A teacher, worried that parent-teacher conferences were not informative enough, invited the students to participate in their own conferences. The students have an added stake in the conferences, and parent attendance has increased because of the children's involvement. (MT)

Tips to break the tension and make parent-teacher conferences productive are offered. A reproducible page with suggestions for parents entitled "How To Get the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences" is included. (MT)

Suggestions are given on how to conduct a successful conference with the parent of a student. (JD)

Anecdotes which illustrate student behavior can effectively communicate to parents information on positive or negative student behavior. This article describes the use of anecdotes in parent conferences, gives details on keeping anecdotal records of student behavior, and advises teachers on how to convey information to parents about student…

The paper presents four steps to effective parent-teacher conferences that enable teachers to make parents partners in a team effort to strengthen students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Preconference worksheets for both parents and students to complete are attached. (SM)

Examines the importance of using student portfolios to monitor progress, assess learning, integrate subjects, encourage independent learning, foster collaboration, ease anxiety about grades, and facilitate parent/teacher conferences. The article helps teachers examine what they should already know about portfolios and presents suggestions about…

Teachers can prepare themselves for angry confrontations with parents by learning how to cope with parent anger and channeling it into positive action. A five-step process, the I.D.E.A.L. system, is outlined and recommended as an effective technique for converting angry parents into collaborators. (IAH)