Lake Washington elementary teachers schedule two specific conferences with parents each year. Since the 2010-11 school year, students have been part of these conferences. Students set goals and reflect on their work. As a result, parents are more involved in academic goals their child has set for him or herself and better understand how to support attaining these goals. There is also time during conferences for parents to privately discuss issues with the teacher without the child being present.

Conferences are especially important for a teacher, because they provide an opportunity for the teacher to learn more about the student from the parent. Knowing about outside interests, hobbies, and the family may be beneficial in helping students succeed in school.

Parents can prepare for the conference by thinking about the questions they want to ask the teacher. It is helpful if questions are sent to teachers a few days before the conference, if that is possible.

While there are opportunities to meet your student’s teachers, the standard twice-yearly conferences no longer apply. As students get older, they also are expected to take more responsibility for their own learning. But parents still play a very important role. When might you want to schedule a conference with a teacher? Here are some examples:

• Your student is struggling in a particular class and neither of you are clear on what help is available to get him or her back on track.
• Your student has gotten behind and needs a plan to get caught up.
• Your student is really excited about this subject and interested in pursuing it further.

Parental involvement in a student’s education may not be as hands on in the higher grades but students still need your support. Set up your own parent-teacher conferences as needed.