Student Protocol for Conference
“Welcome, mom, dad, grandma (whoever is there), this is my advisor _____________.”
1. (Introduction to your conference)
“This is a conference about my learning. I will tell you about what I have learned this year in school this semester/year. Then, if you have any questions, I will answer your questions. After that if you have any questions for my teacher he/she will answer them. Finally we will decide if I need to make a plan to be more successful. Is the format clear? Let’s begin.”
2. You present your learning via your portfolio and personalized learning plan.
3. (After presenting your learning)
“Do you have any questions?”
4. (After you have answered their questions)
“Do you have any questions for my teacher?”
5. (If you decide to discuss next steps)
“I think the best way for me to improve is……”
6. (Finishing your conference)
Thank you for taking the time to understand my learning.
Modifying the Protocol: Clearly this is a suggested protocol. Depending on the level of English or the age of the students, you may want to modify the format and language in the protocol. The purpose is that the student demonstrates to their parents/family members that they are in charge of the conference. Some students may be fine with their audience asking questions throughout the conference, some may get too distracted and ask them to hold questions until the end. When they practice in “mock conferences” they will determine which format works best for them.
What kind of Work Presented: Once they begin, how their information unfolds is really up to you and your planning process. They may show best work, or work that reflects specific proficiencies, standards, favorite work, most challenging work or a combination of all of the above. That part of the protocol will be determined by what you have asked them to prepare in their personalized learning plan. It is suggested that they discuss not only the work they have produced, but also their strengths, challenges and goals fro improving their work.
Demonstrating the Work: If your students have either a hard-copy or electronic portfolio of work, that should be easily accessible for the conference. If not, students should have access to a folder of their work (preferably held in the classroom, so they can’t forget it) so they can demonstrate the evidence that supports their reflection on their work.
Note: there is detailed information in Chapter 4 about personalized learning plans and portfolios.