Questions for Teachers
In Grades 3–8, the STAAR Report Card includes tips for parents to get the most out of a parent-teacher conference. Parents are encouraged to prepare in advance for these meetings with the following checklist:
Things To Do Before The Conference
• Check your child’s grades and relevant test scores.
• Ask your child if there are any questions he/she would like you to ask the teacher.
• Write down any special notes you want to make sure to mention that could impact your child at school (e.g., major changes at home, special interests, allergies, etc.).
• Talk to other parents, guardians, or caregivers about questions they would like to have asked.
• Pre-write your questions so you don’t forget any, and make sure to bring a way to take notes!
Important Questions To Ask Your Teacher
Parents are also offered sample questions to ask the teacher. The questions are different depending upon the grade level of the student.
3rd – 4th Grade:
• Is my child reading at or above grade level?
• What can I do at home to help my child be a better reader?
• What can I do at home to help my child be better at mathematics?
• How is my child doing at paying attention during class?
• Does my child have good friends in class and at school?
• What is the most important thing that I can do with my child every day or every week to help him/her in school?
Finishing 5th Grade:
• Is my child reading at or above grade level?
• What can I do at home to help my child be better at mathematics?
• What does my child seem to be the most interested in at school?
• Does my child have good friends in class and at school?
• What is the most important thing that I can do to prepare my child for middle school?
Finishing 6th Grade:
• Is my child reading at or above grade level?
• What can I do at home to help my child be better at mathematics?
• What does my child seem to be the most interested in at school?
• Does my child have good friends in class and at school?
• What is the most important thing that I can do to prepare my child for middle school?
• How much time should my child be spending on your class per night?
• Are there any extracurricular activities that you think my child would be interested in that they offer at this school?
7th-8th Grade:
• What does my child seem to be the most interested in at school?
• Does my child have good friends in class and at school?
• What is the most important thing that I can do to prepare my child for high school?
• Is my child giving his/her best effort?
• What could my child be doing that he or she is not already doing?
• How is my child’s work completion in your class?