Successful Parent-Teacher Interviews – Step Three: Following-Up

Jan 11, 2006 • Report Cards

Successful Parent-Teacher Interviews:

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three

The Parent-Teacher Interview. Those four words can raise anxiety levels among both students and parents. However this interview can be highly beneficial to your child-s school year success. By following our key steps to success, parents can make the interview a more informative and rewarding experience.

Hopefully you’ve read our previous posts about preparing for the parent-teacher interview and getting the most from the interview itself. But, all of this effort may go for naught unless you have a plan to follow-up.

The Follow-up Action Plan

Agree on an action plan

Before you leave, summarize the key learnings and identify next steps. It is important that you and the teacher agree on the same goals for your child and outline the next steps that need to be taken. Successful goal setting means that goals are achievable, measurable and believable.

• Achievable: Goals need to be set at a level that is more advanced than the level the child is currently working at, but not so advanced that they are unachievable or beyond reach.
• Measurable: Goals need to be measurable so that parents, students and the teacher are able to track progress and success.
• Believable: Children must believe in the goal and believe in their ability to achieve it for success.

Set a date for you to follow up

Once a plan of action has been established, ensure this is monitored.

Monthly reviews of how your child stands against these goals are a great way to keep the momentum moving forward. It’s also a great way to measure your child’s success and progress in achieving his/her goals because it gives him/her a timeline to work towards.

Most importantly, before leaving the interview, set a firm date to follow up and meet with the teacher again so you can review your child’s improvements and ensure he/she is on track (for example, if the interview is in November, schedule a follow-up just before the holidays).

Ask about alternative help

Ask about alternatives. Do not be afraid to ask if extra help, such as a supplemental educational program from Oxford Learning, would benefit your child. You can also talk to student services or the principal about meeting with an education expert for advice and guidance.

“Nothing motivates a child more than a home where learning is valued,” says Kelley McGregor, Director of Training and Operation, Oxford Learning. “If parents show a close interest in their children’s school progress, help with homework and home projects, and attend their children’s school performances and sports events, their children are more likely to have higher student achievement, higher aspirations, better attendance, and a more positive relationship with their teachers.”