Helpful Parent-Teacher Conferences Questions

Parent-teacher conferences are an important time for parents/caregivers and teachers/ school staff to meet and discuss a child’s life at school. Conference topics can include a child’s progress, strengths, challenges, and goals for the academic year. As a parent, it can be difficult to know where to start when there is a short time to discuss something as important as your child’s education. Being prepared with the right questions can help you make the most of this opportunity and support and advocate for your child in the best possible way! 

Why Are Parent-Teacher Conferences Important?

Parent-teacher conferences are crucial because they offer parents and teachers a chance to share insights into a child’s academic and social development. Teachers are extremely busy and this time is a parent’s golden opportunity to engage directly with teachers about their child specifically and build a collaborative relationship. 

What to Expect During the Conference?

Typically, a parent-teacher conference only lasts about 10-20 minutes, so time is limited. The teacher will likely have a recent sample of work or recent testing as a starting point to discuss your child’s academic progress, behavior, social skills, and any areas needing improvement. 

It’s a good idea to come prepared with your own specific parent-teacher conference questions to ensure that you cover all the topics that are important to you as a parent. This is a two-way conversation to discuss many aspects of your child’s learning and development, so feel free to share any observations or concerns about your child.

Who should attend a Parent-Teacher Conference?

Parents or legal guardians of the child should attend the parent-teacher conference. If there are other teachers or support staff such as special area teachers, English language service personnel, a talented/gift coordinator, or therapists that work with the child it is reasonable to request that they attend as well! Most of the time, the child is not present at the conference. 

Goals of the Conference

Setting clear goals for the conference can help focus the discussion and ensure you leave with actionable insights. Here are some common goals that parents often have during these meetings:

1. Understanding Academic Performance

One of the primary goals of a parent-teacher conference is to understand your child’s academic performance. This includes not only grades or scores on recent testing, but how your child’s learning style, class participation, and progress compare to peers. Ask about specific strengths and areas where your child might need additional support. 

2. Identifying Social and Emotional Development

Academic performance is only one aspect of your child’s school experience. Understanding how your child is developing socially and emotionally is equally important. Questions about interactions with peers, their ability to make and keep friends, and classroom behavior are appropriate and encouraged. 

3. Establishing a Partnership with the Teacher

A successful parent-teacher conference is one where both teacher and parent leave with a shared vision for the student for the year. Discussing how you can work together (in the classroom and at home) to address any challenges or support your child’s learning can be a key outcome of the meeting.

4. Setting Goals for the Year

Finally, setting goals for the academic year is an important part of the parent-teacher conference. Especially if the conference is for your oldest or only child, it’s difficult for parents to know the goals or expected progress for students in a specific grade. These goals might include academic targets (based on standardized testing or reading levels), behavioral improvements, or social skills development. 

Parent-Teacher Conference Questions for the Beginning of the Year

The start of the school year is an exciting time! Once teachers and kids are back in the routine of school it’s the perfect time to meet for a conference. Preparing a list of questions for the conference can help you learn about the classroom environment, the teacher’s expectations, and how you can best support your child.

1. What Are the Key Learning Objectives for This Year?

Understanding the main academic goals for the year will give a sense of what your child will be learning and what skills they are expected to develop. More on this later in the post, but understanding the objectives and goals for the year can help you decide what, if any additional academic or social/behavioral support is needed at home

2. How Are the Classroom and School Day Structured?

Knowing how the classroom is structured, including seating arrangements, group work, and the daily schedule, can give you insight into your child’s learning environment. It’s also a great way to connect with them about their day! 

If you get frustrated with answers such as “fine” after asking them how their day was, a more specific question can prompt a more detailed response. Try questions such as: 

• Who do you sit next to during circle time?
• What are you reading in your reading group? 
• What special area class did you have today? 
• Who shared during star student time? 
• What activity did you choose to do during free time after school lunch? 

3. What Are Your Expectations for Homework?

Homework looks very different in different classrooms and grades. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to be aware of the amount, frequency, and type of homework coming home. Understanding the process for turning in assignments, grading, and any sort of make-up work or extra credit policy can save your child from difficult situations. 

4. How Do You Handle Behavioral Issues?

Understanding the teacher’s approach to classroom management and discipline is important for ensuring consistency between home and school. This question can also help you identify potential behavioral concerns early on and work with the teacher to address them.

5. How Can I Support My Child’s Learning at Home?

Teachers can provide valuable insights into how you can reinforce what your child is learning in the classroom at home. Whether through reading together, practicing math skills, or discussing what they learned in school, knowing how to support your child can reinforce what they are learning at school. 

Child-Specific Parent- Teacher Conference Questions

While a lot of information about school can be conveyed in an email or at a back to school night for the class, it’s important to use this precious conference time to really talk about your unique child. 

1. What Are My Child’s Strengths?

Knowing your child’s strengths allows you to build on them and encourage continued growth. Whether it’s a particular subject, a social skill, or a positive behavior, understanding what your child excels at can help you nurture these areas both at home and in school.

2. Are There Any Areas Where My Child Needs Improvement?

Identifying areas where your child may be struggling academically or socially may be the most important part of the conference. This might include academic subjects, social interactions, or behavioral concerns. Asking this question early in the year allows you to work with the teacher to address these challenges before they become bigger issues.

3. How Does My Child Interact with Peers and conduct themselves in the classroom environment?

Understanding how your child interacts with their peers can provide insights into their social development. This question can also help you identify any social or behavioral challenges your child may be facing and work with the teacher to address them.

4. What is the best way to communicate with the teacher? 

Will the teacher utilize email or a classroom management app? Is there a time of day where they can take phone call to discuss a child? 

Additional Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference

In addition to asking the right questions, there are a few other things you can do to ensure a successful parent-teacher conference:

1. Be on Time

Often, parent teacher conferences are allotted 10-20 minutes. That does not leave much time for in depth conversation or questions, especially if you are running late! Get the most out of the conference by arriving a few minutes early! . 

2. Take Notes

Taking notes during the conference can help you remember what was discussed and any action items that were agreed upon. This can be especially helpful when discussing progress or areas for improvement in future meetings.

3. Follow Up

After the conference, follow up on any action items or goals.  Whether it’s scheduling another meeting (which teachers are almost always willing to do!), implementing a new routine at home, or looking into outside tutoring, therapy or enrichment services- close the loop with the teacher. 

4. Involve Your Child

Even if they are not present during the conference we like to have a little “conference recap” as a family where we share with our child what they are doing well. This really boosts their confidence and gives them a chance to feel like their hard work at school is noticed and valued. We also discuss (in an age appropriate way) ways we can work together as family, with the teacher to tackle any issues that came up. 

Get ready to make the most of the Parent Teacher Conference

With your parent-teacher conference questions in hand you will be prepared for the valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and get an in-depth update on your child’s education. This is the perfect time to focus on supporting your child’s growth and development. The goal of the conference is not just to discuss grades, but to understand your child as a whole—academically, socially, and emotionally.