Throughout the school year, students and families get snapshots of their student’s progress on paper or through online portals. But parent-teacher conferences — which take place in districts across the state this month — offer a more personalized touchpoint.
These meetings can be a chance for families to build relationships with their children and their children’s teachers while learning more about the standards and metrics used to gauge a student’s growth.
Whether your child’s school offers student-led conferences or the traditional parent-teacher style meeting, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Families who need accommodations, such as interpreters or translation assistance, should let the school know in advance so the school can best assist.
- Families should also sign up for their school’s online parent portal. Parents and guardians can use a website or app to view their students’ work in real-time and message the student’s teachers.
- Before the conference, review the data and information. Use that to come up with a list of questions for teachers or your student.
- Talk to your student before the conference to see if there’s anything they’d like you to discuss.
- Ask the teacher and your student to clarify anything you don’t fully understand.
- Discuss next steps, and ask your student and their teacher how you can help support them.
“We believe that families are critical partners and their child’s first teacher,” said Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dani Pfeiffer, citing the district’s strategic plan for supporting students. “Schools can’t do it alone.”
After going through a cycle of school closures, remote learning and the return to in-person instruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfeiffer says family engagement has “had to look and sound differently” than before. In some cases, that means meeting families and kids “more than halfway because they are balancing so many things.”
The South King County district serves more than 21,000 students with families collectively speaking more than 100 languages and dialects. The superintendent said communicating with families through multiple platforms is paramount.
Twice a year, Federal Way offers what they call “scholar-led conferences.” Each student shows their work to their family and teacher and discusses their strengths and areas on which they want to focus.
“Achievement increases when children are able to explain to others what they have already learned, as well as what the next steps are in their learning as they relate to grade-level standards,” the district said.
The hope is that throughout the school year, families can ask their student and student’s teachers about progress toward specific goals instead of just asking “How was your school day?”
Seattle Public Schools reminds families to tell their children they’re invested in their success.
“You can put your child at ease by helping them understand the goal is to help them be successful,” a district parent-teacher conference guide suggests.
The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction says test scores only provide one piece of information about how your student is doing.
GPA, course-taking and attendance are other indicators of a student’s likelihood of graduating on time.
