About Today: What to Ask at a Parent-Teacher Conference 10/04/10

From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor Just about everyone recognizes that parent-teacher conferences are important, but most people dread them anyway. There's something about them that feels very much like returning to school yourself: Not the fun part, where you get to play with clay, but the hard part, where maybe this will be on the test.

What to Ask at a Parent-Teacher Conference Many teachers I know feel the same way. This is because for them, there really will be a quiz. Prepare for a Parent-Teacher Conference A Dad's Guide to Parent-Teacher Conferences

How to Have a Productive Parent-Teacher Conference The key to making all of this a positive experience, of course, is to ask the right questions. For Teachers: 10 Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference 10 Important Questions to Ask at a Parent-Teacher Conference

Making the Most of a Parent-Teacher Conference Even more importantly, remember to listen. It's much easier to talk than it is to hear what someone else is saying, but if you really want to know how your kid is doing, you'll need to get the teacher's input. How to Get Results at Parent-Teacher Conferences Help Your Child Succeed at School

Dos and Don'ts of Parent-Teacher Communication This is my favorite tip: "Don't feel as though you're being a nuisance. Whether you have concerns, questions or just simply want to say 'Great job,' it's perfectly all right to get in touch with your child's teacher." For Teachers: Do's and Don'ts for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences 5 Ways to Thank Teacher