2. Section 1:How to EffectivelyCommunicatSection 2: e
Understandin g Traditional Parent- Teacher Conferences Section 3:
Understandin g Student-LedConferences 3. Qualities of Good
Communicators:1. Restate the parents concerns.2. Show respect for
the other person.3. Recognize the parents feelings.4. Tailor
discussions to fit the parents ability to handle thesituation. Do
not touch off the fuse of a parent who might notbe able to handle a
childs difficulties.5. Emphasize the concerns are no ones fault.6.
Remember that no one ever wins an argument.7. Protect the parents
egos.8. Focus on one issue at a time.9. Listen.10. Become allies
with parents.(Berger, 1995, as cited in Shelton & Pollingue,
2009). 4. Teacher Guidelines for Parent ConferencesConference Dos:
Conference Donts: Be positive and Dont be defensivepersonal.when
parents ask Show that you care.about the classroom. Be a good
listener Dont let aand watch the time.conference become Use
examples ofconfrontational.childrens work. Dont surprise Give and
takeparents.suggestions. Dont use jargon. Have a specialist onhand
if needed.(Million, 2005 as cited in Shelton & 5. Dealing With
the Anger of Parents1. Have someone else present (teacher,
administration, etc.)2. Offer them a seat in a private setting get
off your feet3. Wait and listen4. Do not become defensive tone of
voice5. Speak softly, slowly, remain calm & be aware of your
posture6. Show genuine interest in the student express this7. Do
not fear anger understand its origins8. Try to determine the cause
of the anger9. Sometimes suggest a later meeting time10. Use
phrases that are placating11. Not all parents are going to leave
feeling good12. Acknowledge their anger convey concern13. Avoid
using angry responses, sarcasm, or negativenonverbal cues14. Seek
assistance or support from principal or counselor(Morehead, 2001 as
cited in Shelton & Pollingue, 2009) 6. Placating Responses I
feel uncomfortable discussing this now. Could we setup a time we
could meet that would be convenient? I can appreciate how
frustrating We are here to help your child, and have only his
bestinterest at heart. Let me see if I understand what you are
concernedabout. What do you want me to do? How do you want me
toaccomplish this? Follow with What can we do together?(Morehead,
2001 as cited in Shelton & Pollingue, 2009) 7. 5 Main Goals of
a Student-Led Conference To encourage students to accept
personalresponsibility for their academic performance; To teach
students the process of self-evaluation; To facilitate the
development of studentsorganizational and oral communication skills
and toincrease their self-confidence; To encourage students,
parents, and teachers toengage in open and honest dialogue; and To
increase parent attendance at conferences(Hackmann, 1997 as cited
in Shelton & Pollingue, 2009) 8. Shelton, C. F. , &
Pollingue, A. B. (2009). Theexceptional teachers handbook: The
first-year specialeducation teachers guide to success.
ThousandOaks, CA: Corwin.Photo Credit:Page 2:
http://www.sheknows.com/how-to/articles/955753/how-to-get-an-iep-for-your-child-special-ed
