INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As the school year progresses, parents are gearing up for parent-teacher conferences, a crucial time to engage with teachers about their child’s progress.

Melissa Jones, founder of Girls Positivity Club and a former teacher with 20 years of experience, offers insights on how parents can make the most of these meetings.

“It’s so nerve-wracking on both sides,” said Jones, who taught fourth and fifth grade. “For the teacher side, they’re trying to make sure that they stay on schedule.”

Jones emphasizes the importance of understanding that teachers have a checklist of required topics to cover during conferences. This often includes discussing test scores and academic performance, which can sometimes overshadow other important aspects of a child’s development.

She advises parents to ask about their child’s strengths and areas for improvement beyond academics. “You can ask them, like, what are some strengths that you’ve seen out of my child?” Jones suggests.

Jones also highlights the importance of discussing social and emotional development, especially for high achievers who may need more support in these areas.

Parents are encouraged to communicate openly about their child’s experiences at home, such as homework routines, to help teachers provide better support.

If parents feel that not all concerns are addressed during the conference, Jones recommends scheduling a follow-up meeting to ensure ongoing communication.

By approaching parent-teacher conferences with a focus on both academic and personal development, parents can foster a more supportive environment for their children. “Just asking for specific things that you can do,” Jones advises, can make these meetings more productive and less daunting.

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