Raising Scholars Episode 37: What to Ask the Teacher to Find Out Where Your Child Really Stands

Aired on Oct 13, 2026


Your child’s teacher says they’re doing “fine.” You leave the conference feeling good. But do you really know what “fine” means for your child?

Teachers often notice more than a short conference has time to cover. In this episode, Jacquie shares the questions that help you learn what your child’s teacher sees. You’ll find out how to tell if your child truly understands their schoolwork or is just following steps. You’ll learn the difference between what your child has been taught and what they can do on their own. And you’ll know what to ask if you hear words like “unmotivated” or “not focused.”

Jacquie also shares one simple question that gives your child’s teacher room to tell you what you didn’t think to ask.

You know your child at home. Their teacher sees them in the classroom. These questions help you put both views together, so you leave with a clear picture of your child and a plan for what comes next.

Timestamps

00:05 Understanding the Parent-Teacher Conference

02:41 Digging Deeper: Questions to Ask

04:31 Is my child currently meeting grade-level expectations?

04:58 What are you seeing that tells you that?

08:25 What can my child do independently?

08:28 Where do they still need support?

09:17 What are my child’s academic strengths?

09:37 What would you prioritize right now?

10:10 What progress have you seen since the beginning of the year

10:35 How are you measuring that progress?

10:56 What can I do at home that would actually help?

13:25 What does that actually look like in the classroom?

15:44 Summary

17:58 Follow and Subscribe

Know a parent with a conference coming up? Send this their way.

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