Conference Time!

Conferences are an important time to connect with families, and to provide an update on how things are going these first six weeks of school, both academically and socially.  I am impressed how well you know your students, have data to share, and how we are our student's  biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach.    We are fortunate at Houlton to have such supportive and involved families - they are grateful to have their students here!

Here are some tips:

1. Send a questionnaire home to get a focus for parent concerns.  This gives you a heads-up if there's something you need to prepare for.
2. Take the "sandwich" approach. Start with something positive, continue with the things that the child needs to work on, and finish with something positive.
3. Plan the essential things you want to share - strengths and an area to work on, including essential data and work samples.  Don't feel like you have to discuss MAP and PALS assessments.  We will have those printed out for you, along with explanation letters.
4. Listen and respond to parent concerns.  Sometimes they have insight, or hear things, that we aren't even aware of!  Our goal is to make Houlton a productive learning environment - and parent input is an important part of that!
5. Describe areas of difficulties and accommodations you are doing to support them - but don't diagnose students.
6. Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your own child
7. Get support from Sue or Kristen as needed!  Email us to let us know - and we'll be there!

Optional Resources for Conferences.

Good Fit Reading Chart

Reading Continuum