How to Create a Parent-Teacher Conference Sheet

Documentation seems to go hand in hand with teaching, especially when it comes to communication with your student's parents or guardians. Preparing for a parent-teacher conference can be tedious, especially at the beginning of the year or if you do not know the student or parents well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Identify the student, class, period and date. This is more of an organizational tool for you than for the parent. Having all of this information allows you, or a student helper, to file the paperwork in a variety of ways.
2. List at least three strengths of the student. Parents like to know what good qualities their students are exhibiting in school. These traits are usually different than the qualities the parents or guardians witness at home.
3. Notate how you, as a teacher, will help the student continue to use and develop the student's strengths. This tells the parents that you are helping the students grow in their strengths, not just focusing on maintaining an average student.
4. Describe the student's weaknesses. Give concrete examples of when you have observed the problem areas. Showing the parents examples of work or discipline charts will help them understand what you are saying in your description.
5. Provide at least two ideas for how you, as the teacher, will help the student compensate for their weaknesses. Informing parents about how you handle these problems in class will make them feel like they are a part of the process, even when they are not present.
6. Include a section that ties the parents into the support process. Come up with at least two things the parent can be doing at home with their child to ensure their success in your class.
7. Sign and date the form after it has been reviewed. Make sure that there is a place for you and the parents to sign and date the conference sheet. This is mainly for your protection and proves that the issues discussed were brought up to the parent, they heard and saw your report and acknowledge the accuracy of your observations.