Conferences Feb. 19 & 26

Conferences are an important time to connect with families.  We are fortunate at Hudson Prairie with the supportive and involved families we have.  I remember my first year when I asked for percentages of families that showed up and we have nearly 100%  That is not common in all schools. As I spend time conferencing you I am impressed how we are our student's  biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach.

Your staff meeting for Tuesday is designated to individually prepare for your conferences.
This is an important opportunity to build a trusting relationship with families and create a plan for continued growth for the 2nd half of the school year.  

Here is a great article from Edutopia on preparing for conferences!

Here are some tips:

1. Send a questionnaire home to get a focus for parent concerns.
2. Getting students involved is important so they are owning their learning.  It could be the student simply sharing their reading goals or the reflection sheet you typically have them fill out.  This encourages students owning their learning.  See information on student led conferences.  ASCD Article  Step by step blog
3. Take the "sandwich" approach. I start with something positive, continue with the things that the child needs to work on, and I finish with something positive.
4. Plan the essential things you want to share.  Strength and an area to work on.  Essential data and work samples.  Don't feel like you have to discuss all assessments.  
5. Listen to parents concerns and have a 2 way conversation.  Don't talk down to parents. Be honest and truthful. Try to speak in the positive, not always negative. Offer positive ways to help a struggling child
6. Don't diagnose students.  Describe areas of difficulties in an objective manner and modifications and accommodations you are doing to support them.
7. Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your child.  
8. Get support from Susie or Aria as needed.  Please let families know we are attending so it is not a surprise.

Please share specific resources or tips you use to conduct productive and collaborative conferences.