During Parent Conference Week schools try to facilitate parent involvement in student learning. We do this because we believe students whose families are involved with learning do better in school.
A 1994 compilation of research called "The Family is Critical to Student Achievement" edited by Henderson & Berla says:"(the) evidence is now beyond dispute. The most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able to:
1.Create a home environment that encourages learning
2.Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers
3.Become involved in their children's education at school and in the community."

Below are a list of suggested questions for ParentConference Week. We want to encourage families to become more involved in learning and believe the following questions can promote successful conferences by improving two-way communication.

What strengths does my student bring to this class?
Does my student consistently meet classroom standards for completing assignments?
How does my student interact with others and contribute to classroom activities?
This is a specific concern about my student's work in this class ______.
What additional resources could benefit my student?
What can the teacher do to help my student be more successful in this class?
What can our family do at home to help my student be more successful in school?
Do we need additional time to continue this discussion?

What developmental progress has my student made in this class?
In what areas does my student need to focus during the next nine weeks?
What additional resources could benefit my student?
What kind of planning needs to be done to promote academic and social growth for my student?
Are there any summer activities that the family can pursue to help my student prepare for next year?

Review these questions and write down any others you may have. Be sure to include any concerns your student would like you to discuss with the teacher.

Websites with helpful information about parent/teacher conferences:

• NEA website

• School Discovery website

• NYU Langone Health website

• Together for Learning website