How To Discuss Student Performance with Parents

We, as teachers, have all been there. Every time those parent conferences rolled around, I always dreaded at least one or two of them. Sometimes, it was because a student was performing so poorly, or behaving so badly. Sometimes, it was just because a specific parent could be so difficult to talk to. Whatever the reason, discussing student performance with parents, can be an uncomfortable situation. However, it is a necessary and vital component of a student's education. When parents and teachers work together, there is always a better outcome. Follow these steps, to more easily discuss student with performance with parents.

1. Gather information and be objective: Collect data through informal and formal assessments. Formal assessments can include standardized and classroom tests. Informal assessments can include anecdotal records, daily observations, and student work samples. It is difficult to argue with what the data reveals.
2. Tell the truth: No parent wants to be lied to. Have comparison work samples. Show parents what a typical student's work looks like (of course, maintaining confidentiality). Most of the time, parents have no idea of what is typical for their child's grade level. Be gentle, but don't sugarcoat things. If their child should be reading 80 words per minute, but is only reading 25, tell them. This helps parents get a real understanding of just where their child is performing.
3. Know your stuff: If you know that you are dealing with a very "difficult" parent, make sure that you do your homework. Make sure that you know their child inside and out, and make sure you keep complete records of everything you have done to help their student learn. This will not only help your "difficult" parent to see that you are competent, but it will also help you adjust learning interventions for that student, as necessary.
4. Build a relationship beforehand: Don't wait until a student is struggling to make that first parent phone call. Get to know all of your parents before the trouble starts. Make contact with parents through written correspondence, email and personal contact when you see them. Let parents know some of the good things that their student is doing. All parents want to know that their child is valued.
5. Make a plan and follow up: Finally at the end of that "dreaded" conference? Don't forget to make a plan. What are you going to do in your classroom to help improve your student's performance? What are the parents going to do at home to contribute? Discuss it and put it in writing. This helps both sides keep their end of the deal. Remember, helping students learn is a team effort. Make plans to follow up and set the date.

Discussing student performance with parents can be very difficult, but is necessary to ensure the success of your students. When parents and teachers work together, students are ultimately more successful learners.