Fall Conferences

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences

As we prepare for this week’s upcoming conferences, there are some challenges unique to this year.  The most obvious is that we will not be in person, so there will be an underlying concern that technology works!  It will also be difficult to judge reactions, opinions, etc.  Parents will be feeling the same way, so take a minute to share personal observations of their child so they can rest assured that you know their child..

Secondly, we know there has been regression for many students since they left in March.  We also know that our families had to navigate a difficult situation with their kids from home.  While it’s important to honestly share where students are, recognize that our parents were the “teachers” and did their best to instruct within their varied situations.  Approach the upcoming year as a collaborative team effort, and reassure families that their child/ren are going to be OK!

In addition:

• Assume positive intentions and that parents have done/are doing the best that they can
• Show how much you care for the student by sharing something that tells the parent you know their child.
• Begin with positive information/strengths
• Learn about the student from the parent/family perspective
• Most parents want to generally know how their child is performing socially and academically; think in general terms (i.e. meeting/exceeding expectations rather than specific BAS or MAP scores)
• Remember that you don't have to answer all questions immediately - tell the parent you will get back to them
• Have an opening and closing line for each conference (i.e. So happy to connect with you and learn about your child; What can you share to help me get to know your child better?  We have about 2/5 minutes left in our conference - have we addressed all of your questions/concerns? Thank you so much for sharing about your child).
• You do not need to share MAP scores at this time as national norms have changed and the district level data is not yet available to help us really understand trends and give us context.  Instead, use this time to build positive relationships with the family.

Tech Reminders

• Cally Ahlin will be reachable at x8078 for any Google Meet issues

• Instructions for Families (Teachers/buildings can share these with families.)

• Instructions for Teachers 

• Staff Guide for Google Meet