"Five minutes isn't enough. Parent-teacher conferences are like speed dating." We get it. Regular parent-teacher conferences are not perfect. But eliminating them is not the solution. Let's work together for improvements. Let's talk. Let's find a solution that keeps parents in the equation.
There are many creative ideas that could be adopted at Sandburg to promote the learner-centered culture without eliminating parent-teacher conferences:
We are open to ideas that promote student ownership and achievement while honoring the role that parent-teacher connection plays in the process.
There are many creative ideas that could be adopted at Sandburg to promote the learner-centered culture without eliminating parent-teacher conferences:
- Allow parents to participate in both -- student presentations and parent-teacher conferences -- at school, during the same block of time already set aside for conferences. Parent-teacher conferences would be scheduled and run as they have in the past. During that same time, student presentations would be happening in the building. Instead of parent/child/facilitator alone in the classroom as they were this year, change the setting to an "arena" format. For example, set up the library with several Chromebook stations where student presentations could take place. Parents would sign up ahead of time to reserve a spot to meet with their child at school for the presentation. The presentation room would include one or two teacher facilitators who would actively monitor the room and assist where needed.
- Hold parent-teacher conferences in the fall and student-led conferences in the spring.
- Give parents the option to attend a student-led conference OR traditional parent-teacher conferences in the fall. In the time leading up to conferences, all students would benefit from presentation preparation, including reflecting on their school work, strengths/weaknesses, and goals for the year. Students whose parents choose the student-led conference format would give their presentations during a scheduled meeting at school, with a teacher facilitating. Students whose parents choose the traditional parent-teacher conference format would give their presentations at home. Parents would have the opportunity to meet in-person with all of their child’s teachers as they have been able to do so in the past.
- Hold parent-teacher conferences in the fall and then host a BRAG Night in the spring, just as D205 already does in the elementary schools. BRAG Night is essentially a student-led conference where students reflect on their progress and share work portfolios with their parents while a teacher is in the room facilitating if necessary.
- Hold parent-teacher conferences in the fall and then host a BRAG Week where students present portfolios and discuss progress/goals with their parents at home each night for a week.
We are open to ideas that promote student ownership and achievement while honoring the role that parent-teacher connection plays in the process.