Student-Led Conferences Presenters: Lisa Baxter Richard Gill Amy Hopps Paula Stevens Brought to you by BiG HelpS for Teachers Baxter, Gill, Hopps, and Stevens

Are your Parent Teacher Conferences productive? Having trouble getting parents to attend?

Let Your Students Take the Lead with Student Led Conferences! BiG HelpS for Teachers offers a one day staff development workshop that can help! Learn how to plan and conduct student-led conferences in which teachers, students, and parents all benefit!

Traditional Parent-Teacher Conferences Student is not an active participant. May not be present. Parents often do not know what to expect until they walk into the meeting. Focus is often on grades the students has earned, not the skills he/she is expected to master. Teachers sometimes use jargon parents do not understand. Often the conference focuses on the negative. Parents may be uncomfortable. Teachers may feel a lot of stress. and-stock-art/red-apple-on-books.jpg/view

What are Student-Led Conferences? The student acts as the leader of a conference with his/her parent(s) The teacher is only the facilitator and timekeeper. He or she may personally attend each conference or schedule 4-5 conferences simultaneously while he/she moves around the classroom, attending to groups as needed. Students share their academic achievements and goals with their parents. Focuses on student work collected over time/Portfolios Can be successfully conducted at home

Why Student-Led Conferences? Increases parent involvement in schools Research indicates 40%-60% increase in parent participation when student-led conferences are instituted Encourages students to accept responsibility and accountability for their learning. Benefits for all stake holders Assessment FOR Learning

The Student-Led Conference Process Phase 1: PREPARATION Room arrangement/guest book sign in Check-lists Conference-related lesson plans Rehearse introductions/conferencing (role play) Prepare an agenda and student script Inform and invite parents Prepare student portfolios

Selection of Portfolio Material Examples of “real work” Addresses multiple skills and processes Displays quality work and growth Select work samples that represent strengths, as well as, weaknesses

Roles of the Teacher Conference-related lesson plans Scripts Checklists Role-playing prior to the conference Communication with the parents in scheduling the conference Preparation (student, parent, themselves, environment) Facilitator Moral supporter of the student Guide students in the criterion of what is appropriate portfolio work 6.JPG

The Student-Led Conference Process Phase 2: THE CONFERENCE This type of conferencing allows for more than just the discussion of academic grades. Students also make honest assessments of their work, assess their own learning, and determine how to facilitate their own growth. Students share the contents of their portfolios and discuss the learning process. Students discuss self-selected academic and social goals for the upcoming term/grading period. Parents are encouraged to be active participants. They engage in discussion and ask questions. The teacher makes himself/herself available should questions arise. Students and parents evaluate the conference.

Roles of the Student Take responsibility for their own learning Set goals for further academic achievement Direct involvement in the assessment process Student selection of portfolio work

Roles of the Parent Be on time Be supportive and positive Recognize success Be active partners in their child’s education Problem-solve with the team, if necessary

The Student-Led Conference Process Phase 3: EVALUATION Parent Evaluation Student Evaluation Teacher Evaluation Some parents may want to meet with the teacher alone. Give parents the option of reserving time at the end of the conference for a private meeting or permit the parents to schedule a follow up conference with the teacher.

Student Benefits Students are the center of the focus for the conference Students take ownership for their own learning Students communicate with their parents Students gain confidence and leadership skills

Parent Benefits There is direct communication with their student They are able to help their student set attainable goals They have scheduled appointments, with no lines to wait in They are able to learn more about their students’ skills and academics

Teacher Benefits The student is the reporter so there is less confrontation for the teacher…..therefore, less stress The responsibility is on the student and parent…..less stress The parent is participating more than before Increased likelihood that both parents and teachers will initiate future contact throughout the school year.

Hyperlink: Student-Led Conference Demonstration Videos Elementary/Middle School Hyperlink: High School

Don’t Wait! Purchase our one day workshop for 4 easy payments of $199.99* *Price includes materials and resources for 20 participants. Brought to you by BiG HelpS for Teachers B axter, G ill, H opps, and S tevens