random photos of KCKPS student(s)
random photos of KCKPS student(s)
random photos of KCKPS student(s)

Family Advocate System (FAS)


Rethinking Parent Conferences

It's time to rethink end of semester conferences for those students who need support. In redesigning what is done, the objectives are to

  • counter tendencies for students and parents to see the reported grades as a reason to give up.
  • enhance student, parent, and staff motivation to do better.

This requires a process that

  • avoids blaming, defensiveness, anger, frustration.
  • emphasis mutual respect, sharing, and interchange (talking with, not at; discussing, not telling).
  • involves students and parents in enhancing the understanding of everyone concerned about what can be done to make things better and in planning how to get from here to there .

One New Strategy: Student Led Conferences

Many schools are recognizing the counterproductive impact of their interactions with parents of students who are not doing well. Student-led conferences are an emerging strategy some schools are using in hopes of addressing the problem. Such student-led meetings can be an effective strategy for engaging parents related to counseling, intervention programs, planning for supplementary services, etc. There is a good deal of information on student-led conferences.

Sample Letter:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The students will be holding student-led conferences. These conferences will provide an opportunity for your students to reflect upon their successes during the year and to provide you with examples of what they have learned in each of the academic areas. We emphasize that these are student-led conferences and the teachers will be attending as observers, but not as active participants.

The students will be scheduling these conferences during school hours, or immediately after school, arranging for any necessary equipment and refreshments, preparing formal invitations, and conducting the meetings. We view this as an extremely positive opportunity for these students to emphasize their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and, with you in attendance, plan for their approach to the next semester. Please make every effort to be part of this conference. This is an opportunity to open up or improve lines of communication with your students about their education. We strongly encourage you to be a positive part of this conferencing process.

While specific dates and times are not yet established, it would assist us greatly if you could acknowledge your willingness and availability for this unique process. Please return the bottom portion of this letter.

Thank you,

(Please check appropriate response)

_____ I am interested and willing to attend the student-led conference.

_____ I am not interested in attending the student-led conference.

_______________________________________________
(Student's First and Last Name)

_______________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian Signature)

________________________
(Date)

Student-Led Conference AGENDA

  1. Meet and greet parents/guardians at the door; escort them to their seat; hold chair as appropriate.
  2. Ask parents/guardians if they would like refreshments; serve refreshments.
  3. Review the conduct of the conference and the Agenda with parents/guardians; request that questions be held until the completion of the conference.
  4. Present and discuss the Conference Portfolio; identify each of the selected projects from each of the academic areas.
  5. Present and discuss the "How I See Myself" evaluation form.
  6. Ask parents/guardians if they have any questions/comments; present Conference Portfolio to them.
  7. Excuse and thank parents/guardians for their attendance; escort them to the door.

Student-Led Conference Checklist

Check off, or get a peer or teacher to check off as appropriate, as you complete each requirement. This will insure that nothing is forgotten or overlooked:

Prior To The Student-Led Conference:

  • Make certain that parent/guardian has returned Parent Interest Letter.
  • Make certain that parent/guardian has returned Scheduling Letter.
  • Retrieve at least two (2) portfolio items from each academic area.
  • Complete at least one (1) Work Evaluation form in each academic area.
  • Complete "How I See Myself" self-evaluation form.
  • Review teacher-provided Conference Agenda.
  • Create and mail formal Parent/Guardian Invitation Letter.
  • Complete instruction in manners, courtesy and etiquette.
  • Create, arrange for, or provide refreshments for the actual conference.
  • Complete rehearsals for actual conference.

Conducting the Student-Led Conference:

  • Check arrangement of materials and room prior to conference.
  • Meet, greet and seat parents/guardians.
  • Offer and serve refreshments.
  • Review Conference Agenda with parents/guardians.
  • Present and discuss Conference Portfolio.
  • Present and discuss "How I See Myself" form.
  • Ask parents for questions or comments.
  • Excuse and thank parents/guardians for attendance.

After The Student-Led Conference: (1) Complete Post Conference Student Reflection form; (2) Complete and mail formal Thank You note to parents/guardians; (3) Submit completed Student-Led Conference checklist to teacher.

How Do I See Myself?

Give yourself a:
1 for NEVER, 2 for SELDOM, 3 for FREQUENTLY, or 4 for ALWAYS

Quality Producer

  • I work successfully as a team member.
  • I produce quality projects, assignments or performances.
  • I use materials effectively and appropriately.
  • I meet due dates/deadlines.
  • I go above and beyond.

Effective Communicator

  • I effectively communicate thoughts and ideas.
  • I make positive contributions to lessons/discussions.
  • I deal with problems, arguments or fights in a positive way.

Life-Long Learner

  • I know who to ask for help and information.
  • I know how to find and use a variety of resources.
  • I am flexible and creative when necessary.

Responsible Citizen

  • I demonstrate personal responsibly for attitude, actions, words and work.
  • I follow rules and directions.
  • I make a positive contribution to the classroom and community.
  • I demonstrate respect and understanding for myself and others.

Perceptive Thinker

  • I demonstrate knowledge and interest in the world and current events.
  • I use knowledge and creativity to solve problems.
  • I think beyond the obvious.

Self-Directed Individual

  • I show maturity and responsibility by making healthy, safe and wise choices.
  • I set goals and follow through with them.
  • I start work, stay on task and complete the assignment without being reminded or prompted.

Student-Led Conference Evaluation Form

  1. I used an introduction
  2. I provided relevant background information and sources.
  3. I supported my interpretation or position by providing examples, evidence, quotations, personal experience.
  4. I explained how my examples or other evidence support my claims by using words such as: shows, demonstrates, proves, supports, or illustrates.
  5. My supporting evidence provided the main part of my presentation.
  6. A part where I needed more information or I needed to use more examples or evidence is ...
  7. Other revisions or changes I might make if I could do the conference over ...

Other Post Conference Student Reflections

  1. My conference went well because ...
  2. The best part about my conference was ...
  3. One of the difficult things about my conference was ...
  4. For my next conference, I need to remember to ...
  5. One of the positive things that I feel I have learned during the conference process was ...
  6. One of the positive things that I feel my parents/guardians learned about me was ...

— American Student Achievement Institute

back to top