1. February 21, 2005

2. MR’s Pointers… 1. Focus your comments and efforts only on things that can be changed. 2. Limit the number of suggestions for improvements so that parents are not overwhelmed. 3. Speak plainly and avoid jargon and euphemistic language. 4. Be tactful, but not so tactful that you don't adequately communicate the problem. 5. Ask for and listen to parents' reactions. 1. Focus your comments and efforts only on things that can be changed. 2. Limit the number of suggestions for improvements so that parents are not overwhelmed. 3. Speak plainly and avoid jargon and euphemistic language. 4. Be tactful, but not so tactful that you don't adequately communicate the problem. 5. Ask for and listen to parents' reactions.

3. Lessons Learned… Make sure you have contacted the parents regularly about problems before you call them for a conference. Be flexible in setting up the meeting time. Be sure you have documentation about the child's behavior for referring to specifics during the conference. Greet the parent warmly. Don't have the parent sit on a student-sized chair while you sit in a teacher's chair. Make sure you have contacted the parents regularly about problems before you call them for a conference. Be flexible in setting up the meeting time. Be sure you have documentation about the child's behavior for referring to specifics during the conference. Greet the parent warmly. Don't have the parent sit on a student-sized chair while you sit in a teacher's chair.

4. Say something complimentary about the student early in the conference. Don't do all of the talking. Allow the parents to voice their concerns. Ask the parent for their input regarding the student. Do not discuss other students. If the parent tries to shift the blame to others, stay focused on the major reason the conference was set up for. Make detailed notes of what was discussed. NOTE: If possible, have another teacher or someone from the staff be present as your witness. Consider giving parents some concrete ideas for behavior management at home. Say something complimentary about the student early in the conference. Don't do all of the talking. Allow the parents to voice their concerns. Ask the parent for their input regarding the student. Do not discuss other students. If the parent tries to shift the blame to others, stay focused on the major reason the conference was set up for. Make detailed notes of what was discussed. NOTE: If possible, have another teacher or someone from the staff be present as your witness. Consider giving parents some concrete ideas for behavior management at home.

5. Your Turn… Read the scenario Discuss how the conference should be handled Prepare a “glimpse into the conference” skit for us to observe and discuss Read the scenario Discuss how the conference should be handled Prepare a “glimpse into the conference” skit for us to observe and discuss

6. Scenario One Antwonne, a student in your class, sleeps all of the time and is failing miserably. He is a starter on the Varsity Basketball Team. His mother has agreed, after several weeks of trying to contact her, to come in for a conference after school. Antwonne, a student in your class, sleeps all of the time and is failing miserably. He is a starter on the Varsity Basketball Team. His mother has agreed, after several weeks of trying to contact her, to come in for a conference after school.

7. Scenario Two Mrs. Christy, Taylor’s mother, has made an impromptu visit during lunchtime and would like to schedule an immediate conference. Taylor is making decent grades and has no real problems with you or the class. Mrs. Christy, Taylor’s mother, has made an impromptu visit during lunchtime and would like to schedule an immediate conference. Taylor is making decent grades and has no real problems with you or the class.

8. Scenario Three Gabe’s parents have contacted you for a conference. You know that Gabe is a pot head, he is incredibly bright, but because he does no homework, his grade is a 50%. He makes A’s on every test and most quizzes though. Gabe’s parents have contacted you for a conference. You know that Gabe is a pot head, he is incredibly bright, but because he does no homework, his grade is a 50%. He makes A’s on every test and most quizzes though.

9. Scenario Four Ryan is failing all of his other classes but had a solid B in yours. His father has a requested a “team conference” with all of his teachers.

10. Scenario Five Jane’s two mommies show up for a conference after she got in a fight yesterday. Most of her teachers are present and Jane is struggling in each of her classes. You suspect she is not taking her ADD medication.

11. Scenario Six In a class of 30 students, Jaquan is the trouble maker. At a conference concerning his behavior and average grades, Jaquan’s mother states “well he’s fine at home and doesn’t act that way for me” when you bring up his bad behavior.

12. Scenario Seven Cierra, a freshmen, skips your class all the time. You overheard that she had an abortion a few months ago. She continually hangs out with seniors who you know are nothing but trouble. You have requested a conference with her mother and father to discuss her failing grades.