{"id":1453,"date":"2012-09-21T21:13:31","date_gmt":"2012-09-21T21:13:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=1453"},"modified":"2015-02-17T11:48:22","modified_gmt":"2015-02-17T19:48:22","slug":"working-with-schools-successful-parent-teacher-conferences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/school\/working-with-schools-successful-parent-teacher-conferences\/","title":{"rendered":"Working with Schools: Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Man<\/a>

Image source: Techwench.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Although many parents know that working with schools is important, many of us also dread receiving a notice in the mail for a parent-teacher (PT) conference. While it\u2019s certainly rewarding to hear that your child is excelling in math, for example, it\u2019s also tough to sit there and listen to a teacher discuss your child\u2019s behavioral problems or his short attention span. None of us want to hear someone else point out our children\u2019s weak areas, but it\u2019s important to remember that your child\u2019s teacher really does have his best interests in mind.<\/p>\n

Even if your school district is embroiled in politics and teacher strikes, teachers chose their profession for a very good reason \u2013 to help your child. Just as you receive constructive criticism at your job, use the teacher\u2019s evaluation to improve upon the areas that need a little work. Working with schools in a partnership is critical for a child\u2019s success in school, particularly when the child has a speech disorder or other issue. And remember that PT conferences are a two-way street: you can use the opportunity to instruct the teacher about your child.<\/p>\n

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How to Prepare<\/strong><\/p>\n

The good news is that preparing for a PT conference isn\u2019t nearly as time-consuming as preparing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting<\/a>. First, briefly scan your child\u2019s IEP. Type up a bullet list of its most prominent features. Think of it as a \u201cMy Child At a Glance\u201d worksheet. Include your child\u2019s IEP goals, what he struggles with, and what he does well. Include a brief description of your child\u2019s speech disorder (his teacher might not know what apraxia<\/a> is, for example). As well, include a summary of your child\u2019s interests, which could be used to customize lesson plans. While your child\u2019s teacher should be provided with a copy of the IEP by the school district, this condensed worksheet will help her remember the salient points.<\/p>\n

\"Parent-Teacher<\/a>

Image source: Cartoonstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Next, write a list of questions and concerns. You might ask how well your child does following directions, for example, or whether he is eager to speak up in class and answer questions. Above all, ask the teacher how you can best help your child at home. She can guide you through the curriculum and suggest additional activities or books that can help your child learn the material better. You could also share your child\u2019s speech therapy techniques, such as your family\u2019s regular reading schedule or the use of Speech Buddies<\/a> for articulation practice.<\/p>\n

What to Expect<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working with schools successfully also means being a good listener. Expect the teacher to share her observations about your child. She will likely touch on the positive observations, as well as discuss areas that could use a little work. She might provide you with written notes and samples of your child\u2019s classwork. If she is unfamiliar with your child\u2019s speech disorder and his particular needs, expect some questions. Ideally, she\u2019ll also offer you suggestions for helping your child do better in class.<\/p>\n

\"Suggestion<\/a>

Image source: Blog.suggestionbox.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the meeting. Remember that it isn\u2019t about confrontation; it\u2019s about collaboration<\/a>. Try to leave the meeting with an established action plan. And before you leave, agree to maintain regular communication. Exchange email addresses and phone numbers. You could even schedule the next parent-teacher conference before you leave the first one.<\/p>\n

Do\u2019s and Don\u2019t\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an at-a-glance cheat sheet for do\u2019s and don\u2019t\u2019s at a parent-teacher conference.<\/p>\n