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Student-Led Conference
as s t n e d Stu
What is a Student-Led Conference? Student-Led conferences are preplanned meetings that are run by students. The Student-Led Conference (SLC) provides students with the opportunity to show what and how they are learning. During the conference, students explain their progress toward and mastery of both academic (content/skill) and character (habits of work and learning) learning targets. Students justify their progress by leading their families through a portfolio of assignments pulled from subjects. Students justify quarter grades in each subject by referencing specific assignments that show their mastery of learning targets. Students also complete selfevaluations of their performance in each subject and share them with their families. Students are held accountable for their progress when they explain areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. The tone of the conference is positive with a focus on what can be done to ensure success as opposed to what has been done poorly.
Why Student-Led Conference? Student Benefits
• Accountability for their learning
• Students learn to evaluate their own progress • Builds self-confidence and self-esteem • Encourages student/parent communication • Builds communication and critical thinking skills
Teacher Benefits
• Less stress on teachers, very relaxed atmosphere • Less confrontational (more positive) • Places responsibility on the student and parent • Increased parent participation • An opportunity to see students in a leadership role
Parent Benefits
• Increases the amount of information given to the parents • Learn more about their student`s learning and skills • An opportunity to help their student set positive goals • Active participant in their student`s learning
s r e t n e Pres Suggested Questions for Parents during SLC What is first on your agenda?
What did you find challenging about…?
Can you tell me more about…?
What are you working on now?
How did you learn…?
What would you like to learn more?
Can you show me an example?
How do you think I couldhelp you in this subject?
I`ve noticed that you`ve learned… “You can do great work throughout the year, and the conference lets you show your parents what you’ve learned and how you have improved.” - Anonomyous Student
It makes me proud to see that you… “Having my child lead the conference has shown me how my child views her learning. It was powerful!” -Anonomyous Parent
“Teaching students to be reflective about their learning provides them with life skills.” - Anonomyous teacher
What is a Portfolio? A portfolio is an ongoing collection of work samples (evidence) that will reflect student learning. These work samples should present a clear picture of the process developed to meet the learner goals. The samples in a portfolio can reflect student`s ideas interests, talents, and achievements. Included in a portfolio might have student`s self-assessments and goalsettings as well as a reflection on what the student is experiencing as he/she works toward the goals. The student and teacher will have a designed action plan that will aid in the meeting of the goals.
Objectives of Student-Led Conferences To increase student accountability and autonomy concerning academics and their habits of work and learning (HOWLS). • To hone student verbal communication and critical thinking skills. • To emphasize RIS’s student centered philosophy. • To build open relationships with families concerning student progress at RIS • To help students meet speaking standards. • To teach students how to persuade by substantiating claims with evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about SLC Will the teacher be part of the conference? Yes, the teacher will be present at the conference but the student will lead the conference.
Where will the conference be held? The conference will be held in your child`s classroom.
How will I know what to do during the conference? Follow the child’s lead.
Role of the Parent/Guardian
What is my role during the conference?
The parent/guardian is the second most essential attendee to the StudentLed Conference and should be briefed about the format and objectives of the SLC so that the conference runs smoothly. • The parent must be willing to let the student speak, saving questions until the end. • The parent/guardian arrives on time.
• Be an active listener • Provide positive feedback • Encourage explanation • Ask guiding questions • Write a positive note to your child
How does the conference end?
• The parent/guardian shares any lingering concerns with the crew advisors who will inform the subject teacher.
Your child will end the conference when he/she is finished showing his/her work. Sometimes parents and students take a moment to reflect on the experience.
• The parent/guardian helps the student meet his or her academic and behavioral goals by supporting their progress at home.
Students will follow the agenda to share the following:
STUDENT CENTERED
Student led conferences could help teachers put students on “center
stage” and take more responsibility
for their academic achievement, selfdiscipline, and physical well-being.
STRENGTH FOCUSED SELF-ESTEEM
• • • • • • •
A portfolio of the student work Work Samples Learner Goals Evidence of growth made toward goal achievement Self-assessment by student Reflection on strengths and improvement area Steps/Plans to follow in moving toward learner goals
LEARNING GOALS SELF-ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIO
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