Parent Teacher Interviews

What Happens at a Parent Teacher Interview

Parent teacher interviews are usually held twice a year, in November/December and in March. Parents are expected to attend the fall parent teacher interview and the March interviews will be scheduled at the request of the parent or the teacher. Your child will bring home a notice about the interview.

Parent teacher interviews are conversations between the parent and the teacher about what is best for the child. It is a good opportunity for the parent and the teacher to discuss what each will do to help the child succeed in school. The interviews last 10 to 15 minutes.

At the interview the teacher may explain the information in the report card and talk about how he or she is helping your child. The teacher will demonstrate what your child has learned by showing you examples of your child’s work from the beginning of the term and comparing it to more recent work. The teacher maysuggest how you can help your child at home.

Some teachers encourage students to attend the interview to talk about their work. If there are issues that you want to discuss without your child present, arrange another interview with the teacher.

Suggestions

• Talk to your child before the interview to find out what he or she enjoys about school and what is difficult.
• Consider what you want to ask the teacher. Keep notes to help you remember your questions.
• Find out if the school can provide an interpreter, if you need one. If a school interpreter is not available, bring a friend or family member (not a child).
• Interviews are usually scheduled every 10 or 15 minutes. Ensure that you are there at least 5 minutes early so you can have your full scheduled time with the teacher.
• Sometimes parents and teachers need to meet again or talk on the phone to follow up their conversation. You or the teacher can suggest another conversation.
• Afterwards, discuss the interview with your child. Stress the good things that were covered and be specific about concerns. Explain any plans that were arranged.
• Stay in touch with the teacher even if things are going well. It sends a positive message to your child.

Parents often ask the teacher:

• How is my child progressing in learning English?
• In what subjects is my child learning the regular curriculum for the grade?
• In what subjects is my child receiving extra support? What kind of support?
• How much time should my child spend on homework?
• How does my child interact with other students? Help your child organize his or her time to do homework.

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