STUDENT LED CONFERENCING: Carson Middle School

What IS Student Led Conferencing? A student led conference differs from a teacher led conference because the students are in charge. Students share information with their parents (uncle, aunt, guardian, other responsible adult in their lives) about their learning processes and challenges. Students share their successes, discuss their goals, and invite their parents to support their efforts at home. The students are empowered to take ownership of and responsibility for their learning processes.

Overview of student led conferences Students select examples of strong work from each class. Students determine their strengths and challenges in each class. Students analyze their study skills and character traits. Students set goals for academic progress. Students present findings to parents.

Benefits of student led conferences For the students: Accountability for their learning Students learn to evaluate their own progress Students gain greater commitment to school work and learning Builds self-confidence and self-esteem Encourages student/parent communication Builds communication and critical thinking skills Places responsibility on the student and parent Allows students to become actively involved Builds organizational skills

Benefits of student led conferences For Parents: Increases the amount of information given to the parents; more than just a report card Parents learn more about their student’s learning, strengths and weaknesses An opportunity to help their student set positive goals Active participant in their student’s learning First language communication

Benefits of student led conferences For teachers: Less stress on teachers than a traditional conference, very relaxed atmosphere Less confrontational, more positive Places responsibility on the student and parent Increased parent participation

Student led conference Per NRS 388.181 Student Led Conferences are now required in middle school. Student led conferences will be held in January. Academic Intervention teachers will be hosting student led conferences.

The How To: The SLC folder Students will assemble a folder with: Work samples Self-evaluation form MAP progress report Goal setting worksheets Middle School Parent Tips/Resources Additional items TBD

during academic intervention classes Introduce student led conferencing with your students. Let them know when it is happening and what is expected of them. Some 6th graders may have been involved in a student led conference in elementary school while others may have no idea of the concept. Most CMS students participated in a student led conference last year. A.I. teachers will keep folders. Folders will be ordered for each student and will be delivered to you. Feel free to allow students to decorate their folders. Encourage students to save samples of their best work in each of their classes to include in their folder. The goal is to have at least one sample from each of their core classes and samples from their elective classes if appropriate.

During academic intervention classes Show the video of a sample student led conference Have students collect work samples to put in their folders. Have students begin working on provided worksheets. Discuss MAP scores and short/long-term goals. Talk about what a MAP score is. Have students role play a student led conference(Need to practice several times ) Remind students to continue collecting work samples.

During academic intervention classes Have students complete their worksheets and continue collecting work samples. Have students continue role playing their student led conference. Assign students a 15 minute time slot for their Student Led Conference . Students may provide input if they know when their parents work. Please use the provided scheduling sheet to assign student their time. Several conferences will be going on in your room at the same time.

during academic intervention classes Students will write an invitation, inviting their parents to their student led conference. The invitation will include the date, time, and room number. Students will use the template provided to write their invitation letter. They may use their home language; the template is provided in both Spanish and English. There will be a letter from the principal describing what a student led conference is and how it differs from a parent/teacher conference; it will be included with the student invitation. Have each student include one in the envelope with their personalized invitation. The invitations need to be returned to the guidance office. Invitations and principal letters should be in an addressed envelope and ready to mail.

January: It’s Time In A.I. double check the readiness of folders. Role-play the process with students. As parents arrive the day of the conference, have them sign the conference sign- in sheet During the conferences, monitor and supervise the room to make sure the conferences are going smoothly. Be available for questions, but don’t get involved in a “teacher conference” with parents. If parents have a major concern they’d like to discuss, refer them to the student’s counselor. Request that parents fill out the Post Conference Parent Survey before they leave the room. Encourage them to pick up a thank you postcard and to fill it out for their student while enjoying snacks in the cafeteria.

Suggestions for teachers You are hosting the conference. Students are in charge of the conference and should take the lead. Try not to get in to conversations with parents regarding their individual students. If you do have a conversation with parents, emphasize standards and how the student is making progress toward mastery. Refer parents to the Guidance Office if they would like to set up a traditional Parent/Teacher Conference. When students seem to be struggling, encourage them to focus on the checklist, marking off each item as they complete it. Be positive and supportive, emphasizing the things the student has accomplished. Stay focused on the standards and avoid leading the conversation toward specific grades, behavior issues, etc…. Remind the parents to fill out a conference evaluation sheet and to write a post card to thank their student for leading the conference.

In academic interventions after the SLC Have students fill out the student survey and post-conference reflection sheet. Teachers, please fill out the post—conference teacher survey. Please return all student and teacher surveys to the guidance office .