Student Led Conferences

What are Student Led Conferences? 

During Student-Led Conferences, students run the conferences; informing their parents about how they're doing, what their goals are going forward, and what kind of learners they are.  Student-led conferences promote a school culture of engagement and growth and ask students to play an active role in planning their own learning.  Student-led conferences encourage students to think critically about their own abilities and achievements, and help students develop skills they’ll use long after they’ve finished school.

A student-led conference is similar to a parent-teacher conference, but the student is present and in charge of leading the discussion.  They allow students to be a part of the conversation about their academic and social goals, and are an opportunity to discuss how the teacher and parents can help the student succeed.

The teacher acts as a facilitator for the discussion

The student presents their work and guides the discussion

The parents listen and speak with their child about his or her academic and social progress and needs

Benefits of Student Led Conferences

"…this practice is the biggest breakthrough in communicating about student achievement in the last century.  When students are well prepared over an extended period to tell the story of their own success (or lack thereof), they seem to experience a fundamental shift in their internal sense of responsibility for that success. The pride in accomplishment that students feel when they have a positive story to tell and tell it well can be immensely motivational. The sense of personal responsibility that they feel when anticipating what it will be like to face the music of having to tell their story of poor achievement can also drive them to productive work."  -Rich Stiggins

Increased parental involvement:  During student-led conferences, parents become active listeners and learn how they can support their children’s learning at home. Parents enjoy seeing their children succeed, and student-led conferences naturally highlight student success.

Boosted student confidence and engagement:  Responsibility, self-reflection, goal-setting and leadership skills.  Student-led conferences can reframe the learning experience and get children invested in their own learning. Even struggling students can find something they’re proud of to show, and it gives every child a view of their learning progress.

A better picture of student achievement:  When students are included in the conversation, they understand they need to be actively involved in their own academic and social progress.
 

Student Responsibilities: 

Students have been assigned to create an authentic representation of themslves to share with their family at conferences. The student will be responsible for leading the conference, with a facilitator’s support. Students will have time in Advisory to work on their presentation. Some of the presentation will probably need to be completed at home.  This work is required, and will count for credit in Advisory.

Students have been aske to:

• Create an authentic representation of yourself to share with your family at conferences.  
• You must include both high school courses, and any special programs (CTC, Dual Enrollment, Early College, etc.) if applicable. 
• Share the presentation with your Advisory teacher PRIOR to your scheduled conference.  
• Teachers may provide Advisory time to work on your presentation, but you may have to spend time finishing it at home. 
• Remember, YOU will be responsible for leading your conference with a teacher’s support.   Be prepared! 

Role of Parents/Guardians

Know that students have been working very hard to prepare for this event. He or she has selected work samples, analyzed his or her strengths and weaknesses as a learner, and set possible goals for the remainder of the school year.  Please come to this conference prepared to listen, acknowledge his or her effort and growth, and ask questions of your child.  If you are unable to attend, your child may present to another adult of your choosing (for example- an older sibling, extended family member, or other trusted adult). 

The Teacher assigned to facilitate your student's conference will contact you soon with a code to schedule a time for the meeting.  Use this code when you register to specify your conference. Please go to www.ptcfast.com/parentlogin.php, where you will enter the code.