1. We hold conferences both Fall and Spring Family Weekends.
2. We use student-led conferences. They assemble a portfolio of sample
work from all courses and self-reflections on everything they do in
our program from courses to sports to service to student government to
personal goals... The conference lasts half an hour, and advisors are
present as well as the parents/family members. It works great. Kids
might complain about the extra work involved in assembling the
portfolio, but I think they like being in control of the conference,
and recognize there are other benefits in thinking through and
presenting what they've accomplished. Parents like the chance to play
more the role of partners in the process than often happens in
traditional conferences, and the conversations that develop are
focused in a genuine way on strengths, needs and plans for each
individual student. Boarding parents are especially appreciative as
they don't often get to see their daughters' work. I do think it's
worth mentioning that the conferences have gotten even richer and more
productive since we stopped giving letter grades.
If you have any follow-up questions, just ask! I hope this helps.
Take care,
Bill Ivey
(Middle School Dean)
Stoneleigh-Burnham School
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