Parent-teacher conferences often conjure a familiar scene: adults crammed into child-size chairs, listening to teachers run through a list of students' achievements and struggles. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
For many families, they can also mean frustration. Today's school conferences are sometimes 15 to 20 minutes, with little time for parents to ask their own questions. Adults may arrive with their own questions but not always get answers.
Experts recommend that parents prepare in advance, make a list of specific questions, and gather information about their child's progress. It is also important to be ready for dialogue with the teacher and discuss issues related to the learning process.
AP photojournalist Cheyanne Mumphrey visited BASIS Flagstaff school in Flagstaff and captured teachers' preparation for the new school year. The photos show elementary school teacher Emily Henderson speaking with the high school guidance counselor about back-to-school planning. The shots were taken on August 6, 2026.
To make school conferences more effective, experts offer the following tips:
- 01Prepare for the meeting: gather information about grades, homework, and behavior.
- 02Ask specific questions: for example, in which subjects the child has difficulties, what achievements.
- 03Create a joint action plan with the teacher: discuss how to help the child.
- 04After the meeting, talk with the child and discuss the information received.
Effective communication between parents and teachers positively affects a child's academic achievements. Therefore, every meeting should be considered an important dialogue.