Student-Led Conference

Students as

Presenters

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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 self-evaluations 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.

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

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

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

Why Student-Led Conference?

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 goal-settings 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.

Suggested Questions for Parents during SLCWhat is first on your agenda?Can you tell me more about…?How did you learn…?Can you show me an example?I`ve noticed that you`ve learned…

What did you find challenging about…?What are you working on now?What would you like to learn more?How do you think I could help you in this subject?It makes me proud to see that you…

“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

“Having my child lead the conference has shown me how my child views her learning. I t wa s p o w e r f u l ! ” -Anonomyous Parent

“Teaching students to be reflective about their learning provides them with life skills.”

- Anonomyous teacher

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.

What is my role during the conference?• Be an active listener• Provide positive feedback• Encourage explanation• Ask guiding questions • Write a positive note to your child

How does the conference end? 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.

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.

STUDENT CENTERED

STRENGTH FOCUSED

SELF-ESTEEM

LEARNING GOALS

SELF-ASSESSMENT

PORTFOLIO

Students will follow the agenda to share the following: • 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

The parent/guardian is the second most essential attendee to the Student-Led 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. • The parent/guardian shares any lingering concerns with the crew advisors who will inform the subject teacher. • The parent/guardian helps the student meet his or her academic and behavioral goals by supporting their progress at home.

Student led conferences could help teachers put students on “center stage” and take more responsibility for their academic achievement, self-discipline, and physical well-being. 

Objectives of Student-Led Conferences

Role of the Parent/Guardian

Frequently Asked Questions about SLC

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Phone: 02-571-2917 E-mail: rainbow@rischool.org