Students attending Parent-Teacher meetings

marko747

Hi all. Just looking for some advice from secondary school teachers. My 5th year PTM is tomorrow. My maths teacher suggested today to the class that if we are free we should go to the PTM with our parents while other teachers haven't said anything except comments like "tell your parents that on Thursday....." Or "is everybody's parents attending..". I'm just wondering whether to follow my maths teachers advice and to come? Do students ever come with their parents? Do teachers feel comfortable if they do? What should I do? Sorry for all the questions! Many thanks

dee_mc

When I was teaching (up to 2 years ago) it was rare but not unheard of for the student to come with the parent(s). I never had any issue with it, in one particular case it was great as it helped to sort out an issue the parents had re unrealistic expectations for the student in my subject - but some teachers didn't want the student present during the meeting.
I'd say if you want to go along to meet that one teacher who mentioned it, go ahead. If you're not bothered, don't go - the teacher won't mind!
What students usually did in my schools was to wait around the hall/room, and the parents would mention the student was there. Some teachers invited the student to join the meeting, and some didn't.
Go with your gut really

spurious

I find it much more useful when students attend, though I realise it can cause childcare issues for some parents.

gaeilgebeo

The policy in my school is parents only. I suppose every school is different.

RealJohn

I don't really mind but in general, I prefer that the student isn't there. It can be helpful in some cases if they are though.

Gokei

While in school, i never went to one. As a parent, I've never brought the kids to one.

TheDriver

I think the schools policy needs to be looked at here. If one teacher is saying this against school policy then it can be quite uncomfortable for the remaining teachers. Couple this with all the year group hanging around the school after seeing the 1 maths teacher.

boogle

In my school TY, 5th and 6th year student attend their PTMs with their parents. It works brilliantly. It allows you to compliment good students with their parents there. Also, you can call out any student who isn't working or whose behaviour is not good.

Pang

In our school, every student from second year on must attend with their parents. It can help with behaviour issues as you can speak directly to both the parent and the student.

marko747

Hey thanks for all your replies! In the end I just went to see my maths teacher and then headed home. Although I think it would be good as the last two posters said for students to attend! Thanks all