At this point in my parenting journey, I have been to more parent-teacher conferences than I can count.
Lately, I’ve noticed a bit of a pattern in these meetings. They usually start with a warm and friendly greeting, and then we dive into one of two scenarios.
Scenario A: The teacher turns into my child’s biggest fan. They rave about class participation, their work ethic and the quality of their work and it’s a whole love-in.
Scenario B: The not-so-sunny version. The teacher may still start with some positives, but then I get the not-so-great news. From there, we have a conversation about missing assignments or a homework recovery plan.
Then, before I know it, 9 to 12 minutes zip by, and it’s over.
Admittedly, I leave with that warm fuzzy feeling that my child is indeed a likable human. I also may have some vague idea of what lies ahead and a gold star for being an “involved” parent. But often I also leave parent-teacher interviews with this nagging feeling that something is missing.
Black parent involvement in education makes a significant difference for our children at parent-teacher interviews and any time of the year.
Many of us sign up for parent-teacher meetings knowing they are a huge part of being involved in our children’s education. These conversations with teachers can be like the bridge between home and school, where we get to connect with our child’s educator. Leaving a positive first impression can go a long way in building a supportive relationship.
But it’s not just about making a good impression. Any conversations with our children’s educators offer us a peek into the learning environment. A behind-the-scenes look at where our kids spend most of their day and a person who is shaping their future.
Plus, when parents show up and show interest, we are telling our children loud and clear that we are actively involved and invested in their education.
Some of us feel pressure to make the most out of parent-teacher meetings. Parents know we need to use these times to find out how our little scholar is doing academically, especially when we hope to see our kids thrive. As well, studies have shown that parent involvement is often linked to stronger and more positive outcomes for students.
However, for Black parents just showing up is only part of the equation for ensuring student success.
Black student experience in Ontario’s schools presents unique challenges for Black parents.
Within Canadian schools, the experiences of Black students are cause for concern. The truth is that Black students often find themselves on the receiving end of harsher discipline, bias, and racial aggression.
In recent years there has been greater willingness to accept that systemic racism exists in our education system. However, what’s challenging for Black parents is understanding how this bias comes to life in the day-to-day lives of our children.
Sometimes being involved is not enough. Although I was actively involved in my child’s education, Chair of the parent council, and a volunteer in the school, I found out the hard way that my presence alone was not enough.
What’s challenging for Black parents is understanding how bias comes to life in the day-to-day lives of our children.
This was painfully obvious to me the day my son’s teacher delivered a one-two punch that left me reeling.
As I volunteered at school and chatted casually with her (the teacher responsible for helping my son pick his high school courses) – she first complimented his wonderful personality (one).
Then mentioned that with this amazing personality, he could have a great career in sales (two).
And that meant I shouldn’t be scared to have him take non-academic courses in high school because he didn’t really “need” a degree to be in sales (punch).
Wait. What?
This conversation was like a lightbulb moment for me because it helped me see what streaming looked like up close and personal. The streaming that has placed Black students in courses below their potential for decades and has allegedly “ended” in our schools.
The thing is, sometimes these low expectations for our children’s future are wrapped up in kind-sounding words that leave us bamboozled. It would be so much easier if bias was consistently delivered with malice and attitude instead of compliments.
The missing link in parent-teacher interviews is asking the questions other parents don’t have to.
Parent-teacher interviews are not the silver bullet to solving bias within education. But every opportunity to meet with your child’s educator is important. Every interaction with your child’s educator helps Black parents uncover the bias that may affect their children’s day-to-day experiences and future opportunities. A chance for parents to decipher niceness from nonsense.
This is especially true when we consider that “streaming” is still alive and well in our schools. So, the perception one educator has of your child can truly be a game-changer. An educator has the power to determine whether your child’s educational experience is positive and enriching, or potential-dimming and demotivating.
Black parents need to peel back the layers and find out who their child’s teacher really is. We need to feel confident they see potential in our child. And yes, Black parents need to assess whether their child’s teacher is part of the solution or the problem in education.
That means Black parents might need to plan ahead to make the most out of the standard 12-minute parent-teacher timeslot.
Black parents need to assess whether their child’s teacher is part of the solution or the problem in education.
Knowing what Black parents should ask at parent-teacher interviews helps set our children up for success.
Attending parent-teacher interviews is crucial to helping your child get the best education possible. Securing that slot or meeting 1:1 with your child’s educator anytime through the school year is like being a front-row spectator in your child’s school journey. But we know we cannot stop at just showing up.
Black parents can make those minutes count by asking the right questions and opening important lines of communication by asking questions many other parents will not. And do not have to.
Knowing what to ask at parent-teacher interviews could make a huge difference in your child’s education. For anyone wanting to get more out of their parent-teacher talks, I’ve created this free guide, equipping you with 10 crucial questions every Black parent should ask during parent-teacher interviews. Download this exclusive guide to unlock the 10 questions every Black parent should ask at parent-teacher Interviews.
There are important questions Black parents should ask at parent-teacher interviews – or any time of year.
Parent-teacher interviews hold immense significance in our children’s educational journey. But any time is the right time to have conversations with your child’s educator and ask important questions. Any meeting with our child’s teacher gives us a glimpse into the classroom. A chance to learn about their academic progress and also help to improve our child’s school experience. Black parents should also use every opportunity to uncover a teacher’s beliefs and perceptions of their child so we can keep our kid’s education on the right track.
To access our invaluable guide with the 10 Questions Every Black Parent Should Ask at parent-teacher interviews, click here.
