In many schools, the new generation of parents is older, busier, better educated, and more assertive, acting as consumers of their children's education. Their expectations are high. If parents leave feeling confident that their children will succeed academically and emotionally, then the meeting builds a strong foundation for positive parent-teacher relationships throughout the year. Few teachers choose their career because they enjoy making presentations to parents. Although some do look forward to Curriculum Night as an opportunity to meet parents and share with them the year's plans, other teachers dread the meeting and consider the ultimate objective to be survival.
Most reactions fall somewhere in between.
Unfortunately, preservice and inservice programs rarely help teachers improve the quality of their presentations. Teachers must acquire these skills through trial and error. Tips for Presenting to Parents For 10 years as a teacher, a vice-principal, a principal, and an assistant superintendent, I have conducted research and given workshops designed to help educators better understand the evolving relationship between parents and teachers. The list is a menu, not a checklist, from which teachers may pick and choose as they feel comfortable. The most important prerequisite for successful presentations is confidence.