Student-let conferences spotlight the most important person in the process: the student! They put the students in charge, holding them responsible and accountable as they present their work to their parents. These conferences benefit all students, whether they are struggling, excelling, or somewhere in between. The 7th grade White Team will involve your child in the conference process and it is therefore necessary that your child is able to attend the conference with you as they present his/her work, goals, and share progress.
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WHEN ARE CONFERENCES?
The following days have been set aside for student-led conferences during the 2016-2017 school year: Thursday October 20 from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, October 21 from 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Conferences will last approximately 20 minutes; please contact the school secretary to schedule a time.
WHY STUDENT-LED?
We believe that student involvement in the conferences makes learning active, provides opportunities for students to evaluate their performance, and encourages students to accept responsibility for their learning. Having students take charge of the conference makes them more accountable for what they are learning. In addition, this form of conferencing creates a partnership between the home and the school that is hard to get in any other way. Both research and experience have demonstrated that student-led conferences offer many benefits including the following:
WHAT DOES A STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE LOOK LIKE?
Prior to the conference, students will collect work that reflects what they have learned. Students will be taught how to select work samples and how to evaluate their work to determine their strengths and weaknesses. This work will usually be assembled in a paper/online portfolio or folder. As the students conduct the conference, they will explain skills they have learned and share goals they have set for themselves.
A block of time will be scheduled for you and your child to conference together. The five teachers will be present and available to answer questions or address student concerns. The student will lead the conference.
As your son or daughter shares his or her work, you may want to ask questions such as:
At the end of the conference, you may be asked to complete a quick survey that will help us evaluate the effectiveness of the conference.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PARENT IN STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
We believe that student-led conferences are an important experience for all students and hope that all parents will be able to participate. Your role is critical to the success of the conference.
Your first role is as a listener. Having a parent audience for learning gives students a powerful reason to learn and work hard.
Your second role as a parent is to talk with the student about the work that will be presented. You will gain a better understanding of the academic expectations set for your child.
Your third role as a parent is to identify ways you can support the student to achieve goals that will be set for the next grading period.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STUDENT DURING STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
Students should be able to communicate effectively and discuss strengths and weaknesses as reflected in their classroom work, and be able to set goals for improving performance during the next academic quarter.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER DURING STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
Teachers have several roles in preparing and conducting student-led conferences. Critical to the success of the conferences are three major activities:
The teacher makes sure that all students are prepared to discuss their academic performance.
The teacher makes sure conference materials are organized and available for students and parents.
The teacher is available during conferences to provide positive support to students and parents.
WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO IF HE OR SHE CANNOT ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?
Student-led conferences can be a very special time for you and your child. Please make yourselves available for these conferences. Schools will try to accommodate parent schedules. However, if it is not possible for you to attend, you may want to ask a grandparent, another relative, or perhaps a family friend to take your place.
WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO IF HE OR SHE WANTS A PRIVATE CONFERENCE WITH THE TEACHER?
If you have specific concerns that you'd like to discuss with all teachers in a more private setting, please contact Don Swearingen, the White Team leader.
The following days have been set aside for student-led conferences during the 2016-2017 school year: Thursday October 20 from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, October 21 from 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Conferences will last approximately 20 minutes; please contact the school secretary to schedule a time.
WHY STUDENT-LED?
We believe that student involvement in the conferences makes learning active, provides opportunities for students to evaluate their performance, and encourages students to accept responsibility for their learning. Having students take charge of the conference makes them more accountable for what they are learning. In addition, this form of conferencing creates a partnership between the home and the school that is hard to get in any other way. Both research and experience have demonstrated that student-led conferences offer many benefits including the following:
- Stronger sense of accountability among students
- stronger sense of pride in achievement among students
- more productive student-teacher relationships
- development of leadership skills among students
- greater parental participation in conferences
- increased teacher focus on standards
WHAT DOES A STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE LOOK LIKE?
Prior to the conference, students will collect work that reflects what they have learned. Students will be taught how to select work samples and how to evaluate their work to determine their strengths and weaknesses. This work will usually be assembled in a paper/online portfolio or folder. As the students conduct the conference, they will explain skills they have learned and share goals they have set for themselves.
A block of time will be scheduled for you and your child to conference together. The five teachers will be present and available to answer questions or address student concerns. The student will lead the conference.
As your son or daughter shares his or her work, you may want to ask questions such as:
- What can you tell me about this assignment?
- What did you have to do to complete this assignment?
- What skills did you have to use?
- What would you do next time to improve your work?
- What goals have you set?
- How can I help you meet your goals?
At the end of the conference, you may be asked to complete a quick survey that will help us evaluate the effectiveness of the conference.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PARENT IN STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
We believe that student-led conferences are an important experience for all students and hope that all parents will be able to participate. Your role is critical to the success of the conference.
Your first role is as a listener. Having a parent audience for learning gives students a powerful reason to learn and work hard.
Your second role as a parent is to talk with the student about the work that will be presented. You will gain a better understanding of the academic expectations set for your child.
Your third role as a parent is to identify ways you can support the student to achieve goals that will be set for the next grading period.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STUDENT DURING STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
Students should be able to communicate effectively and discuss strengths and weaknesses as reflected in their classroom work, and be able to set goals for improving performance during the next academic quarter.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER DURING STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES?
Teachers have several roles in preparing and conducting student-led conferences. Critical to the success of the conferences are three major activities:
The teacher makes sure that all students are prepared to discuss their academic performance.
The teacher makes sure conference materials are organized and available for students and parents.
The teacher is available during conferences to provide positive support to students and parents.
WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO IF HE OR SHE CANNOT ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?
Student-led conferences can be a very special time for you and your child. Please make yourselves available for these conferences. Schools will try to accommodate parent schedules. However, if it is not possible for you to attend, you may want to ask a grandparent, another relative, or perhaps a family friend to take your place.
WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO IF HE OR SHE WANTS A PRIVATE CONFERENCE WITH THE TEACHER?
If you have specific concerns that you'd like to discuss with all teachers in a more private setting, please contact Don Swearingen, the White Team leader.