I'm convinced that the time we make to foster successful student-led family/educator conferences is essential to good teaching and learning today.
Why?
First, these conferences put the child in the driver's seat of their education as they share their reflections about what makes them happy, who they are, their social/emotional skills/needs, academic successes/challenges, and best times at school.
Next, these meetings foster a sense of team amongst the learning community members including students, educators, and family members. As we listen and respond to the child, we are thinking together about who that child is and what they need to be a successful student now and a successful individual later on. We don't shy away from sharing the challenges as well as the triumphs and there's always the question, "What can family members and teachers do to help you more?" This question demonstrates that the family members and educators are working together to support the child.
And, it's a good way to evaluate the teaching/learning program. As educators listen to students' reflections and family members' responses, it's clear what we need to do more of and what needs to be revised for better teaching/learning. The trends become apparent and those trends lead to rich collegial conversations about program development.
Student-led family/educator conferences are not a new phenomenon, but the more we grow this practice, the better it becomes. It's definitely a keeper, one that we will make time for in the days to come.
