End-of-School-Year Conversations with Parents

Friday, June 2, 2023

There may not be any excitement so palpable as what teachers, parents, and students feel at the end of the school year. Testing has concluded, projects are completed, and grades and other notes are entered in their class record planners. Some schools have field day or other celebrations to mark the end of the year. While everyone is feeling a sense of accomplishment and looking forward to an enjoyable summer break, one important task still should not be overlooked.  

At the end of the year, teachers should have conversations with parents to provide a comprehensive overview of their child's academic progress, social development, and other relevant information. These conversations serve as an opportunity to complete the parent-teacher partnership and ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s educational journey. It is also an opportunity to give parents resources, tools, and recommendations to keep their child on a successful path. Let’s look at some important topics that teachers can discuss with parents.  

Academic Progress. Teachers should share detailed information about their child's academic achievements throughout the year. This includes discussing their strengths, interest in various subjects, areas for improvement, and specific examples of their work or projects. Teachers can share valuable insights into their child's learning style, study habits, and strategies that have proven successful. It can be helpful to assure parents that addressing and possibly modifying their child’s academic strengths and weaknesses can lead to a more successful classroom experience for the student. 

Individualized Support. This can be a difficult task to achieve since many teachers have large class sizes and children have many needs; therefore, it is essential to discuss this topic with parents. Inform parents if their child received any form of individualized support or interventions during the school year. Teachers can explain the reasoning for implementing support, the goals of what the specific support entails, the progress made, and strategies the parents can implement at home during the summer break to reinforce the gains the students achieved. 

Social and Emotional Development. It is vital for teachers to discuss a child's social and emotional development, as this aspect significantly impacts their current overall well-being and how it may contribute to their future success. Teachers can provide insights into their child's interactions with peers, ability to collaborate, problem-solving skills, ability to accept directions or constructive criticism, and emotional resilience. If there were any concerns or incidents throughout the year, teachers should address them sensitively and collaboratively with the parents.   

Behavior and Discipline. Teachers should discuss with parents their observations regarding their child's behavior, adherence to classroom rules, and respect for peers and teachers. This includes highlighting positive behaviors and areas where improvement is needed. If there were any significant disciplinary incidents, it is essential to address these with parents, sharing the school's approach to discipline and strategies for reinforcement. This area can also overlap with social and emotional development as both can inform on identifying behaviors and creating an action plan to help the student embark on a productive path.  

Goals and Expectations. This topic is one of the most valuable for teachers and parents to discuss. While a significant part of the end-of-the-year conversation discusses what occurred throughout each grading period or semester, parents must also be informed about what to expect for the following academic year. They can share insights about the upcoming curriculum, changes in teaching methods, policies, school calendars, and extracurricular opportunities. Teachers can also offer suggestions for how parents can support their child's learning during the summer break to prepare for the next school year and prevent summer brain drain. Advise parents to maintain a desk calendar throughout the school year as a reminder for important dates like tests, projects, and exams.    

Extracurricular Activities, Sports, and Hobbies. Teachers can discuss a child’s involvement in sports, clubs, enrichment activities, personal hobbies, and other physical or creative pursuits. Sharing observations and achievements in these areas can help parents gain a well-rounded perspective of their child’s interests and talents. This is also the perfect time to provide parents with resources for summer camps, enrichment camps, public library events, service opportunities, and summer sports leagues so their child can have an active and engaging summer break. Encourage parents and students to use a desk calendar or daily planner to keep track of events, tryouts, and community service activities.   

Parental Involvement and Support. Teachers should express appreciation for the parents' classroom involvement and support throughout the school year. This can be a sensitive subject as many parents work full-time or have multiple jobs and may not have the availability or financial capacity to contribute much. In addition to thanking parents for support, teachers can discuss ways parents can continue engaging with their child's education over the summer and encourage them to maintain regular communication. Parents should be assured that anything they can provide is welcome and appreciated.  

Remember that each conversation should be personalized to the child and their specific accomplishments, goals, and needs. Encourage parents to use available tools and resources like community calendars and daily planners to stay organized throughout the summer. Show parents how teachers use class record planners to track student progress and prepare them for the following academic year. Most importantly, it is essential to maintain a friendly, positive, and collaborative tone because fostering exceptional relationships with parents impacts each child's education now and in the future.  

 It is not too early and never too late for teachers and parents to stay organized and informed. By implementing these best practices and utilizing organizational tools like class record planners, desk calendars, and daily planners, everyone can focus on what matters- each child in every classroom.