Its the time of the year when parents and teachers will meet to discuss the progress of the child on academics and extra curriculars. While most teachers prepare for the meeting in advance, sometimes the parents enter the conversation, anxious and unprepared. We have tried to put together a list of questions you can leverage for the meeting. Remember, that the teacher is there to help and wants only the best for each child (overall success of the class is one of her/his success goals) - so be nice and grateful!

Key Questions Every Parent Should Ask

1. What is the curriculum you have been following?
2. What information and skills has my child been acquiring?
3. Are there any tests that she/he took and any standards she/he needs to adhere to?
4. Does she/he have a unique learning style and if so how do you handle different learning abilities and styles?
5. What seem to be her/his favorite subjects? Her strengths and weaknesses?
6. Did she/he participate in class and if not what should we be doing at home to help her/him?
7. How are classes structured? Is she assigned to a group? How is the group determined?
8. Are evaluations and grades based on tests, attendance, homework, portfolios, discussion, or another means? If my child falls behind, how will you handle it?
9. Is my child friendly with other students in class? Are there any special friends she/he interacts more with?
10. Should I be doing anything different at home to help build social skills?
11. What kind of support should I be giving her/him at home? How can I learn about homework assignments?
12. Find out if there are any ways you can get customized homework for your child based on her/his skill level
13. Have you noticed any worrisome behavior? If there's a problem, when, where, and what's happening and how can it be fixed? 

Thank the teacher for her/his time and make sure to let her/him know that you value the feedback and are open to receiving it. 

Once you get home:

1. Tell your child about the conference and make sure to let her/him know that you are proud of her 'hardwork' and that there are certain areas of opportunity where she/he can build her strengths (if appropriate).
2. Its best to keep in touch with the teacher so that she/he can apprise you of developments - a quick email every few months does the trick