The Start of a New School Year How to Stay Connected

The school year is off to a rapid start. Now that the kids should be acclimated to their new classroom, teacher and peers, it’s a good time to start considering questions that you might ask at a Parent/Teacher Conference.

For children who are in a new setting, a conference might be beneficial after about 4-6 weeks of school, depending on how things are progressing. In general, having a Parent Teacher Conference each 9 weeks allows you to be involved in your child’s education. Without parental involvement, parent teacher conferences are a missed opportunity. Conferences are the time to learn more about your child’s learning style, relationship with others, what he’ll be learning and even about the teacher’s teaching style.

There are a variety of questions you can ask at a parent teacher conference to elicit information and help to make your child’s year more successful.

General Questions to Ask at Parent Teacher Conferences:
• What skills are being addressed right now and how does that tie in to the overall goals of my child’s IEP?
• How is my child doing keeping up in class?
• How is my child getting along with other children?
• Could you outline the schedule of a typical day/class period for me?
• What can I do at home to reinforce what he is learning?
• What type of behavior modification program do you use in the classroom?
• How can I supplement what you are doing in the classroom?
• How is he doing during his time with typically developing peers? What supports are there for him in that environment?

Questions to Ask if Your Child is Struggling Academically:
• At what level is my child performing in his academic subjects?
• What types of supports are you using to help him keep up with his grade-level peers?
• What curriculum are you using and is it specific to his needs?
• How much instructional “time with teacher” does he receive each day?
• Do you have any insight as to what may be causing his difficulties?

Questions to Ask if Your Child Struggles Socially:
• Does my child interact with other children?
• Do you see that she has any friends?
• Is she having trouble with specific groups of children?
• Do you feel she is being bullied?
• Can you tell me what your thoughts are about her difficulties with socialization?
• Is there a friendship/peer skills group in which she can participate?
• What can/are you doing to make it easier for her to socialize with other kids?
• What can I do to help her make friends?