Close communication between home and school is an important factor in establishing a highly effective school program. Planned conferences between parents and teachers is an important way to bring about understanding and close cooperation between the home and school. Close communication should be maintained through conferences with all parents, not just with those where academic or other problems suggest the need for closer communication.
Conferences between parents and teachers regarding a child should be treated by the teacher as an opportunity to help the child and every effort should be made to make the conference constructive, objective, and pleasant. Conferences should provide an opportunity for a mutual exchange of information and ideas for the welfare of the child.
Occasionally parents will call on teachers when they have responsibilities for class instruction. Although the purpose of such a visit may be worthy, teachers should discourage the practice and suggest that the parent arrange for conferences outside of regular class time. Teachers should be prepared to give after-school or pre-school time for conferences when desirable.
Conferences for parents will be scheduled following or during the first and third quarters. In addition to these conferences, teachers are expected to request additional conferences with parents as the needs may indicate.
The principal or supervisor should be present at any parent-teacher conference when the principal or supervisor believes his/her presence would be necessary and/or beneficial.
(April 17, 1989; June 15, 1992; June 20, 1994; July 7, 2003; July 9, 2012; January 19, 2015; October 21, 2019)