Parent-Teacher conferences are so important for discussing ideas while they are fresh and while there remains ample time to address any issues.  Parents' participation in these conferences shows interest in your children, their success, and in the success of the teachers and administration. 

To make your conferences effective, we suggest making a list of questions or ideas that you would like to discuss and also talking to your child to find out what they would like to be discussed.  Since students are encouraged to attend, support your child in preparing and presenting their ideas at the meeting.  There's even time to share that list with your teachers beforehand via email, so that they can be prepared with information at the meeting.  Everyone wants these meetings to be effective and a little preparation can make a big difference.

Here are some links to assist you:

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/teacher-parent-conferences/teaching-methods/3683.html

http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/2363

http://specialed.about.com/cs/teacherstrategies/a/conference.htm

http://www.educationcoffeehouse.com/parentguardian/checklist.htm

http://www.nea.org/parents/ptconf.html

http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/learning/preparing-preschool/parent-teacher-conference/

http://www.parents.com/big-kids/learning/back-to-school/parent-teacher-tips/

Of course, we'd be remiss in not pointing out that this is also a time to offer your support and services to help your teachers.  In a very real way, parents add value to education.  Every parent has skills and talents that can be used by a teacher.  Go ahead, offer your support and you'll see that everyone wins.

Have a great conference!