"Conferencing allows parents and teachers to meet face-to-face. This means of communication is valuable and effective. Most people can express themselves more completely and openly in person because misunderstandings and misconceptions can be more quickly clarified in face-to-face meetings by asking follow-up questions and elaborating on specific points.

In many cases, the parents of students who might most benefit from a conference are the ones who do not attend. Reasons why parents do not attend conferences are many. One significant reason, unfortunately, may be that conferences are perceived by parents as a time when they will hear more bad news about their child, rather than a time when they can meet and plan with the teacher to ensure the child's success in school.

Well-conducted parent-teacher conferences can accomplish several goals: