The Continuous Improvement Classroom Student Led Conferences

The Continuous Improvement Classroom Ground rules created by students Classroom mission statements Classroom and student measurable goals Quality tools and PDSA used regularly The Continuous Improvement Classroom Classroom data centers Classroom meetings facilitated by students Student-led conferences Student data folders

“Use of forms and sample documents is authorized for local schools” Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author) This presentation contains information and forms referenced in the book. “Use of forms and sample documents is authorized for local schools” Copyright permission obtained and on file.

Student-Led Conferences Resources http://www.naesp.org/ContentLoad.do?contentId=460 http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr323.shtml http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin112.shtml http://www.phoenix.k12.or.us/tms/stories/storyReader$15 http://www.nwrel.org/nwedu/fall_96/article4.html http://www.middleweb.com/CSLV2TchrConf.html http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1997/hackma97.html http://www.msu.edu/user/losarah/oldsource/studentledconferences2.htm http://groups.yahoo.com/group/studentledconferences/ Information in this presentation has been summarized and included based on the websites above (10-2-07)

Many of those around me have grown, learned and experienced so much with the help of continuous improvement. Student

What’s your definition of “student-led conferences? -What do they look like? -What happens during a student-led conference?

Articles- Day 4: Student-Led Article retrieved on 10-2-07 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin112.shtml

What Are Student-Led Conferences? Conference with parents led by the student Teacher as facilitator Students lead parents through a discussion of their work (usually the student data folder) Typically, several conferences occur at the same time (seated apart for privacy) while the teacher monitors the room Worksheets A & B provide an overview

Purpose Relevance- Why are we doing this? Reflects the belief that students should be actively involved in their learning Assume responsibility for the learning process Students become more motivated, reflective and evaluative in their learning Focus on the 3 R’s Relevance- Why are we doing this? Responsibility- Ownership for learning Reporting- To parents and others

Benefits Student led conferences… Motivate students to take more ownership for their work Allow students to see their progress over time Encourage students to evaluate their work

Benefits Student led conferences… Encourage students, parents and teachers to openly communicate as equal partners about student achievement Enhance students’ oral communication skills Build students’ self-confidence Build relationships

Parent Attendance @ Conferences Regular Parent/ Teacher Conferences Implementation of Student-Led Conferences

Format Options See worksheet D for descriptions Individual or student involved Simultaneous with multiple families Presentation or showcase conference Portfolio night At-home student-led conference Electronic student-led conference

Preparing for the Conference Prepare student work (student data folder) Personal mission statement and goals Consider strengths Consider areas in need of improvement See worksheet F Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

Worksheet G Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

Before the Conference Begin the year with a student goal setting conference Prepare samples of students work to show evidence of growth and goal progress (student data folder) Notify parents well in advance of the conferences (Wksht. G1) (including format) Provide opportunities for students to practice and rehearse

Worksheet H Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

Worksheet I Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

Worksheet J Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

During the Conference Time Allotment Introduction (1 minute) Orientation (1-2 minutes) Students Achievement Data (4-6 minutes) Students Goals (2-4 minutes) Action Plan (4-5 minutes) Students Work (7-10 minutes) Debriefing (1-2 minutes) Total Time: 20 – 30 Minutes

Introduction/Orientation During the Conference Introduction/Orientation Introduction - Student introduces parent to teacher Orientation - Teacher explains conference procedures

During the Conference Achievement Data Examining the Data - Teacher shares data that helped student and teacher identify goals

Student Goals and Action Plan During the Conference Student Goals and Action Plan Examining Student Goals - Student shares goals and explains why they were selected Sharing Action Plan - Student and teacher discuss their responsibilities

During the Conference Student Work Examining Student Work - Student shows work and reflections from portfolio/data folder to demonstrate his/her progress toward achieving goals

During the Conference Debriefing Evaluating the Conference Process - The teacher, parent, and student discuss and comment on the conference process

Worksheet K Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

After the Conference Student sends thank you letter to parent Student completes reflection survey Parent questionnaire & evaluation

Student Reflection Survey After the Conference Student Reflection Survey What did you like about the student led conference? How did you feel during the conference? What didn’t you like about the conference? If you could change the conference to make it better, what would you do? Worksheet- L Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

After the Conference Parent Questionnaire Which conference (traditional or student led) gave you a better appreciation of… What your child was learning? What your child studied in class? Your child’s study habits such as finishing assignments and handing work in on time?

After the Conference Parent Questionnaire Which conference format did you prefer? Why? What are the benefits of student led conferences? What are the disadvantages of student led conferences? What more would you like to learn in the conference?

Worksheet M Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

Worksheet N Original Source: Implementing Student-Led Conferences, 2001 (Experts In Assessment Series) by Jane M. Bailey (Author), Thomas R. Guskey (Author). (Permission to use obtained and on file.)

CHALLENGES First time jitters Uncertainty of sharing control with students (not used to it) Need to adopt a student-centered philosophy (paradigm shift) Organizing the logistics of conferences Responding to families who don’t participate

Planning For Quality -Using the Lotus Diagram Using the Diagram, start planning for student-led conferences (each table is assigned 1 of 8 components) In groups, list the key elements of the student-led conference component your group was assigned List steps, ideas and ways you will begin to implement each component around the outer boxes of the lotus diagram Worksheet 0

Lotus Diagram Student-Led Conferences #8 Student Data Folder #1 Goal Setting With Students #2 Activities Before The Conference #7 Benefits Of Student-Led Conferences Student-Led Conferences #3 Activities During The Conference #6 Format & Types Of Conferences #5 Roles Of Participants #4 Activities After The Conference

What is your plan to implement student-led conferences? Journal Writing… What is your plan to implement student-led conferences? Worksheet R