Student-Led Conferences

1. Student-Led Conferences Susan Barrett Nicholas County Schools

2. How effective are parent-teacher conferences at your school?

3. What is a Student-Led Conference?

4. Traditional vs. Student-Led • Between teacher and parent • Teacher is in charge • One at a time • Few parents reached • Few students involved • Confrontational atmosphere • Between student and parent • Student is in charge • Simultaneous conferences • Almost all parents reached • All students involved • Celebratory atmosphere

5. Benefits for Students • Empowerment / Accountability • Opportunity to connect two worlds • Share progress, triumphs, tough spots

6. Student-Led ConferencesDo NotStand Alone!!

7. Drawbacks? • Change = Challenge • More preparation ahead of time • 100% participation goal • Parent and teacher do not have a conference.

8. Classroom Teacher’s Responsibilities • Talk it up! • Collect work • Invitations • Help students organize work • Teach introductions • Schedule practice • Write Letters of Encouragement

9. Support Staff’s Responsibilities • Talk it up! • Scheduling • Follow up on R.S.V.P. • Plan for Schoolwide Stations • Plan for Siblings

10. Scheduling Concerns • Siblings • Parking • Child care

11. Other Considerations • Food • Transportation • Child Care • Computer Lab

12. Other Opportunities • School Surveys • Little League Sign-Ups • Information for Parents • Art Show

13. Maximizing Attendance • Invitations • Appointments • R.S.V.P. • Phone Calls • Food • Door Prizes

14. Before Conferences

15. Collecting Work • Year-long process • Self-selected vs. teacher-selected • Self-reflection on accomplishments and struggles • Opportunity to set new goals • Options for organization of work

16. Sending Invitations • Letter-writing opportunity • Short and simple • Make it personal • Be sensitive • Include R.S.V.P.

18. Folder Contents • Samples of work from several subjects • Work that shows growth • Special projects • Progress charts, graphs, and lists • Checklist to guide the conference • References to non-folder items • Request for feedback • Letter of Encouragement

19. Other Preparation • Practice introductions • Practice conferences with peers • Get the room ready • Support only as much as necessary • Empower your students • Some may need extra help

20. The Letter of Encouragement A personalized note for each student that is inserted in the folder after school and before the conference

21. Dear Michael, I am so glad to have you in my class this year. You help to make it a special place to come to each morning. I am proud of you for working so hard recently on learning your multiplication facts. This will make long division so much easier for you! You have become a very strong writer and I look forward to reading each new piece you write. I especially enjoyed reading about what you want to be when you grow up. You only need to find the courage to make your dreams come true, just as Monolo did in Shadow of a Bull. I know that you can do it! Remember to share your work that is hanging in the classroom and in the hallway. This is your time to show off all the things you have accomplished. Your parents must be very proud of you. I know that I am. Sincerely, Mrs. Rader

22. Supporting Your Students

23. During Conferences

24. What the Student Does • Introductions • Shares folder contents • Tours the room • Asks for feedback

25. What the Teacher Does • Smile • Is introduced to parents • Observe

27. The Paper Trail • Sign-In Sheet • Request for Conference • Feedback for Student • Feedback for School

30. Results • Overwhelming positive response • 100% of students lead a conference • 70% – 80% conferences that night • 15 years and counting

31. After Conferences

32. Follow-Up Every child will lead a conference with a caring adult.

33. Would this work at your school?