Tips from Harvard: How to Get the Most out of Parent Teacher Conferences

The following tips have been adapted from the Harvard Family Research Project. "Parent Teacher Conference Tip Sheets for Principals, Teachers, and Parents" (2010), Harvard Family Research Project, retrieved from this site. 

Checklist:

• Review your child’s work, grades, and progress reports that have been sent home.
• Talk with your child about how his or her perceived progress and confidence in school.
• Talk with others—family, after school staff, tutors, coaches, etc.—about what your child does well at, and what they need help with.
• Make a list of questions to ask the teacher during the conference.
• Think about how you would like to be more involved in your child’s learning so that you can brainstorm with the teacher. 

“BE HEARD”: An acronym from Harvard to remember during conference times. 
Best intentions assumed
Emphasis on learning

Home to school collaboration
Examples and evidence
Active listening
Respect for all
Dedication to follow-up