Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences at Your Child's School

During the academic year, most schools in the U.S. invite parents to come in for regular parent-teacher conferences. If you have received a note advising you that your child's teacher wants to schedule a meeting with you, don't panic. This is a standard part of the school's efforts to build a strong partnership between parents and teachers. Whether your child is having a positive or negative experience in school, parent-teacher conferences will help you and your child's teacher find ways to work together to ensure your child's success.

Knowing that you have to go to your child's school may make you feel nervous, intimidated, or frustrated as you consider the language and cultural differences that you face here in the U.S. You may wonder what to expect, and what is expected of you. That's why Colorín Colorado is here to help! In this article you will find:

Answers to your questions about parent-teacher conferences
Tips about how you can prepare for the conference
Suggested questions and topics to discuss
Tips about how to make the most of the conference
This information can be applied to students in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Your child's school may also provide information about parent-teacher conferences in your language.

What is a parent-teacher conference?
How will I know when to go to the conference?
What if I don't speak English?
Why does my child's teacher want to meet with me?
What information will my child's teacher give me?