“A parent conference has helped me out, and now I care more about my future and school,” said eighth-grader Arthur Prado.

Parent conferences were on October 27 and October 31.  Approximately 150 group conferences were scheduled, which meant there was a concern for a student in more than one class.  

According to History Teacher Mr. Ray Gonzales, Parent Conference Day was scheduled by the district to make sure students are successful.  During conferences, parents are made aware of what areas their child is struggling in.  At MacArthur, group conferences are coordinated so that parents and students do not have to meet with multiple teachers at different times.  

According Gonzales, in the previous years, eighth graders have gotten the least amount of parent conferences.  That likely indicates the group conferences at sixth and seventh grade are successful.  

The main reason students receive parent conferences is for academics, behavior, and organization.  If neither a student or a parent shows up to the parent conference they will continue to struggle in the areas they need help.  The overwhelming majority, over 90% of families who are invited attend parent conferences.  

Arthur said, “It made my parents upset, and brought negative vibes to the family.”  Arthur said the reason why he had to get conferences was because of his attitude and grades.  He also said that he is getting prepared for high school.  After having received a conference, though, Arthur improved.

Gonzales said,  “Yes, all teachers do conferences.  Students and parents show up on time, teachers explain what student may be struggling, and if student improves on what they need.”

He was asked, are parent conferences related to academics or behavior and Gonzales said, “Both, just depending on the student.”