{
  "id": 655875,
  "title": "How to make the most of parent-teacher conferences during back-to-school and beyond",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/how-to-make-the-most-of-parent-teacher-conferences-during-back-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T11:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/2026/08/12/how-to-make-the-most-of-parent-teacher-conferences-during-back-to-school-and-beyond"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Parent-teacher conferences often bring to mind a scene of adults sitting in child-sized chairs, listening to teachers discuss a student's achievements and challenges. In Flagstaff, Arizona, this familiar scene can also bring frustration. Schools typically offer multiple early opportunities for parents and teachers to connect, but sometimes communication doesn't happen until weeks or even months later.\n\nParents and teachers alike advise taking the initiative to reach out early. Bell White, a Houston mother of two, emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with the school, even if it means introducing herself to each teacher during their first opportunity. Technology can help keep parents connected with multiple children or busy schedules, but establishing a preferred communication method early on is beneficial.\n\nBuilding trust is crucial, according to J.B. Robinson, a psychologist and dean of students. Positive interactions with teachers can set the tone for a strong partnership. Parents should show interest in the classroom and recognize the effort teachers put into creating a positive learning environment. Teachers, in turn, should begin conversations with questions about the individual child rather than immediately discussing expectations or academic performance.\n\nParent-teacher conferences aim to address academic and social progress, identify concerns, and discuss future steps. However, with limited time, it's essential to have realistic expectations. Teachers may be overwhelmed with multiple conferences, while parents may have a long list of questions. To make the most of the conference, parents should come prepared with a few thoughtful questions, and remember that it's just the starting point for ongoing communication.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Initiate early communication with teachers to build trust.",
    "Prepare thoughtful questions for efficient use of limited conference time.",
    "View conferences as starting point for ongoing parent-teacher communication."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Proactive outreach and setting clear communication expectations early on can help build trust and foster a strong partnership between parents and teachers, leading to more effective collaboration and student support.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}