Student-led conferences are designed to:
- give the student the opportunity to showcase skills,
- give students the opportunity reflect upon work with a view to seeking self improvement,
- promoting parent involvement,
- foster a student - teacher dialogue focussed on learning,
Preparing for student led conferences
Early and varied communication and planning are important for successful participation in the student-led conferences.
The school must convey to parents and students that participation in student-led conferences is expected of all students and their parents.
Organization is extremely important in preparing for the conference, for both teachers and students.
Teachers should be involved with and informed of preparations and time lines. They must work with students from the beginning of the school year to prepare them for their student- led conferences. Discussion, role-play, and viewing videotaped conferences are all recommended tools to use with students.
Students should keep their portfolio directory organized, with one folder for each subject. Their electronic portfolio should be constructed according to the portfolio template.
Each student will have a portfolio. The portfolio should include the student's goals for the year, at least one item from each subject per reporting period, and reflections on each item in the portfolio. A section to highlight things such as extra curricular activites is also recommended.
Advisors must be familiar with each students' portfolio and be prepared to respond to parents' questions about the students' work in each subject. Prior to the conference, teachers must prepare a report card for every student in every subject which is then forwarded to the respective advisor.
When everyone is prepared, the student-led conference can be a meaningful dialogue between the student and his/her parent, resulting in an increased awareness for the parent of the academic expectations for his/her child and the level of progress that the student has attained. The student will be more confident in what he or she knows and is expected to know. Well-planned preparation also encourages students to be better organized.
What happens at the student led conference...
- The student is the presenter.
- The parent is the audience.
- The teacher is the timekeeper and facilitator.
- The student begins the conference by opening the table of contents of the electronic portfolio.
- Portfolios should include items such as major assignments, projects, tests and other pieces that showcase the students' work, and should follow the RCI portfolio template.
- The parent asks probing questions of the student to learn more about the student's work.
- During the first half of the conference, the teacher observes and encourages the student to keep focused on the agenda, if necessary.
- During the last half of the conference, the teacher shares report card information and clarifies the parent’s questions.
- Once the student-led conferences are completed in the classroom, the parents are directed to the library to further examine the student's work if they wish.
The Purpose of the Student-Led Conference
The purpose of student-led conferences is to provide you with the opportunity to share with your parents what you are learning in school and to showcase your learning portfolio.
Steps to Student-Led Conferences/Student Responsibilities:
- Throughout the school year, keep your work and assignments organized in your portfolio directory. Regularly scan print assignments. Do not leave this to the last moment when everyone is trying to access the scanners.
- There are a number of formats to choose from in making your portfolio, and you may use the portfolio template to create your electronic portfolio. You need to add content and a reflection for every course you are taking. Use the step by step guide to help you make your portfolio unique!
- Make sure you receive a confirmation time from your advisor, and give it to your parent / guardian.
- During the meetings with your advisor prior to the conference, make sure your folders and and files in your directory are in order.
- Make sure your portfolio is complete - ensure links work properly and that all the documents you need are ready for display. Use the portfolio template as a starting point.
- Think about areas in which you need to improve and areas in which you excel. Be prepared to share this information with your parents.
- Practice showing your portfolio.
- Come to the conference with your parents.
- Use the agenda to help guide you through your student-led conference. Be sure to check off each item on the agenda as you complete it.
After the Conference:
Ask yourself the following:
- What could I do to improve my student-led conference?
- Am I doing the best I can in all my classes?
- Do I need to speak to my advisor about the things I can do to raise a grade or to work on a skill?
Goals of Student-Led Conferences:
- To encourage students to accept responsibility for their learning
- To teach students to evaluate their academic performance
- To engage the parent, the student, and the teacher in honest dialogue
- To increase parent participation at conference time
Before the Conference:
1. Train students on student-led conferencing. The teacher should role play with the student how a student-led conference should be conducted. Ensure that they are familiar with the agenda they are to follow.
2. Give all students time to practice. The more practice they have, the more confident they will be during the conference.
3. Classroom teachers need to provide ample time for students to get portfolios in order before the conference. They should use the portfolio template as their starting point.
4. Advisors are to ensure they have the report cards for each student in their advisor group. Take the time to go over each and every report card. Anticipate questions you may receive from parents and ask the classroom teacher about anything that requires explanation.
5. Ensure you are familiar with the portfolios of each student in your advisor group.
6. The school will notify parents of the conferencing format. The parents should know that their child will be leading the conference.
7. Each group advisor will work with the school office to ensure that there is a completed Time Schedule Form for confirmed conference times.
8. Set up your classroom to facilitate the student-led conferences. Do this well in advance of the conferences:
- Make sure you have adequate access to computers in your classroom for students to share their portfolios. You will likely need access to two in-class units.
- Ensure that equipment is operational. Get help to resolve any technical issues before the conference. Determine if you will need speakers for the computers.
- Set up your room so that there is adequate space between student conference areas within your classroom. Arrange chairs and tables as necessary.
- Post a list of students in your advisor group on the whiteboard outside your classroom.
- Have hard copies of the agenda and other necessary items on hand.
- Take the steps you need to create an environment that is:
Warm
Welcoming
Comfortable
- Make copies of the parent checklist available at the student-led conference
- Familiarize yourself with the teacher checklist. Use this to guide your interactions during the student-led conference.
During the Conference:
- Refer to the Teacher Suggestions for Conference Form. It emphasizes that teachers do not talk!Encourage the student to keep focused on the agenda.
- When you are invited to join the conference, be positive and supportive, emphasizing the things the student has accomplished. Keep focused on the student learning and outcomes.
- Share the report cards with parents. Please note if there is a need for the parent to make an appointment to meet with any other teachers.
- Encourage parents to go to the library to review more of their student’s work after the conference.
After the Conference:
Ask yourself these questions:
- Were my students prepared?
- Was I positive with the parents?
- Did I think the conferences were effective?
- What might I have done differently?
- Was it worth the time and preparation?
The Role of the Parent
What to Expect at Student-Led Conferences:
- At a student-led conference, your child does most of the talking.
- Your child will tell you about the things he or she is working on in class and will lead you through the portfolio.
- Your child will discuss with you his or her progress in each class.
- Your child will discuss with you his or her improvement plan for the upcoming grading period.
- After your child has finished, he or she will invite the teacher-advisor to join you for any further questions that need to be answered.
Before the Conference:
- Make sure you have scheduled a conference time. If you have not heard from the teacher or the school, be sure to contact him/her 24 hours before the conference.
- Arrange for a baby-sitter or some other arrangement to care for younger siblings
- Make a list of questions and concerns.
- Review the Parent Checklist for Student-Led Conferences. It lists steps to follow for a productive and meaningful conference.
On Conference Day:
- Make sure your child comes with you to the conference.
- Arrive on time.
- Take notes during the conference.
- Ask for clarification on things you do not understand.
- If you cannot make the scheduled conference time, please call to reschedule.
After the Conference:
- If you still have questions and concerns, set up an appointment to meet with specific teachers on another date.
- Go to the library to further review your child's portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Led Conferences
1. Can I see all of my child’s teachers?
Your child's advisor will be in attendance. If it is necessary to meet with another teacher, you can schedule an additional appointment.
2. Who is my child's advisor?
Check with your child or ask at the office to find out which advisor group your child is in. There are nine seperate advisor groups at RCI.
3. Why do I need to go if my child is doing well in school?
Student-led conferences benefit all students, whether they are struggling, excelling, or somewhere in between. Because of the many benefits to students, all RCI students are expected to participate.
4. I can’t get time off work. What do I do?
The student-led conference schedule runs during daytime and evening hours. It is important to try to have your conference on the designated day, but you may schedule another day if necessary.
5. What can I do if I find out my child needs help?
Speak to your child's advisor to learn about referral to counselling, resource, or to discuss the ways that your child can get the extra help that might be needed to improve.
