Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
A letter I wrote to my Principal, AP, and Department Head:I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how important and useful the conferences were this time around.All of my students’ finished work is accessible in their blogs at http://youthvoices.net/ewsis. (Just scroll down on the left side to find classes and names.) Parents were delighted to know that they could see the work and talk about it with their students, and that they would be able to continue to track progress. One mother told me that teachers had told her that her daughter was a good writer, and she was happy to be able to see it now.I was also able to make clear my expectations, using our “Power Users’ Weekly Assignments.” I explained how students use this form to self-monitor. I also admitted that it is pretty dense, which is why I’ve been preparing a more clear, day-by-day guide for the last few weeks for students: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ah5m9qjtkbwf_78fgq3pgdt I also showed parents how their students are are getting feedback from me: http://youthvoices.net/node/24518/revisions/view/26402/26703In addition, because one part of our curriculum is structured around an independent reading project, I had rich, thought-provoking discussions with my students and their parents about the books they are reading and writing about — and what they might read next. Many have already finished 2 or 3 books this semester. I ended each conference by exploring with students what each of them are really good at or passionate about. Each student has an on-going inquiry question that we are going to do research into this semester. I delighted in the young woman who said, “I’m a good listener, and I want to study psychology.” And in the students who I found post a new drawing on http://deviantArt.com frequently. And the young man who does animation on his own at home. I also enjoyed questions like, “Is the supernatural real?” and “Where is it most likely for war to break out next?” and “Why are people so judgmental, even Christians?” Only three parents were there without students, and this made all the difference.I think a positive, informative time was had by all who came into my room. I know I learned a lot!
