Building the Capacity for Parent Engagement Through Parent-Teacher Conferences Presented by Dr. Lateasha White Parent Involvement Liaison Stockbridge Middle School Adapted from a presentation given by Dr. Cara Richardson Parent Involvement & Compliance Coordinator Newton County School System

Essential Questions What is the difference between Parental Engagement and Parental Involvement? Why are Parent Conferences an important step when building capacity for a successful school year? How do I locate the Curriculum Standards (CCGPS/GPS) for my child’s grade level? What questions should I ask before and during Parent Conferences? What should I do after the conference?

Parent Engagement and Parent Involvement Research has shown that parents are critical to children both for their survival and to realize their greatest potential. “Parents who actively promote learning in the home, have direct and regular contact with school, and experience fewer barriers to involvement, have children who demonstrate positive engagement with their peers, adults, and learning.” First, one needs to understand the difference between “Parent Involvement” and “Parent Engagement”.

Parent Involvement Parent involvement refers to parent participation in systems and activities that support them as they fulfill their duties as the child’s first teacher, nurturer and advocate for their family. It also involves participation in program activities that support their child’s and their own development and help in the program decision-making.

Parent Engagement Parent engagement goes deeper into parent relationships. Engagement refers to the ongoing, goal-directed relationships between staff and families that are mutual, culturally responsive and support what is best for children and families, both individually and collectively.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Where Do You Begin? Parent-Teacher Conferences

Building Capacity for a Successful School Year As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You and your child’s school have something in common: You both want your child to learn and be successful.

Think, Pair, Share Please think of a conference or meeting that you have participated in that was a positive experience. Think of one thing that made the conference effective.

First Steps Get as many details as possible from your child prior to the Parent Conference. Do you have anything you want me to bring up to the teacher? What do you like best/least about the school? Who are your friends? What subject do you feel is your best? What difficulty(ies) are you having?

Things Parents Should Consider Prior To Conference Things I feel the teacher needs to know about my child: Personality /traits How he/she gets along with friends How he/she gets along with our family Effective discipline strategies I use at home Extracurricular activities my child is involved in outside of school Health of my child

Things Parent Should Consider…(cont.) My Perception of how my child is doing academically. How can I be involved in assisting my child’s academic progress? How do I measure my child’s progress? How can we work together to maintain success and work on problem areas? How can I keep the teacher aware of what is going on at home that may influence my child’s learning? (i.e. phone calls, emails, notes, text messages to the teacher)

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences Schedule an appointment with the teacher Sign in at the front desk Be on time and end on time. This is a shared responsibility of the team.

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences (cont.) Have a stated and agreed upon purpose Don’t focus on things that can’t be changed Take notes during the conference. This will clarify what was discussed, agreements made, and tasks assigned.

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences (cont.) Be aware of your child’s grade level standards. https://www.gerogiastandards.org/Pages/default.aspx Listen, Listen, Listen Both parent and teacher should begin the conference with genuine positive comments about the student and each other.

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences (cont.) Go into the conference with an open mind and a belief that the other person has positive intent. Provide each other with contact numbers, or email addresses, as well as, the best time to contact each other. If something is not clear, ask for clarification.

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences (cont.) Develop an action plan based on the strengths of the child and the resources available at home and at school. Agree on the next steps that will be taken be all involved including the student. ACT!!!

Resources 30 Questions to Ask You Child’s Teacher- Georgia Department of Education At Conference Checklist – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/parents/resources/Documents/Parent-Teacher%20Confernce%20Checklist.pdf From the Office of Early Learning: “Parent Involvement” vs. “Parent Engagement” Minnesota Department of Education http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Welcome/News/BloggED/MarchApril/054762 Parent Teacher Conference Tips http://regional2library.pbworks.com/f/Parent+Teacher+conferencing.ppt

Questions/Comments Contact Information: Parent Involvement Liaison Dr. Lateasha White: Lateasha.White@henry.k12.ga.us 770-474-5710