Involving students voice in conferencing-
Conferences
Conferences are an important time to connect with families. We are fortunate at Concord with the supportive and involved families we have. As I spend time conferencing you I am impressed how well you know your students, have data to share, and how we are our student's biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach.
Fall conferences for all staff 10/12 4:15-7:15 (All conferences must be completed between Oct 1st and Nov 22nd). Staff must submit to Danielle/Susie their conference plan to complete their additional 5 conference hours no later than 11/22. Staff may use 11/22 to complete additional 5 hours. If staff complete all conference hours prior to 11/22 it is a comp day. Teachers are encouraged to plan ahead with special ed teachers, related providers, learning specialists for the shared conference night on 10/12 or at a mutually agreed time.
Spring Conferences for all staff Feb 27 4:15-7:15 (all conferences completed between Feb 1st-March 2nd). 5 additional conferences hour plan submitted to office with the option of completing on March 2 or if completed using it as a comp day
Here are some tips:
- Send a questionnaire home to get a focus for parent concerns.
- Getting students involved is important so they are owning their learning. See information on student-led conferences below.
- Take the "sandwich" approach. I start with something positive, continue with the things that the child needs to work on, and I finish with something positive.
- Ask families what do their children need.
- Plan the essential things you want to share. Strengths and an area to work on. Essential data and work samples.
- Listen to parents concerns and have a 2-way conversation.
- Don't talk down to parents. Be honest and truthful. Try to speak in the positive, not always negative. Offer positive ways to help a struggling child
- Don't diagnose students. Describe areas of difficulties and accommodations you are doing to support them.
- Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your child
- Get support from Susie, Michele, or Tiffany as needed! Please let us know if you would like us to attend the conferences.
Resources for Conferences.
How can I infuse student choice and voice in conferencing? Student-Led Conferencing
What is it?
Student’s moment to share his or her reflections on achievements and challenges.
What are the benefits?
- Parent attendance is high
- Students take responsibility for own learning
- Promotes reflection
- Students communicate what they are learning
- Goal setting- You may use MAP Goal setting and think of specific actions to help.
What are the disadvantages?
- What do you do with un-involved families?
- Need straight talk with teacher
What are the different jobs?
- Student is the leader
- Teacher is the facilitator
- Family is an active participant
What do I do?
Before
- Send families a questionnaire to gather input.
- Gather artifacts in a portfolio and reflect on what they are proud of and possible areas to grow.
- Reflect weekly on artifacts.
- Choose your top 3-4 pieces of work.
- Practice as a class and with older students or other staff members on how to lead the conference.
- Plan 2 specific talking points for families. Think of a praise and an area for growth.
During
- Support and coach
- Involve families in the conference.
After
- Celebrate student ownership.
- Reflect on areas for improvement.
Take a look at an example of a student-led conference:
What different formats?
- 1 on 1 student led conferences
- Stations where you are at one and you have 3 families at a time rotating with a timer.
1. Math games
2. Reading/ Writing goals
3. Portfolio sharing with teacher.
Resources
How could it evolve?
I would start small in the Fall with a short reflection.
In Winter, students can lead it more.
Please share comments and resources to support your colleagues with conferences.
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