Making a Better “Baby”…. Changing the Way We Communicate in Order to Increase Learning Opportunities Learning Community

How do you make a better baby?

Mini-project III Student-led Conferencing Model

Defined  Student assumes responsibility for directing the academic conference with his/her parent(s).  Teacher’s role is redefined as a facilitator: monitoring the students performance, providing evaluative feedback to the student, intervening in a supportive way if parents have questions or concerns the student may not be able to answer.

Goals  Empower students to take responsibility for learning and reporting  Teach students the process of reflection and self-evaluation  Motivate students to do best work  Continue to develop organizational and communication skills  Facilitate dialogue among students, parents, and teachers

Benefits  Student –Active participant –Opportunity to share contents of portfolio Why items selected How show growth May* produce higher quality work –Practice self-reflection Evaluate progress Note areas of concern  Parent –Receive detailed reasons underlying either academic success or lack of progress –See their student as a “presenter of information” rather than “topic of discussion”

Teacher Benefits  Conferences are less about “teacher”  Reduce stress  Performance assessment –Organizational skills –Communication skills  Does not have to be done in the school setting

Possible Conference Formats  Two-way conference –Student/parent  Three-way conference –Student/parent/teacher  Showcase conference –Student/parent/community members

Conference Planning Basic Guidelines*  Student –Rehearse –Write an invitation –Self assess, set goals and collect work –Prepare a portfolio –Consider the strengths, areas needing improvement and goals

Conference Planning Basic Guidelines*  Teachers –Select the conference type –Organize the logistics –Teach roles and responsibilities –Provide opportunity for parent input If not this may occur due to the parent “fear factor”

After the Conference  Have evaluation forms for all participants –Feedback!  Debrief with students  Assist students with setting and achieving new goals  Consider positive changes

What Does It Look Like? Beatrice Middle School Principal Randy Schlueter has given the staff notice that our conferences will change. Handouts provide basic information Team 7N will use(most likely). Pilot team parent evaluation forms Most parents positive…some ecstatic. 4 out of 89 responses negative: Summation: Why talk to my kids here at school when I already talk to them at home?

Any Questions????