Prepare to get the most out of your parent-teacher conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are often brief. To make the most of the time you spend with your preteen's teacher:

• Chat with your preteen ahead of time. Does she have any concerns about this teacher or the class? Find out before you head into the conference.
• Make a list. Don't assume you'll remember everything you want to talk about with the teacher. Write a few notes about the topics you'd like to cover.
• Start on a high note. Begin the conference by telling the teacher something positive. "My child loved the demonstration you did last week." An upbeat start may make the meeting go more smoothly.
• Don't be defensive. If the teacher has concerns about your preteen, don't get angry. Instead, ask for specific examples of the problem.
• Develop a plan. If your preteen's teacher mentions a certain problem, ask her for ideas on solving it. The plan should include things she can do in class and you can do at home.
• Arrange for a follow-up. Before ending the conference, make plans to touch base with the teacher in a few weeks. This will give you a chance to discuss whether the problem has gotten better.

Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still make the difference! (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright ©2008 The Parent Institute=AE, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child," The National Parent Teacher Association, http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118085766734.html.