Do Student-led Conferences happen with students' classroom teachers or their advisors?
Great question! In many schools with strong advisory programs the conferences happen with the advisor twice a year. In some schools the fall conference is the traditional classroom teacher-parent conference (where students attend and are an integral part of the process, but don't lead the conference) and the spring round of conferences is a student-led format where they present the work they have been doing all year.
What if parents want to have a conference with a particular teacher, perhaps without their student present?
It is important to remember that Student-led Conferences doesn't stop parents from having a conference with any teacher at any time. IT has always been policy that if a parent requests a conference with a teacher whether it is during the standard conference times or in the middle or the year, teachers will always accommodate (and welcome) the opportunity to discuss their students' learning with a parent.
What are the benefits of Student-led Conferences?
First and foremost you are putting the students at the center of their learning. They have to be responsible for reporting on their progress which means they will have had to reflect and analyze their learning prior to sharing it with their parents.
Students are also at the table if parents have any questions about their learning.
When an improvement plan is made for the student they are part of the conversation.
Student-led Conferences get students and parents talking about learning, not just grades.
When students practice this year after year, they become skilled at discussing their strengths and challenges and what kind of learner they are. These are all the kinds of things they will be asked in future college and job interviews.
How do students prepare for Student-led Conferences?
This is a critical step in the success of these conferences. The essential steps are:
Students develop goals for their learning.
Students archive work that will demonstrate their proficiency in skill areas, and link that to graduation expectations.
Students put the work into a presentational form, either in a binder or electronically.
Students reflect on that work, and comment not only on their strengths and challenges, but also find evidence for their reflections.
Students reflect on their goals for their learning.
Students develop either adjusted goals or new goals for their learning.
What happens if the student's parents are not proficient in English?
Student-led Parent conferences are even more inclusive of parents who speak a language other than English because their student can now explain their work and translate to the teacher if there are questions. Certainly if you have the resources to have multi-lingual liaisons present, that is optimal, but it is much more of a discussion between the student and the parent, than the parent and the teacher. This is a great way for kids to shine with their parents.
Does it take time away from "content" to prepare for Student-led Conferences?
Absolutely, Student-led conferences take class time to prepare. There is time spent on archiving and reflecting, goal setting and developing presentational skills. As we look at the skills all learners need to develop, these are all at the top of most lists. So even if preparing form Student-led Conferences takes time away from content, this is time well spent!