Parent-teacher conferences: to do them or not?
By sapphiresage
@sapphiresage (431)
United States
April 3, 2007 3:27pm CST
It's report card day here, and of course one daughter's first-grade teacher sends out a generic note telling all parents to "please call for a conference with a time and date you would like to come in".
Now, I love my kids. I support their education (note I said their education, not necessarily the school). I homeschooled my kids for two years, and next year will be homeschooling the oldest again, so obviously my dedication to their education is not an issue.
I cannot, however, bring myself to go do one of these stupid parent-teacher conferences when my child is doing great. I don't need to make an appointment and haul everybody into the school so we can hear how great our child is. I KNOW I have great kids. An email on the topic would suffice, really. Don't get me wrong, if there was a problem, I'd be the first one in there. But there isn't a problem - she got perfect grades and the teacher's comments were glowing praise. I don't see a need for a conference.
How do you feel about these conferences?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@mtoxales (374)
• Canada
3 Apr 07
I think if there is a problem with the child, may it be in academics, non-academics or social, the teacher should be the one to initiate the meeting with the parent. But if the child is outstanding in all aspects, the teacher can just send a note to the parents informing that the child is doing well because I think that would make the parents prouder.
@DeltonaChat32738 (15)
• United States
3 Apr 07
I don't think it is necessary to meet when teachers can easily call you on the phone with concerns or send a note in the mail. With so many busy parents, it is hard to get to the school during school hours when work hours are usually til 5 or longer. It also makes it look bad for the parents who depend on their jobs and who can not take off early. Like you said, you love your children but it isnt always easy to work with the school schedule. -Ann
1 person likes this
@crystal8577 (1466)
• United States
4 Apr 07
Twice a year we have to go or we will not get the report card. My older 2 who are in school are doing wonderful. It is usually a waste of time for me to go but I do it anyways.
@pacwmn (79)
• United States
3 Apr 07
There is more to how a child is doing in school than merely the grad they recieve on the report card. A teacher needs to talk with the parents and let them know how they are doing in other areas, ie, socialization, behavior, etc. It is also a chance to ask the teacher questions and make sure that both teacher and parent are on the same page.
@jjwatson28 (572)
• United States
3 Apr 07
I totaly agree with you. I look forward to the parent and teacher conf.
@sapphiresage (431)
• United States
4 Apr 07
The chances of me and the teacher being 'on the same page' are slim, as I have a different educational philosophy than the school system. It's more peaceful if I don't have to do the conference, because I -will- stand up for what I believe (they don't like that much at the ol' sheeple factory, dontcha know).
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
4 Apr 07
I am at my kids school on a daily basis.I greet their teachers.My son is a challenge for his teacher to have in class so I try to meet her daily or atleast every other day. I don't do parent teacher conferences because I feel as if I am in their classes enough to know what is going on. If I have a concern I voice it right away I don't wait.
