Ask an expert: Improving parent-teacher interviews

What parents can do to become more involved
Think of the parent-teacher interview as a time when you can share insights into your child with her/his teacher. Remember that, especially in the early school years and especially at the beginning of the school year, no one knows your child as well as you do.

Share the reactions or comments or reflections of your child with the teacher. Do this in a positive way if you can. Explain how much he enjoys the song portion of each day and how he sings them all for you. Or relate how she shares her growing knowledge of the planets with your family at supper. Teachers need to hear about the good things, about the things that they hope are working and that they invest so much time and energy into creating and making come alive.

At the same time, raise concerns that you might have about your child's progress or about the program. You are working with your child's teacher and, in this vein, you need to keep the channels of communication open. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or to give a suggestion. At the same time, remember that very few jobs are as truly open to criticism as teaching and voice your concerns in a way that stresses the positive aspects, as well as ideas for improvement.

If at all possible, do not make the parent-teacher interview your first visit to your child's classroom. Many schools have meet-the-teacher barbecues or drop-ins in the first month of school. Attend these functions.
Shake the hand of your child's teacher. Let her/him put a name to your face. As a partner in your child's education, get an understanding of how the classroom works, where he sits, what her schedule is.

Furthermore, most teachers welcome parents to their classrooms, especially when they are visiting with their child and want to "see" where it all happens. Drop in on a Thursday or any day when you can get away from work early. If you cannot do this, send your child's teacher an occasional note--a ready-made opportunity to share positive reflections as well as concerns. Your child's teacher will want to know what he really liked, or what she found difficult. When you see yourself as a true partner in your child's education, then the idea of your input into his/her education becomes so vital and necessary.