Our son attended parent conferences from first grade on (no siblings
involved). This was in public elementary school, and only unusual in that
he had his elementary teachers for two years (1-2 and 3-4). It worked
really well, and after initial (first grade) discomfort, both teachers and
son appreciated the opportunity to share good news and concerns. I
particularly remember his third grade teacher making some strong points
about some of his interactions with classmates, helping him see there were
better ways, as well as helping us see ways we could support him.
It worked the other way too, as with a 6th grade middle school team, we
realized that his assessment of a situation was accurate ("Mom, I've always
had a floor for my learning. This year I have a ceiling") and helped him
cope and diversify into other activities. (Yes we did try to work with the
teachers, who showed a Teflon like ability to repel the staff development
concepts I knew the school was/had been advocating. We gave a heads up to
the department chair, but chose not to escalate).
We believe as a direct result, he was much more proactive with his teachers
in both middle school and high school, and continues to be so at an Ivy
College. Teachers became partners in his learning.
Best wishes for your efforts. As a parent, I'd recommend it.
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators
[mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of George Swain
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:26 AM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Family conferences
Dear colleagues,
Our school is considering moving to collaborative family conferences in the
3rd and 4th grades and perhaps lower. Does anyone have experience with
family conferences that include students at the elementary school level?
Many thanks,
George
George Swain
Head of Middle School
Poughkeepsie Day School
845-462-7600 ext. 222
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