“How is my child doing?” It is the question most of us ask first at a parent-teacher conference. But an answer like “Pretty well” or “They need to work harder” can leave us wondering what that actually means. Useful conference questions help you understand your child’s strengths, specific academic needs, classroom experience, and support plan. You deserve information you can understand and use. You do not need to ask every question below. Choose the ones that fit your child and your concerns....

Parent-teacher conferences can bring up so many feelings. You may be excited to hear about your child’s growth, worried about something you are seeing at home, or unsure which questions to ask. As a parent of children with learning differences, I understand that feeling of walking into a meeting carrying both hope and concern. You want to know that your child is understood, supported, and learning. The best preparation is simple: review a few work samples, talk with your child, and write down...

Between choosing curriculum, teaching your children, and keeping everyday life moving, homeschool paperwork can easily slip to the bottom of the list. But this is one task worth moving to the top! California’s annual Private School Affidavit filing period is October 1–15. For the 2026–2027 school year, the deadline is October 15, 2026. If you operate your own private homeschool, make sure this year’s filing is complete. I want families to feel confident about both the learning and the...