Before the interview:

• Be positive! Remember, both of you are working towards the same goals. Work together on ideas for implementing changes that will help your child succeed.

• Determine what you need from the interview to support your child. Talk about one issue at a time. Focus the conference on the student.

• We care about our children very much and may be emotional, but try to stay calm and focused on what will help the child the most.

During the interview:

• Be clear about what you want out of the interview at the beginning. For example: “Thank you for meeting with me. I would like to discuss my daughter’s progress in math.”

• Refer to your list of questions to make sure you haven't left anything out.

• Don't hesitate to make notes while the teacher is talking so that you will remember what he or she said once you get home.

• Ask the teacher about the classroom rules and discipline, homework procedures, and overall expectations for students.

• Ask about your child's work habits, behaviour, participation, and learning style.

• Highlight your child’s strengths. We all have weaknesses, but we build from our strengths. Share knowledge and experience about your child.

• Listen carefully and be open to other points of view. It is difficult to stay focused on your child, the student, if either of you is defensive.

• If the conversation veers off in a direction that is not about your child, be prepared to re-focus it.

”I know that this may be important for you, but I would like to talk about [insert your student’s name].”

”I would like to hear about that another time, but can we discuss my [son or daughter]”

After the interview:

• End the interview on a positive note and keep in regular contact with the teacher to follow up on the mutually agreed plan.

• Talk with your child about what was discussed and how you and the teacher will work together at improving the child’s learning.

• Stay involved in the life of the school and classroom to better support both your child and others in the school.