As you prepare for Parent / Teacher conferences, the following suggestions may be helpful:
> Sign up early and be prompt;
> Knock respectfully on the door when your appointment time is at hand;
> Be prepared to listen and discuss specific topics;
> Share your expectations, as well as your child’s favorite subjects, interests, personality traits,
and/or habits;
> Consider sharing happenings at home that may affect your child’s behavior at school;
> If you feel that additional time is needed scheduling a follow-up conference is recommended;
> Expressions of mutual appreciation facilitate communication!
Faculty members prepare for conferences by acquainting themselves with your child through observation and assessment of his/her strengths and growth areas. Please remember that you know your child well, and opportunities for parent/teacher teamwork are abundant. During conferences, teachers of Grades Two through Five will distribute and explain spring CTP4 standardized test results (results for Grades Six through Eight will be sent home with interims). Standardized test scores are just one measure of a student’s performance. Teachers will use the results in conjunction with current classroom assessments to evaluate individual performance, assess curricular needs, and/or revise/refine programs. While the test results may be helpful in attempting to assess how your child is performing compared to other students in national, suburban, and independent norm school groups, I urge you to use your best judgment in deciding whether to share this information with your child. The real value may be in pointing toward areas in which your child may need enrichment or review.
Celebrating our unique gifts and strengths creates a successful educational experience for your child and builds community!