This blog is meant to create a central location for documents and to promote professional learning at Concord Elementary School. We are BETTER TOGETHER when we learn from the professionals we work with. If you would like something added to the blog, please email it to paul.domer@edinaschools.org
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.
Conferences are an important time to communicate with families and strengthen the partnership between home and school. The flexible times provide families with access before and after school and into the evenings. We will encourage student- led conferencing. Teachers have flexibility in how they communicate with families. (In-person conference, Office Hours, Phone conference, Email correspondence) We will ensure we provide multiple opportunities and communication with a goal of 100% connections with families.
Common Conference Time
We will prioritize common conference time for students that see interventionists, need principal support, special education, and for families with multiple students.
Fall
Thurs. Oct. 11 Conferences 3-7 4 hours (Lifetouch photos as from 2:30-8pm)
Spring
Fri. March 1 Conferences 8- 12- 4 hours (12-4 Professional Development)
Teachers need to document 16 total hours for conference time with families.
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.
Personalized Learning about Conferences with your Team
On Tuesday Sept. 11, we will explore all of the student supports for our students. We will continue on the 25th as well. Here is our presentation entitled Student Supports. Please think of our learning targets and add questions in the comments below! Learning Targets:
I know our School-wide Tier 2 Interventions
I know the PST Process to support my student’s needs.
I know the eligibility criteria for ADSIS, Advanced Academics, Young Scholars, and Special education.
I understand my job as the classroom teacher to support student needs.
I want to thank you for a great first day. I am amazed by the commitment to build relationships with your students and their families. This has a huge impact on student learning. Hattie says positive student- teacher relationships has a .52 positive effect on learning. Thank you to everyone who helped with busses, students finding classes, and all students using their new lunch numbers which are student ID's!
It is building the Learner Profile. Check out examples and try one.
Here is an article entitled What to do in week one by Rick Wormeli. Here is some inspiration for loving all of our students and seeing that every child belongs in your classroom and at Concord. Every Child Belongs by Laurie Levy
