Getting the Most out of Parent-Teacher Conferences

Last year's parent-teacher conference with my child's fourth-grade teacher wasn't too informative. I felt cheated after I left because I hadn't learned much beyond that my daughter was a lot of fun to have in the classroom and doing good work. What should I have learned? -- More Information, Please
Answer: Admittedly, parents can't learn nearly as much as they would like in the brief 15-minute conferences so many schools have. You did learn two important things. Your child does not apparently have serious academic problems, and she gets along well with her teacher. Beyond this, it would have been nice if the teacher had given you as much of the following information as time allowed:
1. The performance level of your child in basic subjects -- at, above or below grade level.
2. Scores from any recent achievement, intelligence or aptitude tests.
3. The presence of any discipline or socialization problems in the classroom.
4. Any special help that you as a parent could give your child to help her do better in school.