STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

1. STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES John F. Kennedy High School Lynne Ridgill WS/FC Middle School Project 2011-2012

2. “Since early adolescence is a crucial period in establishing a clear self-concept and positive self-esteem, assessment and evaluation should emphasize individual progress rather than comparison with other students. The goal is to help students discover and understand their strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, and personalities. Student self-evaluation is an important means of developing a fair and realistic self-concept.” (This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents, 2003, p. 27)

3. Turning Points (Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989) recommended that middle grades schools “reengage families in the education of young adolescents by giving families meaningful roles in school governance, communication with families about the school program and student’s progress, and offering families opportunities to support the learning process at home and at the school.” Turning Points 2000 further advanced this idea and called for middle grades schools that involve parents and communities in supporting student learning and healthy development. (Jackson & Davis, 2000)

4. “This practice is the biggest breakthrough in communicating about student achievement in the last century. When students are well prepared over an extended period to tell the story of their own success (or lack thereof), they seem to experience a fundamental shift in their sense of responsibility for that success. The pride in accomplishment that students feel when they have a positive story to tell and to tell it well can be immensely motivational. The sense of personal responsibility that they feel when anticipating what it will be like to face the music of having to tell their story of poor achievement can also drive them to productive work.” (Rich Stiggins, 1999)

5. Student-led conferences are those in which students facilitate meetings between the student, their teacher, and their parents for the purpose of: • Reviewing educational progress (portfolios, grades, etc..). • Setting goals. • Securing parent help with goals. • “A time when parents and students talk about school.” • Jack Berckemeyer WHAT IS A STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE?

6. Increased parent attendance at conferences. (Hackmann, 1996) • Parents preferred student led conferences over the traditional parent teacher conference. (Hackmann et al, 1998) • Students reported increased self-confidence and personal satisfaction with being directly involved with conferences. (Hackmann et al,1998) • Teachers reported a reduced conference preparation workload and diminished levels of teacher stress during conferences. (Hackmann et al, 1998) • - Parent and teacher bonds were strengthened. Both teacher and parent were more likely to initiate subsequent contacts throughout the remainder of the school year. (Hackmann et al, 1998) WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY?

7. To encourage students to accept personal responsibility for their academic performance. • To teach students the process of self-evaluation. • To facilitate the development of students’ organizational and oral communication skills and to increase their self-confidence. • To encourage parents, students, and teachers to engage in open and honest dialogue. • To increase parent attendance at conferences. • (Guyton & Fielstein, 1989; Hackmann, 1996) POSSIBLE GOALS FOR STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

8. Helps parents understand what is taking place in the classroom. • Students are accountable for classroom work and assignments. • Provides quality parent-child time. • Time to focus on learning instead of behavioral issues. • Encourages students to accept personal responsibility for their academic performance. • Teaches students the process of reflection and self-evaluation. • Develops students’ oral communication and organizational skills. • Increases self-confidence. • Enhances communication between parent and child. • Provides students a voice in their assessment of their learning. BENEFITS OF STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

9. 1. Preparation. • Actual conference. • 3. Evaluation component. (3) PHASES TO THE STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PROCESS

10. A. Develop an action plan: • Purpose of the conference. What are your goals? What will students share? • Develop a timeline for implementation. • Roles/responsibilities of teachers, students, and parents. • How/when to inform students and parents? • Resources needed? • How will conferences be run? How many at a time? How much time each? When – night or day? What if parents do not attend? PREPARATION

11. August 30th – November 8th: Teach, reflect, and gather sample work to use in conferences. September 5th: Inform parents about the concept via letter, website, and team newsletter. Share SLC plan and responsibilities with students. September 10th – 25th: Plan cover sheets, reflection process, goals process, and scheduling process with team teachers. Create family friendly schedule. November 1st: Send home scheduling letter for parents to fill out and return. November 1st – 10th: Plan schedule for conferences(consult parents if needed). November 10th: LA teachers help students write “Dear Parent” letters. November 9th – 10th: Collect work for portfolio (give to appropriate HR teacher). November 12th: Attach report card copy. November 15th – 18th: HR teachers help students organize all work, fill in table of contents, and write (2) goals. Teach and practice the conference procedure. STUDENT-LED CONFERENCESTIMELINE FOR STAFF/STUDENT PREPARATION

12. November 21st: Send home reminder invitation. Final check on portfolios. Attach parent homework. November 22-23rd: Student-led conference. November 29-30th: Conference with students whose parents were unable to attend. December 1st: How did it go? Discuss teacher, student, and parent evaluations. Other: Attend to details such as: - Child care - Refreshments - Parent initiatives - Special schedule considerations - Location - Translators - Special displays of student work - Evaluation forms for parents & students STUDENT-LED CONFERENCESTIMELINE FOR STAFF/STUDENT PREPARATION (cont.’d)

13. PARENT LETTER - SAMPLE November 4th, 2004 Dear Parents/Family Members, The sixth grade students are busy preparing for student-led conferences. This is an opportunity for your special student to present his/her progress and goals to you personally. Teachers are assisting students as they select specific work samples from their classes, organize their portfolios, and rehearse their presentations. We believe that students are empowered and their future success is assured when they are accountable for their work, reflect and communicate their progress, and set learning goals. Your students will be responsible for directing the student-led conferences. As parents or family members, your role will be to focus on the learning process (not just grades), recognize your children’s achievements, ask them questions when information shared is unclear, and work with them to set goals for future success. The students are very excited about this opportunity. Our student-led conferences will be scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, November 17th, and the evening of Thursday, November 18th. Enclosed is a conference sign-up sheet that needs to be filled out and returned to school with your child as soon as possible. Sixth grade students and teachers look forward to seeing you. Because this time is student-centered, if you would like to discuss your child’s progress with teachers, we encourage you to set up an appointment for an alternate date with the teacher or team by calling 797-1814. We always look forward to meeting with our students’ parents and are available before, and at certain times during the school day. Remember that phone conferences can also be successful. Thank you for your continued support. Very sincerely, The Teachers of Learning Community 6-2

14. B. Create Portfolios: • What will be included? • Table of contents. • Evidences from each subject area (work should focus on skills/processes). • Reflections – identify strengths, growth areas, from each piece of work and/or subject area. • Goal setting – clear/attainable goals. • Report card. • Other: Cover sheet for each subject area, Dear Parent letter, behavior checklist, citizenship checklist, teacher evaluation, etc.. PREPARATION (cont.’d)

15. Table of Contents (lists all items in portfolio – filled out in core class). Dear Parent Letter (serves as an icebreaker, introduces parents to conference, written in core). Work samples Core Cover Sheet (completed in core class by both teacher and student). 2 to 4 samples of core class work with self-reflections. Science or Health Cover Sheet (completed in Science or Health class by both teacher and student) 1 to 2 samples of science or health class work with self-reflections. Math Cover Sheet (completed in math class by both teacher and student). 1 to 2 samples of science or health class work with self-reflections. PE Cover Sheet* (completed in PE class by both teacher and student). 1 to 2 samples of PE class work with self-reflections. Elective Cover Sheet* (completed in elective class by both teacher and student). 1 to 2 samples of elective class work with self-reflections. * Some 8th graders will have two electives and no PE. Missing Work – Any uncompleted work should be indicated by a “missing work” form to be filled out by the student in class. Report Card (This will be attached by the homeroom teacher). TMS Goals for Success (completed in case manager group) All students should have two goals and plan for accomplishment written on their goal sheet. Students will write 3rd goal in conjunction with parent during the conference. Students should have a 3rd goal and plan ready to use in case parents do not have one to suggest. For easy “access” this goal should be written down on the inside of their portfolio folder. Parent Homework Letter (to be attached by homeroom teacher). This is self-explanatory. Parents are encouraged (but not required) to respond to their child’s conference in writing. CONTENTS OF STUDENT-LED CONFERENCING PORTFOLIO

16. Name: _________________________________________ Date: _____________ • Dear Parent Letter • Core (Reading, Writing, Social Studies) Cover Sheet • _________________________________________ • _________________________________________ • _________________________________________ • Mathematics Cover Sheet • _________________________________________ • _________________________________________ • Science or Health Cover Sheet • _________________________________________ • _________________________________________ • Elective Cover Sheet • __________________________________________________________________________________ • PE or 2nd Elective Cover Sheet • _________________________________________ • _________________________________________ • Report Card • Goals for Success • Parent Homework TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT-LED CONFERENCESTALENT MIDDLE SCHOOL/FALL 2007

17. Name: ______________________________ Date: _______________________________ I am proud of this piece of work because… ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ What I have learned and/or enjoyed about this piece of work is… ______________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ EVIDENCE REFLECTION/MATH EVIDENCE REFLECTION/MATH Name: ______________________________ Date: _______________________________ I could have done better on this piece of work because…____________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ This piece of work was difficult for me because… __________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

18. Name: _________________________________________ Teacher: ______________________ Behaviors of a Success Student: + Exceeds expectations a meets expectations - needs improvement SELF TEACHER ____ ________ Completes classwork/homework on time ____ ________ Works independently ____ ________ Works well in a group ____ ________ Manages behavior appropriately ____ ________ Comes to class prepared to learn COMMENTS: CORE (READING, WRITING, SPEAKING, and SOCIAL STUDIES)

19. Name:________________________ Teacher: ______________________ Course: _______________________ Class Expectations: Ratings: Student Teacher Responsibility for Assigned Tasks: ________ ________ Classroom Behavior: ________ ________ Key to Ratings: + Exceeds expectations a meets expectations - needs improvement COMMENTS: TMS MATH

20. Name:_________________________________________________ Teacher: __ McNichol __ Schofield __ Russo Title of Work: ___________________________________________ Class Expectations Ratings: Student Teacher Works well with lab partners _______ _______ Works safely with lab equipment _______ _______ Stays on task and completes work _______ _______ Key to Ratings: + Exceeds expectations a meets expectations - needs improvement COMMENTS: TMS SCIENCE

21. Name:________________________ Teacher: ______________________ __ Arts/Crafts __ Band __ Choir __ Computers __ Journalism __ Applied Math/Sci (Tech) __ Aide __ Spanish __ Intro to languages Class Expectations: Ratings: Student Teacher Shows respect for others, self and property: _______ ________ Stays on task to complete work: ________ ________ Key to Ratings: + Exceeds expectations a meets expectations - needs improvement COMMENTS: TMS ELECTIVES

22. Name: ____________________________________________ Date:_____________ My strengths are: A. B. C. I need to work on: A. B. C. First Goal _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ To achieve this goal, I will A. B. Second Goal _______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ To achieve this goal, I will A. B. Third Goal _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ To achieve this goal, I will A. B. People who can help me attain these goals are: Distractions that may get in the way of accomplishing these goals are: _________________________ ________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Parent Signature Case Manager Signature TMS GOALS FOR SUCCESS

23. Student Name:________________________ Teacher Name: ______________________ Assignment Title: _____________________ Subject: ___________________________ Assignment Due Date: ______________________________ I was given the opportunity to do this work but either did not complete it or turn it in because: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ MISSING WORK

24. Dear Parent, THANK YOU for participating in your child’s conference… now you have some homework. Please write your child a positive personal note about the conference. Below are some areas you might think about including as you write: What I noticed about your work was… I was proud of you for… Keep up the good work on… I know you have difficulties sometimes, but… I’m glad you are making an extra effort in… How can I help? We hope this experience was as rewarding to you and your child as the process was to us. Thanks again for taking the extra effort! Sincerely, Talent Middle School Staff PARENT HOMEWORK

25. C. Assist students in designing a script, an outline, and/or an agenda. PREPARATION (cont.’d)

26. Introduce your parents or guardian to your case manager. • Explain you will be sharing your fall portfolio during the conference. • Briefly review the Table of Contents to give an overview of what is in your portfolio. • Read your “Dear Parent” letter. • Present your work. • Share the information on the cover sheet • For each piece share: • - What the assignment was • - What knowledge or skills you learned by doing it • - What process you went through to complete the piece • - Key portions of your self-reflection by reading them aloud • Share your report card with your parents. • Goal setting. • Explain the two goals you have set • Write a third goal with your parents • Parent homework letter • Give your parents their “assignment sheet” and ask them if they would be willing to write you a note as explained on the sheet. What they write can be kept at home or returned to school to put in your portfolio • Closing • Thank your parents for attending your conference STUDENT PROCEDURES FOR CONFERENCING

27. Prepare for the conference: • - Teachers model. • - Role play. • - Practice! Practice! Practice! PREPARATION (cont.’d)

28. Name: ____________________ Partner: ___________________ 1ST Run2nd Run REHEARSAL SHEET Comments:

29. * There are two ways in which conferences are conducted: 1. The teacher personally attends each student/parent conferences. 2. The teacher schedules 4-5 conferences simultaneously with the teacher moving around the classroom and attending to groups as needed. Sample conference agenda: (student facilitates- he/she should have a script/outline and/or an agenda.) - Introductions. - Present portfolio/report card. - Review reflections. - Set goals. - “Thank you’s”. ACTUAL CONFERENCE

30. * Evaluation is vital in order for the school to • be responsive to parent and student needs. It • also allows the school to “fine tune” the • process. • A. Student Evaluation • B. Parent Evaluation • C. Teacher Evaluation EVALUATION COMPONENT

31. Student Evaluation: (sample questions) • 1. Were you organized for the conference? • 2. What surprised your parents most during the • conference? • 3. Did you notice any trends concerning your work? EVALUATION COMPONENT (cont.’d)

32. Parent Evaluation: (sample questions) • 1. What did you learn about your child during the • conference? • 2. What (2) suggestions do you have to help increase • or maintain your child’s success at school? • 3. Were your concerns and questions answered • appropriately by your child? EVALUATION COMPONENT (cont.’d)

33. Teacher Evaluation: (sample questions) • 1. Did you have enough time to introduce yourself to • parents? • 2. What seemed to work well? • 3. How would you change the process? EVALUATION COMPONENT (cont.’d)

34. - Consider having students create a card inviting their parents to the conference. • - Consider having students write a thank you note to parents for attending the conference. • Consider having parents write a letter to students thanking them for their efforts in this process. • Consider writing your students a note the day of the conference wishing them good luck. • Consider writing your students a letter congratulating them on successfully completing their conference. • Provide simple refreshments for the conference – (acts as an “ice breaker” for students). CONSIDERATIONS

35. Conway Middle School Guide to Student-Led Conferences: www.prichardcommittee.org/pubs/cat/student-led_conferences.pdf Talent Middle School forms, checklists, letters, etc.: www.phoenix.k12or.us/tms/slc Frisbie Middle School Student-Led Conferences Interdisciplinary Project: http://mathforum.org/alejandre/frisbie/coyote/interdisciplinary6.html GREAT WEBSITE RESOURCES