Some New Ideas to Improve Parent Conferences

We know that engaging parents is one of the toughest aspects of our job.  We try, try, and try again and then responses are so limited, always less than we had expected or "hoped."  Your supervisors have gone through important parts of good conferencing with you. 
         Here is an article that includes those points but a few different ones as well.  The writer appears to be an upper middle class parent and she and her husband experienced horrible conferences.  She lists 7 ideas that would improve the conference including a different one....figuring out a comfortable seating arrangement with no barriers.  Sitting across a desk or table reinforces herarchies.
Interesting read.  What do you think?  What have you tried that has been successful? Please share with your supervisor.

Seven Ideas for Meaningful Parent-Teacher Conferences. Nancy Flanagan. 10.5.12. Education Week Teacher

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teacher_in_a_strange_land/2012/10/seven_ideas_for_meaningful_parent-teacher_conferences.html