Perspectives and Resources

Although Student-Led Conferences have a variety of entry points, there are several critical components that all conferences should include. Watch the following video, read the attached article and use the link to answer the questions that follow.

According to the video and the article, name at least five key components of student-led conferences. Once identified, write a letter to your principal explaining student-led conferences and why they may be needed at your school.

To record your response, please click on the "Respond Here" button.

Please take a moment to read more about how student-led conferences are structured as well as the potential barriers that may exist.

Structures of Effective Student-Led Conferences

• Agenda - students know what they’ll share, the amount of time they have to share, and how to facilitate the conference so parents are actively engaged during the conference

• Portfolios - help students reflect on their growth and learning, strengths and weaknesses. Portfolios should be updated regularly and include work that provides evidence of meeting standards, feedback and rubrics

• Teacher - helps students prepare for the conference

• Learning Targets- students show evidence of meeting learning targets, which are based on state standards, through work samples.

Evaluating Barriers of Student-Led Conferences

Schools often have difficulty engaging families in school events and activities for various reasons. While there is evidence suggesting that conducting student-led conferences can be beneficial to student achievement, student growth and increasing family engagement, there are several barriers that can keep it from becoming common practice in schools (Ott, 2018). This part of the learning module will look at some of those factors identified by some authors as barriers to student-led conferences. Kelly Ott (2018) listed changing roles, time constraints, educator support, and student motivation as barriers for student-led conferences. Each barrier will be briefly described and possible solutions explored.

Top Barriers and Solutions Student-Led Conferences

Changing Roles: Loss of Control

Teachers moving into a facilitator role instead of a leading role can be difficult for some teachers. Many educators find it hard to let go of control. Teachers can’t be sure what the student will say during the conference. Teachers will still have the opportunity to present data, information, set goals and make recommendations for student success and growth during other parent conferences.

Time Constraints and Transportation

Many teachers stress over not having enough time to prepare for student-led conferences. Why reinvent the wheel, when using already created materials and resources will save time and energy. Training, preparing and practicing with students to lead the conference will ultimately cause them to be more comfortable and independent thus freeing up time for other areas of preparation.

Parents with jobs may find it difficult to attend school functions and for others transportation to school events might be a concern. Holding conferences during a time that is convenient for parents and being creative when it comes to overcoming barriers such as transportation, child-care and scheduling conflicts.

Administrator and Educator Support

No one else at my school wants to try it! Implementing change is never easy, especially when it is not a collaborative effort. Some resist change because it’s not part of their normal routine, while others resist because of fear or because they didn’t think of it. Regardless of the reason for the resistance, student-led conferences coils serve as the catalyst for improving and increasing family engagement school-wide. Implement student-led conferences anyway, do not let the lack of support from school personnel deter efforts to do what’s best for students.

Student Motivation

When students are placed in charge of programs, such as student conferences, family and community nights, or other school related activities, they develop a sense of ownership and take responsibility for their success. Putting students in leadership roles creates an atmosphere of excitement about participating. This new attitude towards school will transfer to their parents, causing their involvement to increase (Kinney, n.d.).

What is the impact of implementing student-led conferences on the school community and overall school structure?

Take a moment to read an article, watch a video, and respond to a few reflection questions.

Read

4 Ways Student-Led Conferences Can Impact Your School

Watch

Schoolwide Structures for Student-Led Conferences

Respond

Google Forms Responses & Activity

Resources For Student-Led Conferences

1. Student-Led Conferences: Resources for Educators: Student-Led Conferences: Resources for Educators | Edutopia

2. General Student-Led Conferences Resources: General Student-Led Conferences Resources | EL Education

3. Student-Led Conference Resources / Student-Led Conference Example Video (cabarrus.k12.nc.us)

4. Student-Led Conferences: Student-Led Conferences | Scholastic

5. How To Run A Successful Student--Led Conference: How To Run A Successful Student Led Conference | 3P Learning

6. Kampen, M. (2020). Prodigy: 4-Ways Student-Led Conferences Can Impact Your School.

7. Schoolwide Structures for Student-Led Conferences: Vimeo EL Education Video