Questions to Ask Your Children’s Teachers

The following is a list of questions you can ask at your child’s school:

What is the school doing to improve my child’s overall grades in reading, writing, and math?

You may want to request information from your child’s teacher to find out what curriculum is being taught and if the material follows standards set in these subjects. Ask how phonics- and research-based testing is being used to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

What can I do as a parent to help my child do his or her best in school?

Parental involvement is important in making sure your child does well in school – talk to your child’s teacher to find out how you can help. Ask your child’s teacher about giving your child supplemental reading and math assignments or for additional homework that you may help your child with at home.

How does my child’s teacher plan to help my child do his or her best in school?

Your child’s teacher should have a good idea of what your child does well and what areas might need improvement. Ask your child’s teacher how he or she is being diagnostically assessed and what strategy his or her teacher has in place to address your child’s needs.

(Elementary School) How does the school use the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) and literacy assessments to measure and improve your child’s education?

Each year, the state measures how well students are doing in school. Ask your child’s teacher what can be done at home and what is being done at school to boost your child’s scores.

(Middle School) How does the school use tests (i.e. CMAS, etc.) to make sure my child is, or will be, ready for high school?

Ask your child’s counselor about selecting classes your child should be taking in order to boost his or her scores and those that will help prepare them for college prep courses in high school.

(High School) How does the school use tests (i.e. CMAS, CO PSAT, CO SAT, etc.) to make sure my child is or will be ready for college?

Ask your child’s college advising counselor about how your child’s scores will help or hinder his or her ability to attend and succeed in college and what grants and scholarships your child may be eligible for.

Is my child being challenged by the school work given in class?

Your child should be given school work that is challenging. Ask your child’s counselor about options, programs, and additional work outside of class that will help challenge students who may need it.

What is the school doing to make sure its students are doing the best they can do?

If your child needs extra help, the school should be able to provide it. Ask about how it plans to make sure all students are learning what needs to be learned, which areas still need improvement and what is being done about it.

What specifically is the school doing to improve its overall academic rating?

You should ask your school if it provides professional development for its teachers and performs diagnostic evaluations that can help the school target what needs to be improved.

What other schools and options may be available to provide the best match for my child’s school needs?

Ask your child’s counselor about other options that may be available for your child such as charter schools, magnate schools, before- and after-school programs, summer school, etc. Also, you should ask your school if it provides professional development to its teachers and performs diagnostic evaluations that can help the school target what needs to be improved.

How do I know my child is progressing and the school is meeting my child’s needs?

If your child takes the state’s assessments then you should receive a copy of the report. The information contained on the reports identifies where your student is academically. If you see that your child is behind, contact your teacher to determine what steps need to be taken to receive additional help.

Depending on the school’s academic performance, your child may be eligible for one or more of the following; ask your school if your child qualifies for:

• After-school and summer-school classes
• Tutoring
• Mentoring
• Other extra help outside of regular school hours