Conferences- How can I infuse student choice and voice?

Conferences

Conferences are an important time to connect with families.  We are fortunate at Hudson Prairie with the supportive and involved families we have.   As I spend time conferencing you I am impressed how well you know your students, have data to share, and how we are our student's  biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach. 

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.  See information on student led conferences below.  
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.  Strengths and an area to work on.  Essential data and work samples.  Don't feel like you have to discuss MAP and PALS assessments.  We will have those printed out for you along with explanation letters.
5. Listen to parents concerns and have a 2 way conversation.
6. 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
7. Don't diagnose students.  Describe areas of difficulties and accommodations you are doing to support them.
8. Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your child
9. Get support from Susie or Aria as needed!  Sign up sheets are outside my office.

Resources for Conferences.

Good Fit Reading Chart

Reading Continuum

Why read Presentation for Families

How can I infuse student choice and voice in conferencing?  Student Led Conferencing

What is it?

Student’s moment to share his or her reflections on achievements and challenges.

ASCD Article        Step by step blog

What are the benefits?

• Parent attendance is high
• Students take responsibility for own learning
• Promotes reflection
• Students communicate what they are learning
• Goal setting-  You may use MAP Goal setting and think of specific actions to help.

What are the disadvantages?

• What do you do with un-involved families?
• Need straight talk with teacher

What are the different jobs?

• Student is the leader
• Teacher is the facilitator
• Family is an active participant

What do I do?

Before

• Send parents a questionnaire to gather input.
•  Gather artifacts in a portfolio and reflect on what they are proud of and possible areas to grow.  
• Reflect weekly on artifacts.
• Choose your top 3-4 pieces of work.
• Practice as a class and with older students or other staff members on how to lead the conference.
• Plan 2 specific talking points for parents. Think of a praise and an area for growth.

During

• Support and coach
• Involve parents in the conference.

After

• Celebrate student ownership.
• Reflect on areas for improvement.

Take a look at an example of a student led conference:

What different formats?

• 1 on 1 student led conferences
• Stations where you are at one and you have 3 families at a time rotating with a timer.

1.  Math games
2.  Reading/ Writing goals
3. Portfolio sharing with teacher.

Resources
Sample Script for intermediate
Sample Script for primary

How could it evolve?
I would start small in the Fall with a short reflection.
In February, students can lead it more.

Please share comments and resources to support your colleagues with conferences.  
This is Vicki Anderson and me in 1998!