Why Is Parent-Teacher Communication Important for Student Success?
According to the Parent-Teacher Association, parent-teacher conferences allow parents and teachers to create strategies for student success by discussing a student's school performance. These conferences are integral to student success because they allow parents and teachers to work together in the best interest of the child.
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Grades
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According to the Michigan Department of Education, parental involvement plays a role in student grades, test scores and graduation rates. Parent-teacher conferences give parents effective tools for managing from home a student's progress.
Attendance and Behavior
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Students whose parents are involved in their school lives tend to have better school attendance and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.They also tend to be suspended less and have fewer incidents involving violent behavior, according to the Michigan Department of Education. Parent-teacher conferences allow teachers and parents to discuss any problematic attendance or behavior problems and come up with solutions to help the child overcome those.
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Communication Tip
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The University of Illinois Extension Service recommends that parents volunteer at their child's school in order to gain more access to teachers. In addition to mandatory conferences, the additional contact can bolster parent-teacher communication.
Successful Conferences
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The Parent-Teacher Association suggests discussing during the conferences what is working well for your child as well as what is working poorly for him in the classroom. Be prepared for a conference by making a list of topics you would like to discuss and ask for input or questions from other adults in the child's life. These include grandparents, babysitters and tutors.
Warning
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According to Time magazine, parents can create difficulties during conferences by suggesting that the teacher was wrong to correct or punish a student. Parents need to keep an open mind and remember that teachers and parents alike are working toward a successful education for the child.
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References
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