Why Student-Led Conferences?
Student-led conferences are designed to facilitate productive conversations between students, their families, and teachers. The goals of this model are to:
- Allow families a convenient time to meet with their child’s teachers.
- Help students take ownership of their learning and become an active participant in the conversations surrounding their education.
- Empower students to discuss the data behind their learning and draw conclusions about their strengths and areas where growth could occur.
- Facilitate conversations between families and teachers about their child’s academic progress and behavioral performance at school.
Role of Students
Before the Conference:
- Collect artifacts that demonstrate concept mastery
- Collect artifacts that demonstrate areas where improvement is needed
- Based on academic grades, citizenship grades, feedback from assignments, assessment scores, etc. set goals for improvement
During the Conference:
- Attend the conference.
- Explain the process to your guests (parents or guardians).
- Present your portfolio to your guests.
- Introduce your guests to your teacher(s).
After the Conference:
- Review your goals and consider applying the feedback you received.
- Ask follow up questions or for help reaching your goals.
Role of Parents/Guardians
Before the Conference:
- Help your child understand feedback they are receiving from teachers about their academic performance at school.
- Ask your child about any Courage Violations they have received.
- Ask your child to see any assessments or assignments they’ve received back from their teachers.
- Compile a list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss at the conference with your child and his/her teacher.**
During the Conference:
- Attend the conference with your child.
- Ask questions about your child’s work samples.
- Help your child set goals for improvement.
- Greet the teacher(s) and briefly discuss any questions or concerns you have.
After the Conference:
- Help your child learn to have conversations with their teachers.
- Help your child interpret and apply feedback.
Role of Teachers
Before the Conference:
- Work with teammates to develop a vision and plan for student-led conferences.
- Help students prepare for the conferences by collecting artifacts and coaching students through the process.
- Invite parents/families and communicate expectations and details about the event.
During the Conference:
- Be present during conferences.
- Greet students and families as they enter the room.
- Help students and families if a question comes up.
- Be available for individual conversations, if necessary.**
After the Conference:
- Help students work toward their goals.
- Help students interpret and apply feedback.
** Please note that not all concerns can be addressed in the short amount of time that is allotted during this event. If you would like to have a longer one-on-one conversation with a teacher or administrator, please let them know and we are happy to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Keep in mind that our teachers will have only a few minutes to meet with you during the conference, and we are happy to schedule another meeting at your earliest convenience to finish the conversation.
