Counselor’s Corner
by CHARLOTTE WINKELMANN
Worried about grades? Plans after HS? Meet the teacher? Whatever your reason for visiting your child’s teacher, it’s important to remember that you and the teacher are partners in helping the transition to adulthood. The combined support of you, teachers, counselor, will be essential to help your child get on the right track to achieve goals. Being involved in your child’s life at school is important. It’s important for your students to know you’re interested in what they are doing. If you stay informed about your child’s classes and activities, you’ll be better able to give help or guidance when it’s needed.
A good relationship with your child’s teachers will make it easier for you to work together if problems arise during the year. The teacher can also help you understand what your child experiences and inform you about schoolwork and responsibilities.
Before you schedule a conference, ask your child if there are any questions or concerns he/she would like you to discuss with the teacher and find out likes and dislikes about the class. Let your child know what you plan to talk about. When your child is involved in decisions, he/she are more likely to take responsibility for work and performance.
Jot down any questions you may have before the meeting to make the most of your time. Depending on the age of your child, some questions you may want to ask:
How has my child performed in your class so far this year?
What skills and knowledge will my child be learning in your class?
Will my child complete any major projects or term papers this year?
How do you determine grades on assignments? How do you determine his overall grade for the class?
If my child needs help, is tutoring available or what resources are available at school to help my child with the class?
If my child is a fast-learner, how can we work together to make learning challenging?
How can I help my child succeed in your class this year?
Aside from any questions, it’s also important to let your child’s teacher know about your concerns or any special circumstances that might affect your child’s work at school. Update his teachers or counselor if any major changes occur in your family.
Some families are reluctant to reveal private matters, but you might consider simply alerting the counselor that your family is going though difficult times.
You may find the teacher has constructive criticism about your child. Keep an open mind to the teacher’s comments. Neither your child nor the teacher is perfect, so if a problem arises it’s important to consider both sides of the story. The best solution is one that helps your child succeed.
Take notes during your meeting to record important points that were made. Let your child know what you discussed and if you and his teacher made any decisions or came to any conclusions. Set up another meeting with the teacher, if necessary, to monitor your child’s progress or to discuss any continuing problems or concerns.
Remember the school wants to partner with you to make the educational experience meaningful and successful.
