Student Led Conference - Elementary
ELEMENTARY
What is a Student Led Conference?
The Rationale
Student-Led Conferences is a researched based practice used in many progressive schools as a means of supporting the goal of improved student learning. Over the years, many ASFM teachers have used this strategy with highly positive results, yet this is the first time that all students in grades Kinder- 5, will be involved in some form of SLC.
SLC’s allow students to be accountable for their learning, and to take ownership and pride in what they have accomplished. The opportunity to 'show' their learning and take responsibility for necessary changes towards improvement, results in improved performance on the part of the student. SLC’s also provide students with the opportunity to practice deep reflection, realistic goal setting, and effective communication skills.
What SLC Will Look Like
Student Led Conferences can assume various forms, but the common factor is the presence and the active participation of the student during the conference. The students' job could simply be to prepare a reflection on the learning, then share this reflection with their parents during the conference.
SLCs could also be designed so that the students escort their parents around the room to a variety of learning stations. At each station, the students demonstrate their learning through a performance-based activity. SLC’s may also look like a three-way meeting with a portfolio in which work across the trimester will be shared.
One of the stations visited will involve a conversation with the classroom teacher. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discuss Report Card results, ask questions, and set goals with a focus on improvement.
Some Specialist Teachers will share a video of their class to give you an opportunity to get a glimpse of the type of activities that your child has been involved in this Trimester.
Spanish teachers will participate in the classroom activities by showcasing work at one of the stations.
In every case, the end result for you, is an enriched and expanded view of your child’s learning and progress, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding your child’s school experience.
How Will This Work?
Each section involved in SLC will have one full day dedicated to conferencing to enable all students and their parents to participate. You will receive the appointment time for your parent conference, if you have a child in Nursery or PreKinder, and Student Led Conference if you have children in grades Kinder-5.
