As a teacher, a fifteen minute observation and discussion often leaves us wondering how much more we could learn and show if we had more regular conversations and observations with those who observe us. . Often I think this is how parents must feel when they are rushed through meet the teacher and then again scheduled back to back with others for a 15 minute conference. The initial conference is a great starting point but we need to provide opportunities for parents and students to engage with the teacher about what is happening on a more regular basis. I think that if we provide more informal means for parents to gain information we would improve our communication. One thought would be to have informal gatherings one evening each nine weeks where parents could come and their child could share their learning with them. The teacher could roam and guide the students. If we set the cafeteria up some what like a coffee shop we may get more parents willing to come and engage in discussion. For parents that are not able to attend, we could provide students with time to create a powerpoint or another form of communication to share with their parents. I think this would be the beginning of opening these lines of communication.