Conferencing at Concord-
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.
We believe…
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
Conferencing 101
Specific evidence and actions
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Sharing data in an effective way.
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Facilitating a 2 way conversation with families
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Using work samples/ portfolio for evidence of learning
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How can technology support conferencing?
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Sharing Reading Levels at Conferences
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Work as a team or individual to learn about best practices in personalize your conferencing plan
| Student led conferencing See resources below |
Student Led Conferences
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 sharing or sharing of the learner profile.
- In Winter, students can lead it more.
Please share comments and resources to support your colleagues with conferences.
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