! To punish them for that is cruel.

Anonymous wrote:You are very limited on time. I would let the teacher guide the convo and you ask follow up questions.

Yes! You’ll have about 15 minutes. Arrive early (15 minutes) and be respectful of the teacher’s time. Listen more than you talk.

Have one comment/question/concern prepared to mention have addressed IF teacher doesn’t mention. If teacher has addressed and you are coming down to the last few minutes and are asked if you have any questions, then you thank the teacher for her time-particularly for answering your question about X. Don’t linger. Limit idle chat because the teacher has a tight schedule w/ another parent at the door and wants to take a restroom break.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, please do not punish your child if they get a report indicating that they are below grade level. Listen carefully and ask, how can I best support my child at home?

- Teacher

People do that???

I would, because they're not meeting basic standards. Until they can, they don't get to spend time doing fun things.

- NP

Whoa. It’s scary that people think like this in 2023.

Anonymous wrote:Just go and listen. The teacher will talk about progress in math and reading. Will probably give you some Of their work to take home. It’s a warm fuzzy. They will usually tell you a cute story about your kid. You can ask a few questions, but the meeting is pretty short. If you have any serious concerns, you should have a separate meeting at some other time..

I disagree. If it's just pro forma, the teachers could just send the results of all these standardized tests and assessments via email and save everyone the time.

As a parent I try to move us quickly through all the random assessments. Unless your child is in K you should have a pretty good idea whether your child is below, at or above grade level in basics like math or reading. I'm more interested in how the teacher or school meets the needs of my child. Basically "ok, you have this test information. How will it impact my child's day-to-day education". I also ask a few questions about how things seem socially, or give perspective on my child's state of mind or social issues if there are any. A few years ago a particular girl who had been not-quite-bullying but mean to my daughter over a few years was in the same class. We let the teacher know and she made a note not to put them at the same table or in small groups and to watch for troublesome interactions.

We were very lucky throughout elementary to have great teachers. With only 15min this time should be valuable.

Just go and listen. The teacher will talk about progress in math and reading. Will probably give you some Of their work to take home. It’s a warm fuzzy. They will usually tell you a cute story about your kid. You can ask a few questions, but the meeting is pretty short. If you have any serious concerns, you should have a separate meeting at some other time..

After you schedule the conference, send an email with any big questions or concerns you would like to know about. Some of these the teacher may already be planning to cover with all parents, some they may need to specifically prepare answers for relating to your child. Others the topic may be too big/long for a normal PTV and they can either schedule a separate time to discuss with you.

During the normal conference, ask questions that teachers can answer quickly about your kid or that allows you to get to know the teachers style better:
- What peers is my kid interacting with most?
- What subject does kid seem to engage most vs least?
- What ways can I best support learning at home?
- What are upcoming topics/unit will student be covering?
- Is my child on level, ahead, behind and what does this mean? What does this look like in your class?
- What goals have you set for the class for the quarter and year? What goals is my kid specifically working towards?
- What does the class seem to be most enjoying this year?

Anonymous wrote:Is it ok to just sit back and take-in what the teacher has to say? Is it ok if I don't go in with questions for them. I mean maybe I'll have a question based on something they say. np here.

Of course. Keep in mind you're not getting graded on how you do at the conference. YOU already finished elementary school.

Anonymous wrote:Is it ok to just sit back and take-in what the teacher has to say? Is it ok if I don't go in with questions for them. I mean maybe I'll have a question based on something they say. np here.

Of course that’s fine. I sometimes try to think of something positive my kid has told me about the class and share that with the teacher too.

The best questions I’ve asked are when I know something is a concern. One year it was social, so I asked the teacher and she put my mind at ease. The next year it was academic, and they were working on it, so I asked how I can support at home.

The only random or off the cuff question I ask is about school supplies. I normally save that for the March conf and ask if they need anything that’s dwindling or low. And then I send what they need.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, please do not punish your child if they get a report indicating that they are below grade level. Listen carefully and ask, how can I best support my child at home?

- Teacher

People do that???

I would, because they're not meeting basic standards. Until they can, they don't get to spend time doing fun things.

- NP

Is it ok to just sit back and take-in what the teacher has to say? Is it ok if I don't go in with questions for them. I mean maybe I'll have a question based on something they say. np here.

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do, please do not punish your child if they get a report indicating that they are below grade level. Listen carefully and ask, how can I best support my child at home?

- Teacher

People do that???