Promising Practices

Covington Holmes Junior High School

Student Led Conferences

Student-led conferences are an alternative model for traditional parent-teacher conferences designed to increase parent involvement and student achievement. Instead of the teacher conducting the conference, in this model students present a progress report and examples of their work to their parent/s. The teacher is present, but as an observer. This model encourages students to take stock of their academic progress and pride in their achievements. In addition, parents are more willing to participate because the request is coming from the child, not the school.

This project was organized by a parent who developed the idea as part of her participation in training offered by the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership. She developed the project in collaboration with the administration, and the assistant principal assisted in implementation.

Prior to the conference, students prepare a 20-minute presentation of selected work from each of their core subject areas. For each subject, students are asked to present information on the learning objectives, what they did, what they learned, and objectives for the next quarter. Teachers help them to define what they are doing well, as well as targeting areas for improvement. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, students are asked to state specific ways that they can improve their performance, so the focus stays positive rather than punitive. Students also role-play hypothetical issues in the classroom, increasing their ability to effectively handle tough questions. Parents* are asked to schedule a specific time for the conference, which takes place at the same time as traditional parent-teacher conferences. The child presents his/her work to the parent at the scheduled time, completing a checklist of topics signed by the parent at the conclusion of the conference. Teachers are present as resources, but the students are in charge. Teachers act as silent observers unless asked a specific question (or if they hear misrepresentations by the child). Depending on the size and layout of the teacher's classroom, as many as five conferences may run simultaneously.

Training is minimal. A short presentation is made to the teachers outlining the goals and objectives, and they are provided with printed materials and sample forms to be used in preparation for the conferences. From then on, communications are handled via e-mail.

This program was conducted on a volunteer basis twice during the 2002-03 school year. Junior high teachers were asked to participate, but it was not required. During the first semester, 6 teachers participated. Parent attendance increased from an average of 20% in non-participating classrooms to an average of 45% in participating rooms. During the second semester, 10 teachers volunteered for the conferences, and parent attendance increased to an average of 78% in participating classrooms vs. the 20% average in non-participating rooms.

NOTE: This program was so successful that the principal intends to make it mandatory for all teachers in 2003-04.

Costs are minimal, with the total project around $600 per semester. Teachers who volunteered and completed the conferences received a $50 gift certificate, and refreshments were provided the night of the conference. Participating students received an out-of-uniform day and were entered in a drawing for one of four additional gift certificates.

Standards and Indicators for Success:

• Primary Indicator: Increase in percentage of parent attendance at conferences.
  
  
• Secondary Indicator: Improvement in academic performance of participating students.
  
  

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