Communication between parents and teachers is essential to student success in the classroom. As part of this communication, teachers should be regularly meeting with parents to discuss what is being taught and how the student is progressing. In addition, conferences may be needed to resolve concerns over a student’s specific academic or behavioral issues. Following either type of meeting, the teacher should provide a report that summarizes what was discussed, and copies should be provided for parents, administrators, or other stakeholders. Writing this in a clear, professional manner will finalize the meeting and establish mutually agree-upon action items. The body of a professional meeting summary should first include the time, date and people in attendance for the meeting. Provide a summary of the purpose of the meeting and note any goals that were the focus of the conference.
Following the goals summary, provide a description of what went on in the meeting. This is where you, as an educator, need to be especially positive if there were any stressful moments in the conference. Remember that what you write in the report will be held in writing by the parent and in your own student files, so be certain that everything stated is clear, accurate and professional.
