Parent - Teacher

To run a successful parent-teacher conference, educators need a wide range of skills at their disposal-and a healthy supply of confidence. This video builds both, providing solutions to the problems and frustrations that many teachers face when interacting with parents and guardians. The program explores step-by-step preparation strategies-including specific knowledge and data to have at hand, the best ways to introduce topics of concern and personalized feedback, and the communication and conflict-resolution skills needed to work effectively with parents. In-depth role-playing illustrates positive and negative ways in which a conference might play out and details the most compelling methods for conveying a student's academic, social, and emotional progress. Interviews with teachers and parents reinforce essential concepts and highlight real-world challenges and rewards surrounding this vital part of education. A workbook designed especially for Professional Development workshop coordinators-containing video viewing instructions, a post-viewing discussion guide, and skill-building exercises-is also included. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. (32 minutes) Correlates to National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The battle to promote academic success cannot be won solely by administrators, principals, and teachers. This program examines how parents can become a driving force for school reform by increasing their involvement in their children's instruction both at school and at home-and why it is imperative for parents to communicate with schools on a continuing basis about their children's progress, discipline, and achievements. (18 minutes)