LP4 Family Teacher Conference Portfolio

After doing the learning activities and readings, you will be prepared to do this portfolio assignment. You
will need access to a child to observe over time; your textbook, and possibly other resources (if you want
to earn the highest points) to complete this assignment.
Select a child who you will have access to for interacting with and observing over the next several weeks.
Observe and record information regarding the child and parent/child interactions. Collect other samplings
of the childs work-just as if you were preparing for a family/teacher conference. Organize the collected
information as indicated in the scoring guide below. This portfolio will include two parts.

Part 1-Tools of the Trade: (Portfolio includes elements of successful family-teacher conferences).
These are the forms needed for the conference and planning. These are tools of the trade for teachers.
You will recreate many of the things from the readings so that you have them as tools for yourself when it
is time to use them. All the information needed is in your text book or available on additional web
searches. There are helpful websites listed at the back of the chapter on page 356. This will be a job
aide to you in the future. Include all of the items listed in the scoring guide under part 1.

Part 2-The childs portfolio: For this part, you will need to observe, record, and work with a child over
time. You will gather the following items and put together into a file folder to create a portfolio as though
you were preparing for a conference with the childs family. You will mail that folder to your instructor for
assessment. Be sure to include a copy of the scoring guide. If you have the technical expertise to send
the work electronically, that is fine as well. If you want it mailed back, include a pre-stamped and
addressed envelope. Otherwise, mail copies only. Keep the originals in your own file as a back-up.

LP4 Family Teacher Conference Portfolio

Scoring Guide
Scoring Standard
You must achieve a 2 rating on each of the criterion to demonstrate competence.
Work receiving a 0 or 1 will be returned, for student to revise and resubmit. If revised within one
week of due date, no points will be deducted for resubmission.
Rating Scale:
4-Excellent Quality - Work meets expectations for criterion fully and effectively. Work exceeds
requirements of criterion with high level of accuracy, creativity, or attention to detail.
3- Above Average Quality - Work meets expectations for criterion fully and effectively. Work shows
understanding of concepts and attainment of competencies.
2- Average Quality - Work is satisfactory. Work shows adequate understanding of concepts and meets
requirements, but some revision may be recommended.
1- Minimal Quality - Work is unsatisfactory, showing only minimal understanding of concepts. Major
revisions are needed.
0- Unacceptable - Work is unsatisfactory, showing no evidence of understanding of concepts. Criteria are
either missing or incorrectly applied. Work must be revised.

Scoring Guide Criteria

Self-Score

Instructor
Score

PART 1
Page 1-2 of part 1 includes the following items:
1. The Conference Preparation List. Use some or all 10 items and
add more if you feel the need to.
2. The Groundwork For a Successful Conference List.

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

3. Ten Hints to Facilitate Communication.

4. Strategies for a Successful Conference
5. Pitfalls to Avoid for Successful Conferences
6. Tips for Successful Conferences
Part 1 Page 3 of your portfolio includes an outline to follow during a family
teacher conference.

Part 1 Page 4 of the Portfolio includes Parent Teacher Conference Letter

as indicated on page 268 in text. Type out and make your own letter in a
Word document.
Part 1 Page 5 of the Portfolio includes a Parent/Family Conference Report
Form as indicated on page 286. Get from work
Part 1 Page 6 of the Portfolio includes list of possible barriers to teacherfamily relationship. (Through readings) come up with it on own (list)

4
4
4

Part 1 Page 6 of the Portfolio includes strategies to implement for possible

conflict resolution. 285
Each item has a heading with a title so it is easy to know what the item is.
For example:
Conference Preparation List
Each item included in Part 1 is in a separate folder labeled Teacher/Family
Conference Preparation.

No 0 Yes 1 2

PART 2
Portfolio includes an Overview Sheet attached to this learning plan
section.
Portfolio includes four anecdotal records. (Can be included on above
document)
Portfolio includes two pieces of child's artwork, preferably a self portrait
drawn by the child, labeled with the date and childs name. One other
drawing or writing sample from the child with the childs name and date.
Each item in the childs portfolio is dated with the childs name.
Portfolio includes a photo of the child preferably playing in their favorite
area or doing something enjoyable.

Portfolio applies standard rules of language structure including

grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Work is professionally presented, neat, clean, well organized and
complete.

Scoring guide and self-assessment is included with submission of

assessment. (Copy and paste this scoring guide or save it and
type in this document. Highlight, bold, or type in the number you
think you have earned in the next column).
Assessment was submitted on time. Additional points may be
deducted for late work as indicated in the syllabus.
Total Points and Comments if necessary:

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0

No 0 Yes 1 2

____65____/70

________/70

Class Room Preparation List

____ Time scheduled
____ Coverage in classroom arranged
____ Conference room reserved
____ Organization of anecdotal records and portfolio
____ Handout sent for parent preparation
____ Parent contacted for observation appointment
____ List of questions prepared
____ Outline of topics prepared
____ Plan for opening examples
____ Environment prepared (writing materials/ privacy sign)
Groundwork for a successful conference
1. Teacher and parent understanding of the purpose and their roles
2. Planning for uninterrupted time, agreeable to teacher and parent
3. A relaxed and private physical environment
4. Planning of goals and organization of materials
10 Hints to facilitate communication
1. Stop talking. You cannot listen if you are talking
2. Put the person talking at ease. Help the person feel free to talk.
3. Indicate your willingness to listennonverbally.
4. Remove distractions. Do not doodle or fidget.
5. Empathize with the person talking. See the other persons viewpoint.
6. Be patient. Allow plenty of time. Do not interrupt.
7. Hold your temper. You are the professional.
8. Go easy on argument and criticism, which would make the other clam up.
9. Ask questions. This shows you are listening and helps develop points.
10. Stop talking. This is first and last because everything depends on it.
Strategies for a Successful Conference
1. Teacher taking initiative in putting parents at ease
2. A positive beginning and ending
3. Give-and-take in conversation, facilitated by a teachers questions and reflective listening
4. A summarizing of areas discussed and action to be taken

Pitfalls to Avoid for Successful Conferences

1. Overly technical terminology or jargon
2. Playing the role of an expert
3. Negative or destructive evaluations about a childs capabilities
4. Unprofessional conversation about others, too personal, or taking sides
5. Giving advice either invited or not
6. Trying to solve all problems on the spot or trying to force agreement
Tips for Successful Conferences
1. Prepare carefully before the conference by considering the individual childs progress and
documentation.
2. Ensure privacy.
3. Provide an informal setting.
4. Be mindful of parents time.
5. Establish rapport.
6. Begin on a positive note.
7. Encourage the parents to talk.
8. Listen attentively.
9. Develop an attitude of mutual cooperation.
10. Delay making suggestions yourself.
11. Encourage suggestions from the parents.
12. Summarize points covered.
13. Make plans together for future actions.
14. End on a note of continuing cooperation.
15. Make notes about the conference after the parents leave.
Possible Barriers During Conferences
1. Language
2. Time constraints
3. Cultural differences
4. Different views on situations

Overview
Name:__________________________
Parents Names: _______________________

Things to cover
___ Math
___ Reading Readiness
___ Social/emotional
___ Large Motor
___ Fine Motor
___ Listening/Recall

Current goals being worked on:

New goals to work towards:

Concerns/comments:

Special needs:

Follow up needed:

Birth Date:_____________________

Dear Parents,
We just wanted to take a few minutes to remind you that parent-teacher conferences are
in the near future. We would love to be able to see all of you and get the chance to touch base
and share information. We would like if you could please take a few minutes to complete the
following questions and return the sheet before your scheduled conference. Please keep in mind
this is not an evaluation, but it is a way to share information.
Thank you for your cooperation.
1. My child communicates the following to me at home about school:

2. I see my childs areas of strength as:

3. I feel that my child needs to develop skills in:

4. I would like to discuss or have more information on:

5. Anything else you would like to discuss:

Steps in Finding Solutions

1. Identify the problem; including agreeing that there is a problem.
2. Identify options for responding to the situation. Multiple solutions can be generated by
parent and professional brainstorming together, and no ones suggestions are ignored or
put down. Teachers will have to set the stage for openness and encourage parent
participation.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
4. Teachers and parents should choose a solution to try first.
5. Discuss a plan to help implement the idea.
6. Agree to meet again to evaluate how the option is working.
Part 1 Page 3 of your portfolio includes an outline to follow during a family teacher conference.
Part 1 Page 4 of the Portfolio includes Parent Teacher Conference Letter as indicated on page 268 in text. Type out
and make your own letter in a Word document.
Part 1 Page 5 of the Portfolio includes a Parent/Family Conference Report Form as indicated on page 286.
Part 1 Page 6 of the Portfolio includes list of possible barriers to teacher-family relationship. (Through readings) come
up with it on own (list)
Part 1 Page 6 of the Portfolio includes strategies to implement for possible conflict resolution. 285
Each item has a heading with a title so it is easy to know what the item is. For example:
Conference Preparation List
Each item included in Part 1 is in a separate folder labeled Teacher/Family Conference Preparation.