Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot - The Essential Conversation Parent - Teacher Conferences

Sara Lawrence Lightfoot discusses the critical yet under-researched relationship between parents and teachers. Her book, 'The Essential Conversation,' explores the anxiety both parties feel during parent-teacher conferences. She suggests these meetings should focus on listening to parents and including children, who can provide valuable insights into their learning experiences. By doing so, these conferences can become more productive and beneficial for all involved, especially the children.

What is the main focus of Sara Lawrence Lightfoot's research?

• The relationship between families and schools

• The role of government in education

• The impact of technology on education

• The effectiveness of standardized testing

Why do both teachers and parents often feel anxious about parent-teacher conferences?

• They have too many conferences to attend

• They feel unprepared and vulnerable

• They are concerned about the time commitment

• They are unsure of the meeting location

What is the purpose of the first parent-teacher conference according to the speaker?

• To discuss the child's grades

• To plan the school year activities

• To listen and learn from the parents

• To set disciplinary measures

How can teachers better communicate a child's progress to parents?

• By sending a report card home

• By sharing standardized test scores

• By telling a descriptive story about the child

• By comparing the child to their peers

What is a key benefit of including children in parent-teacher conferences?

• It empowers children to discuss their learning

• It allows children to skip class

• It shortens the length of the meeting

• It reduces the number of conferences needed

At what age does the speaker suggest children can start participating in conferences?

• Four or five years old

• Six or seven years old

• Ten or eleven years old

• Eight or nine years old

What role do children play in conferences when they are included?

• They only answer questions when asked

• They evaluate and discuss their own learning

• They lead the entire meeting

• They listen quietly