Host: How can I have a successful conference? Lee Dorman: Having a successful conference with any teacher is really easy, you need to come prepared. Come with questions that you have, come with concerns that you have, and understand that this is a problem solving or this, a joint activity between you and the teacher. You need to be positive too. Your child needs to understand that you and the teacher are working together, that you are going to help solve the problem, and that you are going to stay in touch with one another. You also need to remember to be courteous and polite and the teacher also needs to be sure to be polite and courteous as well. Often times parent conferences happen when you are upset, when you are concerned, when you don't know what else to do. When you come and talk with the teacher, understand that the teacher is there to help, understand that the teacher is there to help problem solve, and most of the time between the two of you, you can get that done, being prepared, being honest, being polite and courteous, and understanding that changes don't often happen overnight, all things that will help you have a much more successful conference.