Parent to Parent: Parent and Teacher

WSVN -- Some parents dread parent/teacher conferences, but mom Lorraine Nowakowski says for her, it's an opportunity.

Lorraine Nowakowski: "It's not like it was in my day. It's gotten to be a type of situation that I really look forward to, so I'm able to see what is really happening."

Lorraine admits that keeping up with her three kids' school work can be daunting. With homework, projects and test scores, she sees meeting with a teacher a chance to catch up and connect one on one.

Lorraine Nowakowski: "I do look for the teacher, because I do give them the power, so to speak, to be the expert."

Arvi Balseiro is the curriculum director at the Cushman School. Her advice, talk to your child before the conference to get an idea of how they think school is going, and then don't panic when you meet with the teacher.

Arvi S. Balseiro: "That parent should not get all anxious, should not turn to their child and say, 'What did you do?' but should actually say, 'We are going to make a plan with you. We are going to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help you to be happy at school and number two, succeed.'"

Seven's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says parents should keep an open line of communication with their child's teacher all year long.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Being proactive, it's really what helps to make your child a success."

Dr. Val says, at the beginning of the year, meet with the teacher and discuss goals. Then request a mid-year conference, even if your school doesn't offer it, and go into that conference with a list of specific questions.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "How does my child measure up to the rest of the class? Is he or she keeping up with classes? How are they behaviorally?"

If there are issues, make sure you write a follow-up plan with the teacher with specific goals, and make sure you follow those goals at home.

Arvi S. Balseiro: "Developing a strong home school connection is a critical point in the child's education because, in order to ensure the success of the child, you have to understand both perspectives."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com