As we approach October, many U.S. boarding schools welcome Family Week, a time when schools provide a mid-term progress update on students. Parents are also invited to register for parent-teacher meetings, which offer a valuable opportunity for parents to communicate face-to-face or online with teachers.
Understanding the core purpose of parent-teacher meetings
First, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the core objectives of these meetings and why schools offer the opportunity for parents to discuss such matters with teachers:
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Review student progress
During the meeting, teachers typically discuss the student’s academic performance, attendance, classroom behavior, and participation. They will also review the curriculum, assessment standards, classroom policies, and teaching methods to describe the student’s learning environment. Additionally, teachers may provide insights into the student’s academic, social, and emotional development, helping both teachers and parents gain a more comprehensive understanding of the student.
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Set goals and tasks
The fundamental purpose of the parent-teacher meeting is to help clarify goals for the student’s academic and personal development. Parents can work with teachers to identify areas for improvement and set realistic progress goals.
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Identify issues early
The open discussions in the meeting help identify and address academic or behavioral concerns early, preventing them from worsening. This ensures that students stay on track toward achieving their educational goals.
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Discuss strategies and interventions
Parents and teachers can collaborate on strategies and interventions to support the student’s progress, sharing insights and resources to create an actionable plan for addressing challenges or areas in need of improvement.
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Develop ongoing communication and support plans
Parent-teacher meetings should not be a one-time event. It’s crucial to develop a continuous communication and support plan that includes regular check-ins and progress updates, as well as sharing resources or strategies as needed.
How parents can prepare for and make the most of parent-teacher meetings
Though typically teacher-led, parent-teacher meetings also benefit from parents preparing in advance. Here are some tips:
Before the meeting
- Read the student’s progress report: Review the report carefully, noting the child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
- List topics for discussion: Identify any concerns or questions you have and ask the teacher to address them.
- Communicate with your child: If possible, have a conversation with your child before the meeting to understand their views on their performance and any concerns they may have at school. This will help you better understand their needs.
During the meeting
- Be on time: Parent-teacher meetings are typically very time-constrained, with one meeting following another. Arriving late might mean missing crucial information. Please ensure you arrive on time and conclude within the scheduled timeframe to accommodate other parents.
- Listen carefully: Pay close attention to what the teacher says. Ask for clarification if something sounds unclear (like educational terms or policies).
- Prioritize important questions: Since time is limited, focus on discussing the most important topics first. If you don’t finish everything, arrange for a follow-up conversation with the teacher.
- Share background information: If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s behavior or emotions, provide the teacher with relevant context to help them better understand the child and develop a plan of action together.
- Thank the teacher: Show appreciation for the teacher’s time and efforts in supporting your child.
Sample questions parents can ask during the meeting
Academic questions
- Is my child progressing as expected?
- How are you measuring my child’s progress? Through tests? Portfolios? Class participation? Projects?
- How long does it take most students to finish their homework? How much time do you expect them to take?
- What should I expect for this stage or this year in terms of my child’s development?
- What support can I offer to nurture their academic and personal development this term?
- What resources are available to support my child’s academic improvement?
Social and emotional questions
- Does my child seem settled at school? How do they get along with others?
- Are there any areas of concern?
- I’ve noticed a change in my child in [specific area]. Is this a common phenomenon or something I should pay special attention to?
- Is there anything I’m not asking that I should be concerned about?
After the meeting
- Communicate with your child: Share the meeting’s outcomes with your child, emphasizing the positives and openly discussing any issues. If you and the teacher have agreed on an action plan, ensure the child understands it is designed to help them improve.
- Implement the action plan: Begin executing the agreed-upon plan and regularly check your child’s behavior and assignments. Ask how they feel about school and learning.
- Stay in contact with the teacher: Keeping an ongoing conversation with the teacher helps strengthen the parent-teacher partnership and contributes to your child’s success at school. When children see that their parents and teachers are working together, they recognize that their education is a priority both at school and at home.
Parent-teacher meetings can play a crucial role in your child’s academic success. It is an important opportunity to discover your child’s potential, identify areas for growth, and provide any necessary support. Collaboration between parents, children, and teachers lays a strong foundation for your child’s future success.
For guidance on making the most of these meetings and supporting your child’s educational journey, contact Ivy Talent.
Date: May 19th, 2025