Explicit instructions are given in the described learning module on how to prepare for and conduct a successful parent-teacher conference. This report describes the contents of the module as well as the activities and resources involved in its use. Ordering information and a critique of the module are included. (JD)

Results of two surveys concerning preparation of special educators to work with parents found that, although most special education departments offer a course on working with parents, few inservice teachers have taken such a course. Such training was correlated with teachers' level of confidence in their ability to communicate with parents. (DB)

Offers suggestions to help teachers plan for more effective conferences with parents. (FL)

Presents a two-session in-service program for teachers and suggests how counselors can emphasize human relations training and test interpretation skills for teachers. First, teachers review human relation skills as they apply to interpreting tests to parents. The other session is an elaboration of procedure for interpreting test profiles.…

This study investigated the effectiveness of strategy instruction designed to foster the active participation of 11 high school students with disabilities in Individualized Education Program conferences. Results indicated that strategy-instructed students identified more goals and communicated more effectively during their conferences than did the…

This guide, written by Marcia Burchby, Ralph Martin, and George Wood, for improving relations between teachers and parents emphasizes that the onus of bringing about better relations and clearer lines of communication falls upon the teacher. In the first part, six key questions offer guidelines for introspective examination on the part of the…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on philosophies, competencies, and skills that will aid the teacher in communicating with parents. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The Challenge of Public Law 94-142 to Teacher…

Collaboration of teachers and parents can strengthen school and home ties. The key ingredients in teachers' efforts to promote parent involvement are communication and education. Forms of one-way and two-way communication with parents are described. Educational strategies discussed include parent instruction and the use of support groups and…

Teachers often feel intimidated or defenseless when dealing with issues of concern and conflict during parent-teacher conferences. Teachers have indicated a need for: (1) training in effective conferencing skills; and (2) learning to approach parents as cooperative individuals willing to participate in the total educational process of their…

Guidelines for improving educators' leadership styles in interacting and communicating with difficult people are described in this paper. Part 1, an introduction, discusses general conflict management techniques for teachers and administrators, some of which include problem prevention, listening, and understanding verbal/nonverbal messages.…

This collection of 9 papers presented at a conference on parent involvement in the schools focuses on topics such as communication among teachers, children, and parents; actual parent participation in the educational program; and parental control of the educational program. Papers included were: (1) "Establishing Effective Communications between…

This study was designed to assess, on a national basis, what education and training preservice elementary education teachers receive on the topic of home-school communication, especially in the area of parent-teacher conferencing, and to determine if there were significant differences between teacher education programs in how they prepare…

This practicum study was designed to improve the communication and social skills of 43 students (ages 14-22) with developmental disabilities by involving families in at-home treatment activities that reinforced and enhanced in-school and community-based speech/language therapy and by increasing attendance of parents at school meetings and…

This report outlines the Mississippi Quality Education Project (QEP), a program that provides intensive training to parents, teachers, and school administrators for the purpose of improving the nature and quality of home-to-school communications, and with the ultimate objective of improving students' academic achievement. The report includes a…

This paper discusses the importance of teachers and parents of students with learning disabilities working together to ensure that students' educational programs are appropriate and address their specific needs. It provides guidelines aimed at fostering positive teacher-parent relationships by discussing recent legislative mandates and current…