Student-Led Conferences

Susan Barrett

Nicholas County Schools

How effective are

parent-teacher conferences

at your school?

What is a Student-Led Conference?

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

Benefits for Students

• Empowerment / Accountability

• Opportunity to connect two worlds

• Share progress, triumphs, tough spots

Student-Led Conferences

Do Not

Stand Alone!!

Drawbacks?

• Change = Challenge

• More preparation ahead of time

• 100% participation goal

• Parent and teacher do not

have a conference.

Classroom Teacher’s Responsibilities

• Talk it up!• Collect work• Invitations• Help students organize work• Teach introductions• Schedule practice • Write Letters of Encouragement

Support Staff’s Responsibilities

• Talk it up!• Scheduling• Follow up on R.S.V.P.• Plan for Schoolwide Stations• Plan for Siblings

Scheduling Concerns

• Siblings

• Parking

• Child care

Other Considerations

• Food

• Transportation

• Child Care

• Computer Lab

Other Opportunities

• School Surveys

• Little League Sign-Ups

• Information for Parents

• Art Show

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

Before Conferences

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

Sending Invitations

• Letter-writing opportunity

• Short and simple

• Make it personal

• Be sensitive

• Include R.S.V.P.

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

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

The Letter of Encouragement

A personalized note for each student that is inserted in the folder after school and before the conference

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

Supporting Your Students

During Conferences

What the Student Does

• Introductions

• Shares folder contents

• Tours the room

• Asks for feedback

What the Teacher Does

• Smile

• Is introduced to parents

• Observe

The Paper Trail

• Sign-In Sheet

• Request for Conference

• Feedback for Student

• Feedback for School

Results

• Overwhelming positive response

• 100% of students lead a conference

• 70% – 80% conferences that night

• 15 years and counting

After Conferences

Follow-Up

Every child will lead a

conference with a caring

adult.

Would this work at

your school?