On Parental Engagement: Best Practices During Parent-Teacher Conferences

Abeda Khanam
NYC Department of Education
2015 Hometown Hero in Education and Excellence in Education by United Federation of Teachers, biology teacher in the New York City public school system

No one brings a child into the world without at some point thinking deeply on that child?s future. Some of us spend a painful amount of time on the subject of how he or she will become successful. It is indeed our duty; a part of caring for our children is to spend time on their future.

This exercise of looking after our children?s future is a lesson deeply rooted in our tradition. Our beloved Messenger points us to when he said in an authentic narration: ?Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her husband?s household and is responsible for her flock.?

I am very honored to have the opportunity to write about an important topic that directly affects our community. As a teacher and a mother whose children attend public school, I would like to share my unique perspective on being on both sides of the table at Parent Teacher Conference. It is this small event that lasts just minutes every semester that I believe can make the biggest difference in our ability to look after our children?s trajectory to success.

According to Buffalo?s School Calendar for the academic year 2017-2018 the parent teacher conference for middle schoolers is happening November 29 and 30. Dates for the remaining Parent Teacher Conference events for the spring semester are also listed below. It is always a good idea to plan ahead.

Fall 2017

Nov 9?10 High School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*
Nov 15?16 Elementary School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*
Nov 29?30 Middle School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*

Spring 2018

May 3 High School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*
May 9 Middle School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*
May 23 Elementary School: Parent-Teacher Conferences*

Research suggests that children do well in school when parents are involved in their education.