October 20, 2017--At ISD, parents are partners in their children’s education. Next week’s parent teacher conferences are an essential part of this partnership. I would like to offer the following tips for parents to get the most out of the parent-teacher conferences.
1. Attend the conference
Parent teacher conferences are a great way to learn more about your child’s progress and how you can help them at home. We understand some of our parents’ work and travel schedules may prevent them from attending. If this is the case, do not hesitate to contact the teachers to arrange another day to meet.
2. Prepare for the conference
Spend some time before the conference thinking about what you would like to know about your child, their strengths, or areas of improvement. Write down any questions you have about the school programs, the classroom, or your child in particular so you do not forget them. Here are some great questions to ask:
Is my child working up to his or her ability? Where could s/he improve?
What can we do at home to support what you are doing in the classroom?
How does my child get along with classmates?
3. Expect to hear about your child’s areas for improvement
Ask the teacher how s/he is helping your child address this area and try to identify ways you can support your child at home.
4. Share what you are hearing or seeing at home
A child may appear to be fine in the classroom, but sharing concerns at home. The child may be unhappy or worried about something or someone in the classroom and not be telling the teacher. Share this information so the teacher can address the issue.
5. Feel free to bring a friend to interpret
If you would prefer to speak in your native language, feel free to bring a friend who can translate between your language and English.
6. Share positive information
Everyone likes to hear positive news. If you child is happy with the teacher or a particular activity in the classroom, let the teacher know.
7. Monitor the time
To accommodate all parents, parent-teacher conferences are meant to be short meetings. If you need more time, please arrange to meet with a teacher to continue the conversation on another day.
Conference Schedules:
Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27 in the afternoons.
Elementary school conferences are by appointment. Your child will bring home your scheduling information in hard copy. For any questions, please contact Emefa Atiase at emefaa@faculty.isd.sn.
Secondary school conferences are not scheduled. Parents are invited to meet with the teachers at their convenience during the scheduled times. Given the number of parents, there may be a line of parents waiting to see a particular teacher.