Student-Led Conferences (Simultaneous Conferences with Multiple Families) Text Reference: Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane M. Bailey and Thomas R. Guskey

Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey Essential Questions? What is the purpose of traditional parent-teacher conferences? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of these conferences? Whose work is being discussed at these meetings? Who is discussing this work? Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey Essential Questions Are traditional Parent-Teacher Conferences outdated? (Same as when you were a child?) Is there a better way to communicate with families at conferences? (From who do you think the families would prefer to hear from—their child or the teacher?) Can we increase student responsibility for learning? (Is responsibility related to motivation?) Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

What are Student-Led Conferences? A conference with the family in which the student leads a discussion of his/her work and a review of his/her portfolio. The classroom teacher goes from being the leader of the conference to becoming a facilitator. Student goes from non-participant or passive observer to leader of the conference. Families become more actively engaged in discussions with their child rather than the teacher. Support teachers go from non-participant to making sure that work samples are included in portfolio and available for conferences. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Why Student-Led Conferences? Benefits Require students to evaluate and reflect upon their work on a regular basis and identify what they do and do not understand about a given subject. Facilitate students taking more responsibility for THEIR OWN LEARNING. Help students see relevance of schoolwork to their lives and contribute to their metacognitive growth. Allows for “individual voice” for students. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Why Student-Led Conferences? Benefits: Provide structure for goal setting and attainment. Allow students to learn new skills. Provide an opportunity for families to view their child’s work and understand the students’ progress in an effective and direct manner. Families are more inclined to attend a student-led conferences. Change climate of school and perceptions by families-can become a way of celebrating students and the school. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Changing Roles Student-Led Conferences The teachers’ role Teachers become facilitators as students lead their families through discussions about their progress and learning. Teachers are responsible for organizing the conference environment. This includes: Scheduling; Guiding portfolio collection; Rehearsing with the students; Arranging space for meetings. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Changing Roles Student-Led Conferences The student’s role Student’s role changes from passive observer to one of leader. Student is the key person responsible for: Identifying strengths and learning needs; Collecting and reflecting evidence to document progress; Inviting parents and scheduling; Role-playing and rehearsing; Preparing physical space for family at meeting; Taking home pertinent information for family. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Changing Roles Student-Led Conferences The family’s role Families become partners in learning. Families’ responsibilities include: Providing reinforcement, encouragement and praise; Asking probing questions; Listening and spending time with their child; Seeing what school is like through the “eyes of their child”. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Changing Roles Student-Led Conferences The administrator’s role Administrative support is essential. Administrators must: Encourage innovation; Facilitate scheduling; Provide time and training necessary for teachers to learn about the concept; Educate parents about student-led conferences. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Changing Roles Student-Led Conferences The co-curricular and support teachers’ roles It is critical that information from these classes be included. Co-curricular teachers’ roles include: Making sure work is included in portfolio; Helping to design portfolio; Planning exhibits and performances of student work; Promoting student self-evaluation. Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

What Do Portfolios Include? Agenda/organizer Student work/samples (evaluation) Goal sheets (academic and behavioral) Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Examples of Work to Include in Portfolio Illustrations/Graphs Homework/Class work Projects Warm-ups Drills Interactive Notebooks Tests Quizzes Group Work Writing Assignments Labs Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Preparing For Conferences Introduce concept to colleagues Communicate concept to parents Determine scheduling and location of meetings Determine contents of portfolio and how to collect Arrange child care and refreshments Encourage family participation Determine and implement evaluation method Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

What Forms Do I Need? Invitation to Family Grade Reflection Behavior Checklist Reflection and Goals Meeting Agenda Conference Follow-up Letter Helpful Hint: Color code forms or folders Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Student Led Conference Timeline Prepare Portfolios/Folders/Goals >>> on-going Invitation to Family >>> Send home 2 weeks prior to conference Rehearse Conference >>>> 1 or 2 days before the conference Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

What Is Conference Day Like? All paperwork is assembled, organized and ready to go!!! Students are excited about their conference!!! Room becomes noisy!! It’s ok! Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Traditional Conference vs. Student-Led Conference Only parent and teacher meet Students, parents (families) and teachers meet Meeting time is limited Student can spend as much time as needed to review portfolio with family Limited number of slots available Multiple conferences can be held simultaneously Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Student-Led Conferences- Let’s Review What is the purpose? What are some of the advantages of these conferences? What are some of the disadvantages to these conferences? Whose work is being discussed at the meeting? Who is discussing this work? Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey

Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey Other Possibilities: Individual conferences (especially for very young students) Presentation or showcase conferences Portfolio nights At home student-led conferences Electronic student-led conferences Implementing Student-Led Conferences Jane Bailey & Thomas Guskey