Parent/Teacher Conferences in High School
Questions Parents May Want to Ask
by the Dulaney HS Improvement Team's 9th Grade Success Work Group

At the secondary level parent/teacher conferences provide opportunities for home and school to communicate openly and to collaborate in efforts to enrich a student's academic growth. Teachers should be prepared to discuss students' progress, but they should also be prepared to discuss questions which parents may bring to the table. Here is a list of questions parents might ask:

• What strengths does my child bring to this class?
• What are some of my child's needs?
• Is my child being sufficiently challenged academically?
• How do you vary instruction for students who are more advanced in your content area?
• What kinds of opportunities and choices do students have to enrich and extend their learning in your class?
• What can I do at home to help my child?
• What is your homework policy?
• What are the graduation requirements and is my child on schedule for completing all requirements?
• Is my child on track to do well in high school?
• What is your grading policy?
• What standardized tests will my child have this year?
• How are students being prepared for the Maryland Functional Test?
• How important are tests?
• Are there projects, reports, or presentations and how do they affect the grade?
• Is tutoring or extra help available?
• What are your attendance guidelines and what provisions are in place for my child to make up work that is missed?
• How are students being prepared for the High School Assessments?
• Is my child's instructional placement appropriate?
• Are there any special programs that could be considered for my child?
• Are there any summer activities which could help my child prepare for next year?