What to Discuss During Parent Teacher Conferences: A Simple Game Plan
Do you ever walk into a parent-teacher conference unsure what to say, or leave wishing you had covered more? You’re not alone. Conferences can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling student data, parent concerns, and limited time.
The good news? With a simple game plan, you can walk into every conference feeling prepared, confident, and in control.
In this post, you’ll learn:
A step-by-step conference agenda you can use with any student
What data to share (even if you don’t use diagnostic screeners)
How to highlight strengths while addressing challenges
What to say when parents ask tough questions you weren’t expecting
Let’s simplify parent-teacher conferences so they become conversations you look forward to…not dread.
Step 1: Prepare Parents Before the Conference
Send a short agenda ahead of time so parents know what to expect. This helps you set the tone and keeps conversations focused.
Sample Email Language:
“During our 20-minute conference, I’ll share how [Student Name] is progressing academically and socially, highlight their strengths, and talk through areas for growth. At the end, I’ll leave time for your questions and input.”
This quick communication shows parents you’re organized, respectful of their time, and proactive.
Step 2: Share Student Data Clearly
Parents want to know how their child is doing, but they don’t need every detail. Focus on big picture benchmarks and action steps.
If you use screeners: highlight growth, explain scores in plain language, and connect results to classroom instruction.
If you don’t use diagnostics: pull from classroom assessments (reading levels, fluency timings, math fact checks, writing samples).
Pro tip: Always pair data with action. Instead of just saying, “Sam scored below benchmark in fluency,” add, “Here’s what we’re practicing in small groups, and here’s how you can support at home.”
Step 3: Highlight Strengths and Growth
Parents love to hear positive observations about their child beyond academics. Share at least one specific strength in each of these areas:
Academic strength: “Maria is a natural at noticing patterns in math.”
Social/emotional skill: “James shows kindness by helping classmates clean up.”
Growth area turned progress: “Ava used to shy away from reading aloud, but now she volunteers weekly.”
This builds trust and ensures parents don’t feel the conference is only about weaknesses.
Step 4: Address Areas for Growth with Solutions
When you bring up a challenge, always follow it with your plan. For example:
“Liam is still developing stamina in independent reading. In class, I’m gradually increasing his reading time. At home, you might set a timer for 10 minutes each night and celebrate when he sticks with it.”
This shows parents you’re not just identifying problems, you’re guiding solutions.
Step 5: Leave Time for Parent Questions
Reserve the last 3–5 minutes for parent input. This signals that the conference is a partnership, not a lecture.
If you get caught off guard? It’s okay to say:
“That’s a great question, and I want to give it thoughtful attention. Let me look into it and follow up with you this week.”
Parents appreciate honesty far more than rushed or uncertain answers.
Step 6: End with Next Steps
Close every conference with clarity. Parents should walk away knowing:
How their child is progressing
What you’re working on in class
How they can support at home
How to reach you with follow-up questions
Even a quick recap like, “Here’s what we discussed, and here’s what’s next” makes conferences feel complete and professional.
Try This Before Your Next Conference
Draft a simple 3-point agenda.
Gather one academic data point and one student work sample.
Write down one strength and one growth area for each student.
Prep a closing script (“Next steps”) so you finish strong.
You’ll be amazed how much calmer you feel with even this light preparation.
Resource: Parent Teacher Conference Pack
Want ready-to-use templates, agendas, and note-taking forms? Grab my Parent Teacher Conference Pack — it has everything you need to run conferences smoothly and confidently, without reinventing the wheel.
[Get the Parent Conference Pack Here →]
Parent teacher conferences don’t have to feel stressful or unstructured. With a clear agenda, simple data, and intentional communication, you’ll create meaningful conversations that strengthen your partnerships with families, and help every student grow.