Ask your child what to expect at your parent-teacher conference

Before you go in for a regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference (or even for a special meeting), ask your child what you can expect to hear at the meeting. Allowing her the opportunity to fill you in on successes and possible areas of difficulty can give you a good sense of her impression about her own learning environment and process. Take notes and share them with the teacher when appropriate. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage older students to do some self-advocating in areas where they may be able to accept personal responsibility.