• Education
• Elementary and Secondary School
• Help Your Child Succeed in School

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher interviews are held 2 or 3 times a year at the end of each term when report cards are sent home.

Parent-teacher interviews are opportunities for parents and teachers to talk together about how to help each child succeed in school. They are very short – usually 10 or 15 minutes. It's important to prepare before the interview to make the best use of that short time. If you need more time, schedule another appointment.

Prepare

• Read your child's report card.
• Make notes about your questions and concerns.
• Talk to your child about the report.
• What do you want to ask the teacher? Make a list.

Ask Questions

Arrive on time. Bring your list of questions. The teacher will review your child's report card or show you their work samples.

Tell the teacher what your child likes and dislikes about school. Let the teacher know if there is too much or too little homework.

Parent-teacher interviews are strictly confidential. Share personal information that might affect your child's progress or behaviour at school (e.g. family illness, job search). This information will help the teacher understand your child better.

• What does my child do well?
• What skills do they still need to develop?
• Is my child getting extra help? In what subjects?
• What is your homework policy?
• How much time should my child be spending on homework?
• How does my child get along with the other students?
• How can I help my child at home?
• What is the best way to contact you if I have more questions?
• Take notes so that you can share the comments with your child.

Follow Up

Talk to your child. Stress the positive things the teacher said. Talk about how you and the teacher will help with the things that need to be improved.

Produced by People for Education. People for Education is a parent-led organization working to support public education in Ontario's English, French and Catholic schools.