Part of my position at Sentinel High School includes implementing what is called student-led conferences. Student-led conferences (SLC) are similar to parent-teacher conferences however they differ in that the conference is prepared by the student and led by the student. SLC's are becoming extremely popular all across the nation's schools, however, some teachers are still extremely resistant to the idea of SLC. Take my school for example.
Yesterday, I sat through three different team meetings. Each one led to the same conclusion: teachers dont like SLC and are concerned about compensation and time that SLC costs. Now Missoula County Public Schools has not required parent-teacher conferences since the 1950's and their new superintendent is now requiring conferences again. I tried getting research about both the advantages and disadvantages of SLC. Here are some of the highlights.
1.) We all like to think that our students will talk to parents and teachers when they know they are struggling. However, students are afraid of disappointing and SLC provide a safe environment in which to openly and honestly discuss their schoolwork.
I sat in on a SLC yesterday and was extremely impressed. The girl was a freshman and she prepared for the conference by putting together a portfolio of work (both good and bad), attendence records, behavior records, grades, and goals. Most of the conference went well, but I could sense the tension when it came to talking about grades. Her cheeks became red, tears dwelled in her eyes, and nervous laughter eminated from her throat. She stayed confident and pulled together and told her parents that she had an F in one class and three C's in the others. Not only did she reveal her grades, which most parents should by now know that students will do whatever it takes to hide their grades, but she revealed why. She explained some challenges, strenghts, and strategies for improving grades. Which leads me to my next point.
2.) SLC hold students accountable for the grades. It encourages students to empower their education and become reflective on their skills, abilities, and goals.
This particular student said she would need help from her parents. She wanted them to set aside a family hour to study and work together. She also said she wanted to get a job shadow in a social work office so she could learn more about how to plan for her future.
3.) SLC also allow parents to listen to their students and witness them in a leadership role as students prepare and lead conferences by themselves. While this may cause some tension initially it generally allows parents and students to begin effective communication essentially improving their relationship.
I know we all like to think that our relationship with students is already good, SLC provides again a safe place for parents to express their concern.
There are so many other advantages that I could list but the consesus is SLC conferences are a good thing. It allows parents and students to engage in open and honest dialogue. SLC hold students accountable for their own education and allow students to set goals beyond their classroom. Students are able to develop strategies and reflect on how to be successful--those skills are probably the most essential to becoming successful in college (and it took me a few years to finally understand!)
The disadvantages of SLC were few and far between and could easily be resolved.
1.) Parents dont have time to attend conferences during the day. I read so many blogs that were written by complaining parents saying they cant make time in their work week to come to SLC. I am sorry to have little sympathy for this one. You decided to have kids, you have to make time for them. However, for those that have unforgiving bosses, SLC can be held in the morning before most work hours start, in the afternoon, of maybe depending on some teachers flexibility on evenings and weekends.
2.) Teachers complain about not having enough time. I sat in on a team meeting and all of the teachers agreed that they were maxed out and didnt have time to implement SLC. SLC require that students do most of the preparing. Each conferences takes 20 minutes and teachers are already given PIR days for exactly this purpose. In some schools, teachers held conferences after noon on a Monday and were given Friday off in exchange.
3.) Some complain the SLC take away time from the students learning in classes and preparation for standards-based tests. After a few years of participating in SLC students will be more effective learners performing better on tests than they would have just learning in class. SLC require strategy, goal setting, and reflection, skills often forgotten in the classroom.
The bottom-line, which may be harsh, is that those in opposition to SLC are more concerned about their self interest. What about the needs of the students? If SLC are really more effective for students than do them, we are educators and parents and our students interest must be put before ours.
***I sat through several staff meetings where that was the bottom line. Teachers were concerned about pay and time. I always grew up believing that teaching is a selfless profession and that there will always be sacrafices to be made. It appears however that some teachers dont feel this way. The longterm goal is common: we all want our students to succeed. If this a more effective means of doing so, then worry about compensation later.
