Implementing Student-Led Conferences Taft Middle School Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Preparing for Conferences Student work is collected in each class for several weeks prior to conferences. Family letters are sent home two weeks prior to the scheduled conference dates so that alternative conference times can be scheduled if necessary.

Family Letter

One Week Before Conferences: Students select one or two “best” examples of work to be shared from each subject area. Work is combined in a “conference folder.” (file folder) Students complete the grade and personal reflection page and put it in the conference folder.

Grade and Personal Reflection Page

One Week Before Conferences Students practice introductions and conference procedures through peer and teacher role plays. Students complete goals and work habits checklist and place in conference folder.

Goals and Personal Work Habits Page

Day Before Conferences Teachers review conference procedures. Reminder notes are sent to parents.

Reminder Letter

Day of Conferences Students arrive and introduce family member to available teachers Students then pick up conference folder, conference checklist, and all needed materials (e.g., journals, CI folders, etc.) Students find open table to hold conference.

During the Conference Teachers DO NOT intervene, sit in, or make comments. Resist the urge- this is not YOUR conference! Student will talk through the conference using his/her conference checklist.

Conference Checklist

Before Conference Ends Designated teacher “checks in” to answer any parent questions or defers to another teacher if needed. Parent is given paper, pencil and envelope to write a letter of support to the child. (Teachers gather letters to distribute to students the following week.)

Before Conference Ends While parent writes letter of support, the student completes his/her self-evaluation and returns all materials to designated areas (e.g. CI folders to crates, journals to buckets, etc.)

After Conference Day Reschedule any conferences necessary. Distribute parent support letters to students. Continue to remind students of goals established for the proceeding quarters.

Day After Conferences Celebrate successful student conferences!