Citywide Parent Teacher Conferences are held four times a year. View the Parent Teacher Conference schedule so you can prepare for the time you have with your child’s teacher. These conferences provide a great opportunity for you to talk with your child’s teacher about what your child is learning at school and how you can support this learning at home.
The most recent contract between the United Federation of Teachers and the New York City Department of Education also provides 40 minutes each week for teachers to work with family members. Schools can use this time to build stronger home-school connections, to better support the learning of every child, and to help identify and develop parent leaders.
Questions to Consider Asking Your Child’s Teacher
- What is my child expected to learn, know, and do at this grade level based on the Common Core?
- How is my child developing the necessary skills and knowledge?
- What does my child do well, and what does he or she struggle with? Can you give me examples?
- How do you know when my child is making progress and when he/she needs additional help?
- What are you doing to support and motivate him/her?
- How do you challenge my child when he/she is doing well at something?
- How do you support my child when he/she needs extra help?
- What does my child get excited about learning?
- What can I do at home to support him/her?
- Are there programs or services in the community that could also help my child?
- Does my child seem engaged or happy at school?
- Has he/she made friends?
- How does my child get along with classmates and adults?
- Does my child participate in class discussions and group activities?
- Are there times when my child is more or less engaged?
Always remember to share your own thoughts and feelings about your child. Describe what you see as your child’s strengths and areas for growth. State any important information that might help your child’s teacher better understand your child’s approaches to learning, strengths, challenges, and interests. Explain where you think your child needs more support. Describe the best way for the teacher or school personnel to communicate with you (e.g., a note in your child’s book bag, a voicemail, an e-mail, etc.).