Historically, parent-teacher conferences involve parents coming each semester to schools and listening to individual teachers talk about how a child is performing academically and socially in the class.
Once a year, Parsons Middle School and High School put a twist on that concept, incorporating student-led conferences in the Spring semester.
This is the third year that PHS and the middle school have conducted student-led conferences, PHS teacher Kylie Lucas said, and the practice has gained in popularity.
“I think the reputation of conferences, going back to when I was in school in the 1980's, has been that teachers approached (conferences) as an opportunity to complain to parents about student behavior. In doing conferences this new way, behavior is a much smaller part of the evenings,” PHS teacher Tracey Elliott said. “Teachers are listeners and observers, but not in charge of the meeting between students and the adults in their lives. I have never taught anywhere where we did something like this, and I think it is powerful.”
During student-led conferences, students engage with their family as they take responsibility for their academic record, assess their progress, examine their strengths and weaknesses, talents and skills, examine attendance, and discuss their goals for the future.
The objectives include improving communication and critical thinking skills, building relationships, encouraging responsibility, and providing opportunities, Lucas said. Advisory teachers guide the students through the conference process and help the students prepare, but the responsibility of conveying information to parents and families rests on the students.
“I love student led conferences. I’ve found that it gives students a point of pride sharing their personality profiles, grades, and goals to their families,” middle school teacher Shannon Millar said. “Taking responsibility for one’s learning is certainly something we work on at Parsons Middle School.”
A student led conference is a piece of the student’s individual plan of study (IPS), which all students are required to have beginning in middle school. The Kansas Department of Education explains that IPS’s are essentially a roadmap, helping students plan and meet with success in achieving their goals as they transition from high school.
Across the nation, the percentage of parents in attendance at regular parent-teacher conferences often dwindles the older students get. However, USD 503 has found that percentage increases when parents attend a conference led by their own child.
“I think parents and guardians are much more willing to attend conferences when the students are in charge of presenting to their important adult(s). It makes conferences much more positive, and shows how teachers are also advisors, almost like a college advisor, to help students identify strengths and weaknesses, and personality traits,” Elliot said. “We are helping students to see graduation, not as an end, but as the path to their adult selves, with grown up jobs and careers.”
Sixth grade is the first year for students to participate in the student-led conferences.
A few students are happy to talk about themselves in front of a small audience, but PHS teacher Kira McDonald said most students, like most people in general, really dislike getting in front of people and talking. There is also some teenage angst involved, so teachers have to work to sell the concept to students and help make it a positive experience for the students.
“I think student-led conferences are a great way for students to show initiative, display their hard work, and practice speaking in front of people. It gives the students something to be proud of when they get to talk about themselves in front of their teacher and parents,” Parsons Middle School teacher Jamie Clark said.
Sherry Woods, who also teaches at the middle school, agreed.
“I feel that student-led conferences allow the students to see their success and areas that they may need to improve in. Students are being heard and not just talked about,” Woods said. “It's nice for the students to have a voice in their conference and for them to share their school experiences.”
Several parents coming out of conferences Wednesday were expressing their appreciation for hearing from their student directly regarding their grades and goals.
Lucas said USD 503 considers relationships between students’ families and the school to be of utmost importance, and student-led conferences are one aspect of that.
“While (student-led conferences) are a work in progress to perfect the process and build enthusiasm amongst the study body,” Lucas said, “administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing the best experience for students and their families.” 