This article is the second in a series that will assist both parents and teachers with parent/teacher conferences.
Okay, you have done the Intel now for the reconnaissance. Oh, and put away your flack jacket; you really won't be needing it. Parent/Teacher Interviews are supposed to be collaborative processes and the students are supposed to be the real winners. In this day and age we really need to have both parents and teachers park the egos at the door and work toward workable solutions for children.
Time to ask some very specific questions.
Go to the parent /teacher interview or conference with some specific outcomes in mind. Write them down and formulate the questions you need to ask.
Avoid the Dump Truck Effect
Please never allow the first question you ask to be, "So how is my son/daughter doing in your class." This type of question opens up too broad of a scope and you are likely to engage in what I like to call "the dump truck effect".
The dump truck effect is the result of asking a question that is so broad in scope that the teacher's answer simply encompasses a lot of general information covering topics from attendance and behaviour to work habits and Xmas concert prep. Although this is not useless information it is also not terribly helpful in strengthening grades and identifying possible issues. The general result of the
dump truck effect is that issues (If there are any.) are not discussed and you come away feeling over-whelmed and desperately trying to figure out what just happened. Too much general information is not a good thing.
Recon Rules 101
This is not a spy mission nor are you after top secret information. However, you do need to ask specific, well thought out questions and listen carefully to the answers.
Not sure what questions you should be asking? Not to worry, we are going to give them to you and then some. After all, we did graduate from Recon 101 school.
The first question should be one that allows you to determine how well the teacher knows your child and also let's you break the ice.
Question #1: What activities in your classroom does my child really enjoy?
This question always allows you to open with a positive question that should evoke positive energy into the meeting.
Your next set of questions is going to give you some basic information on how well your child performs time management and routines.
Question # 2: Have all assignments been completed?
Question # 3: Have all assignments been handed in?
Now, these two questions may sound the same but they are not. Many students who have organizational problems may very well get the project completed but forget to hand it in. So, both of these questions should be asked in sequence.
Question #4: How was the grade for this reporting period calculated?
This is your opportunity to compare information on quiz scores, tests and assignments.
Question # 5: Does my child understand what is expected in terms of behaviour, academic performance, productivity, etc.?
Question # 6: What is my child's biggest accomplishment this term?
Question # 7: What has been my child's biggest challenge this term?
Question #8: Do you have a success plan for my child?
This question always gets a few strange looks but it is likely one of the most important to ask. If your child loves school and is doing well, then it is important it stays that way and a success plan would insure that. If your child is struggling a plan of corrective action/strategy must be put in place and the sooner the better.
Question # 9: What can we do at home to support your efforts in the classroom?
This question allows you the opportunity to let the teacher know that you are a valuable resource and you are ready to assist.
Question #10: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Good Recon Always Results in a Good Plan
Before you leave the meeting always make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Build a plan to implement what was discussed at the meeting. Make sure you write it down. Document who was going to do what, method of reporting back and follow up report dates.
Part 3 of this series will deal specifically with follow - up. Why it is important and what you need to do to ensure positive, effective results.
Okay, you have done the Intel now for the reconnaissance. Oh, and put away your flack jacket; you really won't be needing it. Parent/Teacher Interviews are supposed to be collaborative processes and the students are supposed to be the real winners. In this day and age we really need to have both parents and teachers park the egos at the door and work toward workable solutions for children.
Time to ask some very specific questions.
Go to the parent /teacher interview or conference with some specific outcomes in mind. Write them down and formulate the questions you need to ask.
Avoid the Dump Truck Effect
Please never allow the first question you ask to be, "So how is my son/daughter doing in your class." This type of question opens up too broad of a scope and you are likely to engage in what I like to call "the dump truck effect".
The dump truck effect is the result of asking a question that is so broad in scope that the teacher's answer simply encompasses a lot of general information covering topics from attendance and behaviour to work habits and Xmas concert prep. Although this is not useless information it is also not terribly helpful in strengthening grades and identifying possible issues. The general result of the
dump truck effect is that issues (If there are any.) are not discussed and you come away feeling over-whelmed and desperately trying to figure out what just happened. Too much general information is not a good thing.
Recon Rules 101
This is not a spy mission nor are you after top secret information. However, you do need to ask specific, well thought out questions and listen carefully to the answers.
Not sure what questions you should be asking? Not to worry, we are going to give them to you and then some. After all, we did graduate from Recon 101 school.
The first question should be one that allows you to determine how well the teacher knows your child and also let's you break the ice.
Question #1: What activities in your classroom does my child really enjoy?
This question always allows you to open with a positive question that should evoke positive energy into the meeting.
Your next set of questions is going to give you some basic information on how well your child performs time management and routines.
Question # 2: Have all assignments been completed?
Question # 3: Have all assignments been handed in?
Now, these two questions may sound the same but they are not. Many students who have organizational problems may very well get the project completed but forget to hand it in. So, both of these questions should be asked in sequence.
Question #4: How was the grade for this reporting period calculated?
This is your opportunity to compare information on quiz scores, tests and assignments.
Question # 5: Does my child understand what is expected in terms of behaviour, academic performance, productivity, etc.?
Question # 6: What is my child's biggest accomplishment this term?
Question # 7: What has been my child's biggest challenge this term?
Question #8: Do you have a success plan for my child?
This question always gets a few strange looks but it is likely one of the most important to ask. If your child loves school and is doing well, then it is important it stays that way and a success plan would insure that. If your child is struggling a plan of corrective action/strategy must be put in place and the sooner the better.
Question # 9: What can we do at home to support your efforts in the classroom?
This question allows you the opportunity to let the teacher know that you are a valuable resource and you are ready to assist.
Question #10: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Good Recon Always Results in a Good Plan
Before you leave the meeting always make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Build a plan to implement what was discussed at the meeting. Make sure you write it down. Document who was going to do what, method of reporting back and follow up report dates.
Part 3 of this series will deal specifically with follow - up. Why it is important and what you need to do to ensure positive, effective results.
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