Many parents feel intimidated when talking with special education professionals. There is much in our society which encourages us to look at professionals and to accept what they say without question. However, that does not mean you should be intimidated. The discussion is about your child and you know your child better than anyone, giving you the…

According to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), school systems must ensure that the individualized education program (IEP) team includes the parent of the child with a disability. Teachers often report the challenges of getting parents to attend IEP meetings often assuming parents' lack of interest with involvement…

Discusses how teachers can effectively begin and lead discussion groups for parents of young children. Needs for and characteristics of parent guidance groups are indicated, aspects of the role of the group leader are specified, and ways to begin a parent guidance group are suggested. In conclusion, common concerns of parents are described.…

Guidelines for parents and teachers before, during, and after a conference concerning a gifted student are presented. Among suggestions for parents to keep in mind are that there may be legitimate, honest differences of opinion and that the focus should be on how the problem can be resolved. (PHR)

Offers guidelines designed to diminish many commonly held teacher fears about conferences with parents. Stresses planning, commonalities, climate, control, and conclusion. (FL)

The author discusses considerations for successful parent school conferences. Sections address such components as goal setting, preparation, and steps to take in making parents feel comfortable. A one-year plan for four conferences is offered. (SBH)

Visits, calls, letters, and "Saturday school" help parent and teacher to talk, work, and learn together. (Editor)

This multimedia kit, for use with and by teachers from kindergarten through the upper elementary grades, consists of four components: 1) a filmstrip for teachers; 2) the 1970 edition of a handbook, "Conference Time for Teachers and Parents"; 3) a filmstrip for parents; 4) a supporting parent information leaflet "How To Confer Successfully with…

This paper briefly discusses the rationale for and importance of establishing effective communication between parents and their children and between parents and schools. Five steps parents can take to develop positive communication with their children are outlined, and 14 general communication guidelines for carrying out a successful…

Eight teachers contribute their ideas for successfully working with parents. Included are: a parent information/resource center; guidelines for parent teacher conferences; ideas for using parents as classroom volunteers; and skill development activities that parents can use at home with their children. (SJL)

The parent-teacher conference is a valuable strategy to improve a student's performance. This news brief offers suggestions for developing a "parent friendly" handbook to help parents effectively prepare for teacher-parent conferences. The handbook should include the basic information, a statement that emphasizes the importance of the conference,…

Parents can prepare themselves to participate more effectively in the special education planning process. Guidelines for parents presented in the form of questions to be asked prior to and at the annual review address the need for eliciting clarification, descriptive information, and program implications, and understanding procedures, goals, and…

Skills for creating an atmosphere that enhances communication in the individualized education program (IEP) conference are discussed. Among suggestions are expressing major points in a clear and nonthreatening manner, beginning and ending the conference on a positive note, and using the parent's and child's names. (PHR)

Discusses six types of difficult parent behaviors: antagonistic, know-it-all, complaining, negative, shy or unresponsive, and illiterate. Provides teachers with suggestions for working with parents who exhibit these behaviors. (BB)

This paper provides suggestions to alleviate the tension, fear, and frustration which may accompany parent-teacher conferences, in order to make them more effective. Tips for parents and tips for teachers are both presented in a checklist format. The tips focus on three typical areas of concern--planning, implementation, and evaluating the…