The effects of overall attendance at parent conferences on Title I student's standardized test scores were studied in the Dallas (Texas) Public Schools. Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA's) were conducted to investigate the effect of overall attendance on students' standardized test scores, and Cohen's "f" statistics were used as an index…

Principals should protect their teachers from taking unnecessary verbal abuse from angry parents. Teachers should not go into a conference unprepared but should be trained in effective presentation skills and backed up by supporting documentation, a definite agenda, and adherence to proper procedures. Maintaining silence or "neutrality" is…

Presents suggestions to help teachers work with parents during conferences. Before the conference, they should document difficulties, communicate concerns, solicit support, and test out tactics. At the conference, they should welcome parents, take notes, weigh all words, allow for anger, seek parents' suggestions, have responses ready, and partner…

This report evaluates the Student Parent Activities Center, a program designed to involve parents in the educational process of their children, improve parental knowledge and participation in the school, and improve parental influence on student attendance. One hundred fifty students and 50 parents participated in the program. The parent…

A psychiatrist gives his opinions on the "casualty" of the parent-teacher conference and how these conferences can be preserved to the benefit of the teacher, parents, and child. (Author/RK)

The parent/teacher conference contributes to a better understanding for both of a student's performance at school. (MM)

Current attitudes of junior class teachers in Great Britain concerning parents of children with special educational needs were evaluated. Results indicated that most teachers desired occasional but not frequent contact with parents. (DB)

Outlines an entertaining one-hour teacher-parent talk designed to communicate a current perspective on reading and provide suggestions for helping young readers at home. (ARH)

Parent teacher conferences in an open classroom elementary school is described. (CB)

A strong home-school connection is crucial for students' success, and honest, open dialog during parent-teacher conferences can play an important role in strengthening this connection. This article presents research findings on parent-teacher relationships and practical suggestions for improving parent-teacher conferences. (EV)

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…

Outlines a series of eight defense mechanisms teachers typically employ in parent/teacher conferences. Offers alternative approaches that teachers can practice and consider prior to conferences. (MG)

This report presents the findings of a study conducted for the U.S. Department of Education that analyzed 17 family education programs for disadvantaged families. In-depth studies were conducted on-site for 7 programs; an additional 10 programs were studied via telephone interviews. An "Executive Summary" of eleven pages (also separately…

Suggests six activities teachers should undertake in order to have successful conferences with parents concerning their child's reading performance. Offers ideas that teachers can share with parents who want to help children improve reading. (FL)

Describes program in which elementary school students lead parent-teacher conferences, shares authors' experiences with the student-led conferences, and discusses how the process has fostered student responsibility. Describes results of informal study that support the student-led conference. (NB)