Each year we have fall conferences and winter conferences. In the past, the first conference was a student/parent/teacher conference and it was mandatory for students to attend. The winter conferences the teacher could request that the student come or not come otherwise the parents made the choice on whether to include their child. I found quickly how much I liked having the student present at the first conference of the year. I made it a student-directed conference that allowed the child and me to discuss the school year and for the parent to observe and contribute as needed. I found that students were held accountable for behavior and growth at school when they attended conferences. I also learned that my students have excellent insight into their own learning and the environment of the classroom when they are given the a safe place to be open and honest with their feelings. Student lead conferences also give children an opportunity to "show off" their learning. I love seeing students explain samples of the work they chose for their portfolio.
This year, we made the first conference optional for students to attend. Giving the final say to the parents. I did send an email encouraging parents to attend with their child so that we could all discuss the year so far. Many parents brought their child but some chose not to. The conferences without the child where different on many levels. I found myself just spewing off a bunch of observations and showing a few samples of students work to backup observations but the conference missed that extra touch that only the student can bring. We couldn't have the same deep conversations because their was only my point-of-view. We couldn't come up with a plan moving forward or set goals.
I am a huge supporter of student-lead conferences. I think it brings a different dynamic to the conference and helps students know exactly where they are at and to take responsibility for their learning. I will add, I understand there is a time and place for parent/teacher conferences. If I ever had any concerns or questions that I didn't want to involve the student in, I would contact the parents well before fall conferences to talk. I have also asked students to step out of conferences the last 5-10 minutes to allow me an opportunity to talk to the parents or for parents to talk to me without the child present.
Let me know what you think about student/parent/teacher conferences.
