Student Led Conferences “Through student-led conferences, students become more reflective learners who are capable of setting realistic, attainable goals and are more able to accept responsibility for their actions” (Kinney,2008).

Student led conference goals: Students reflect on their learning and set goals for continued improvement. Students dialogue directly with their parents about their progress in school. Students discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Students describe the support they may need from their parents and teachers to continually improve.

Traditional vs. Student Led Teacher driven Evaluative Feedback Focus on grades and test scores Fragmented Greater dialogue between the student and the parent. Descriptive Feedback Focus on learning and progress Students assume more control of their academic progress.

Students set goals early in the year. “The success of the student-led conferences relies on preparing students well” (Skulkind, 2008) . Students set goals early in the year. Students become knowledgeable about the learning process and their role in it. Students complete written reflections of work samples Students identify strengths and weaknesses. Students develop a plan for areas of need and revise their goals.

During the Conference: “By articulating their learning and growth to their parents, students felt that their academic strengths and weaknesses became clearer” (Skulkind, 2008). During the Conference: Students display work from each class and discuss progress. Students have an increased responsibility for answering parent questions and concerns about their learning. Students facilitate the conference and teachers assist in guiding the discussion, offering support if the students need it.

During the Conference: Students share the goals they have created. Review/revise goals as a team Develop a system that parents and teachers can put in place to support their student’s goals. Allow time for clarifying questions or additional concerns to be addressed. At the end provide parents and students with a survey – boxes will be at the front entrance for them to place their surveys

As a result of this process, we hope that students Become increasingly accountable for their learning. Discover how to evaluate their own progress. Gain a greater commitment to schoolwork and learning. Gain self-confidence and improve academic self-esteem. Invite parent involvement. Begin to communicate independently about their progress. Improve communication and critical-thinking skills.

So What Do I Do Now? Make sure you are putting forth your best effort in each class. Assess your performance in each of your classes. Where am I excelling? Why? What areas need improvement and what can I do to improve? Make a plan Use the SMART goals to develop a plan of action. Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-based Work your plan

Let’s Practice Specific - What should be achieved? Measurable - How will you know if the goal has been reached? Action Plan – Which actions will you take to achieve the goals? Realistic - Are they achievable? Time Frame - By when?