Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Seems the latest trend in Parent-Teacher conferences is to add the student to the mix. Some controversy swirls around this progressive decision. Is it right for every parent and every student?
Both my sons went to private schools where the student was part of the discussion. At first this was extremely intimidating for my older son whose first such conference included my son, me, and his seven teachers. I think it would be overwhelming for anyone to face this many people.
Although most of the discussion was positive, there were some disruptive behavior patterns starting to emerge and together we worked on a solution. Had my son not been present would the outcome have been the same? Or would I have come home from such a conference and had a conversation that went something like this?
“Jake, I met with your teachers today?”
“What?”
“I said, I met with your teachers today.”
“Huh?”
“Take the earplugs out of your ears, turn off the IPod and look at me.”
“Is there something wrong, Mom?”
“No, well, yes. Your teachers said that you talk too much in class.”
“I do not!”
“They say you distract your fellow students, especially John.”
“They’re a bunch of liars.”
“Are you saying your teachers lied to me?”
“Well, no but they didn’t understand. I was trying to keep John from getting into trouble again.”
“Really, how were you doing that?”
“I was trying to tell him to quit looking at my paper. I think he was trying to cheat Mom.”
“Okay. Well, they also said that there are several missing assignments.”
“No way. Not true. I turned in all my assignments. The teachers are too disorganized to find them.”
And so it goes.
Personally I like the accountability of the Parent-Student-Teacher conference for ALL parties involved.
To learn more, read A Twist on Parent-Teacher Conferences in Teacher Magazine.
What do you think about this type of conference? Send your thougths and comments to Elizabeth@awildride.net.
Comments
I've only participated in parent-teacher conferences--lots of them, with three grown children and one in first grade. It always worked well for me the old-fashioned way. I'm not adverse to the P-T-S conference. I figure the P-T conference shouldn't tell me anything I don't already know.
Posted by: Beth K. Vogt | November 3, 2007 8:56 PM