Tips for Parent Teacher Conferences - Elementary Grades K-5

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Tips for Parents for a Successful Parent Teacher Conference

What do Parent Teacher Conferences Look Like in the Issaquah School District?

• Conferences are 20 minutes long (additional time is provided if an interpreter is needed).
• One-on-one conversation between the parent/caregiver and the teacher.
• Held in the classroom with the teacher (virtual meetings available upon request).
• This year, conferences will take place on November 12th and 13th, typically scheduled between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• The conference is an opportunity to check in and discuss your child’s progress at school.

Why Are Parent Teacher Conferences Important?

• A chance to partner with the school in supporting your child’s education.
• Share insights or concerns with the teacher.
• Learn specific ways you can support your child at home.
• Ask questions about your child’s academic, behavioral, or social development.
• This is the only scheduled parent-teacher conference of the school year, so it's important to make the most of it.

What will be discussed?

• The agenda is flexible and based on both parent and teacher priorities.
• The teacher will share updates on your child’s academic, behavioral, and social progress.
• Parents/caregivers are encouraged to provide input, ask questions, and collaborate with the teacher to support student success.

Special Note for 4th and 5th Grade Families: Student-Led Conferences

• Some schools hold student-led conferences in 4th and 5th grade—check with your school to confirm.
• Your child will attend the conference and lead the meeting, sharing a presentation they prepared with support from their teacher.
• This is a valuable opportunity for your child to reflect on their learning and share their progress with you.
• Parents are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussion with both the teacher and their child.

Before the Parent-Teacher Conference

Ideas on How to Prepare

Preparing for the conference ahead of time can help you make the most of your conversation with the teacher. Here are a few simple steps to help guide your preparation:

Step 1: Talk with Your Child About School

Take some time to connect with your child and hear about their school experience. Use these guiding questions to start the conversation:

• What do you enjoy most about school? Which subject or activity is your favorite?
• What’s something you find challenging or don’t enjoy as much?
• What do you think you’re really good at?
• What does your teacher do that helps you learn or feel supported?
• What are your classmates like? Who do you enjoy working or playing with?
• Is there something you wish your teacher or classmates better understood about you?

Step 2: Review Your Child’s Progress and i-Ready Scores

• Check your child’s Take-Home Folder for recent assignments or progress updates.
• Look for an email from the school with your child’s i-Ready scores, typically sent in late October or early November.
• Review the grade-level learning goals and typical classroom experiences for your child’s grade. • For more information, visit: Elementary School Learning - Issaquah School District 411

Step 3: Reflect on Topics to Discuss During the Conference

After talking with your child and reviewing their progress, think about the questions or topics you’d like to bring up at the conference. Use this time to focus on how you and the teacher can work together to support your child’s learning.

Here are some helpful topics to consider discussing:

• What your child enjoys most about school or the classroom environment
• Any challenges or difficulties your child may be facing
• Your child’s strengths, as well as areas where they may need extra support
• Strategies or supports that have worked well for your child in the past
• How your child interacts with peers and their social-emotional development
• Understanding i-Ready or other assessment results and how they are being used to support your child’s growth

Parent Request Options: Supporting a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to advocate for what they need to have a meaningful and productive conference. Here are some options you can request in advance:

Request an interpreter

• The school can provide in-person, phone, or video interpretation services.
• Please request an interpreter at least one week before the conference.

Request a Virtual Meeting (Microsoft Teams)

• If attending in person is not possible, you may request a virtual meeting.
• Contact the school to let them know your preference.

Ask if Support Teachers or Specialists Will Attend

If your child receives services from additional educators, you can ask if they can join the conference. These may include:

• Multilingual Learner (MLL) teacher
• Learning Assistance Program (LAP) teacher
• Special education teacher
• Other specialists supporting your child

Share Your Questions or Topics Ahead of Time via Email

Let the teacher know in advance what you'd like to discuss. Examples might include:

• Academic progress
• Behavior
• Social-emotional development
• Any specific concerns

Sharing your topics via email ahead of time helps the teacher prepare and ensures a focused, productive conversation.

Request to Review Work or Assessment Data

You can ask to look at:

• Recent student work samples
• i-Ready scores
• Classroom progress or assessments

Understanding i-Ready Test Scores

(For Grades 1–5)

• If your child’s i-Ready scores are below 3.00, this means they are not yet meeting grade-level expectations.
• It’s important to ask the teacher:
• What supports are in place to help your child?
• What can you do at home to support their learning? • Learn more here: Understanding i-Ready Scores - Issaquah School District 411

At the Parent-Teacher Conference

• Arrive on time (or a few minutes early, if possible) — conferences have a set start time and are only 20 minutes long.
• The teacher will welcome you and begin the meeting.
• Let the teacher know upfront if you have questions, so there is time to cover them.

Make the Most of Your Conference!

• Come prepared with specific questions
• Focus on understanding your child’s academic and social-emotional progress
• Work together with the teacher as a team to support your child’s growth and success

After the Conference

Stay Connected with Your Child’s Learning

Your involvement doesn’t end after the conference. Staying engaged helps your child feel supported and sets the stage for continued growth.

With Your Child:

• Talk about the conference and share what you learned—especially the positive feedback.
• Discuss any goals or plans you and the teacher created to support their learning.
• Encourage your child to reflect on their progress and set new goals.

With the Teacher:

• Stay connected by asking about your child’s day and checking:
  • Backpacks and take-home folders
  • Classroom newsletters
  • School apps such as Clever
• Follow up with the teacher if you have ongoing concerns or need updates.

With the School Community:

• Get involved! Join the PTA, volunteer, or attend school events.
• Building relationships with other parents and school staff strengthens your child’s support network.

Follow up ideas:

• Check your child’s report card at the end of the first semester (available in late January or early February on Family Access).
• If needed, request a follow-up meeting in 2–3 months to check on progress.
• Remember: Only one official conference is scheduled each year, but you can contact your child’s teacher any time.
• Keep communication open by monitoring assignments, grades, and progress through school portals or teacher updates.
• Celebrate your child’s successes and talk together about new goals!

Important Reminders for Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Be on time. Conferences are scheduled back-to-back, and arriving late may shorten your meeting.
• Arrange childcare. Unless it's a student-led conference, children usually do not attend.
• Email in your preferred language. Teachers can translate and respond in the language you're most comfortable with.
• Prepare questions ahead of time. This ensures your key concerns are addressed.
• Request interpreters or accommodations at least one week before the meeting.
• Need help scheduling? Email your child’s teacher with your availability.

Sample Scheduling Email:

Subject: Help Scheduling a Parent-Teacher Conference

Dear Ms. Garcia,

I’m unable to schedule a Parent-Teacher Conference online. Could you please help set up a meeting time for me? I am available on Tuesday, November 12th between 12:00–3:00 PM or Wednesday, November 13th from 8:00–11:00 AM. Please let me know if either of these times works, or share your available times.

I would also like to request a Spanish interpreter for the meeting.

Thank you!

Jane Smith

Final Thought

Parent-Teacher Conferences are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school. By preparing, participating, and staying engaged after the meeting, you’re taking an important step in supporting your child’s learning journey—and showing them that their education matters.

 

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