Parent/Teacher Interviews are now 3 Way Conferences

Interim Learning Updates

This Friday, October 18th, students will be bringing home their Interim Learning Updates.  These updates provide a quick snapshot of each student’s progress in related to areas of the Core Competencies.

Introducing a different way of conferencing

On Thursday, November 7th, we will be hosting our first ever 3 Way Conferences.  These conferences will replace our former Parent/Teacher Interviews.  3 Way Conferences are different in that they make the child, who needs to be at the center of their own learning process, a central figure in the meeting.  In this meeting parents, students, and teachers will all collaborate on a discussion of the student’s progress and goals.

How do 3 Way Conferences work?

Each participant plays an important role in the conference:

• The role of the parent is to listen to their child, ask questions and encourage the student to expand and explain information further.

• The role of the teacher is to facilitate and lead the conversation about the student’s learning and prompt the student when needed.

• The role of the student is to share their learning with their parents and reflect on the progress they have made so far this year.

What if I still have concerns that I want to discuss?

Those unfamiliar with this process may wonder: what about the things that need to be said without the child listening?  This concern is understandable.  Indeed, there may be such things to discuss, but the vast majority of issues surrounding a child learning journey need to involve the child.  It is good for students to see their parents and teachers working together and sharing a common interest and goals.  Both affirmations and challenges for the student are made more impactful in the presence of both parents and teachers.  I really hope this will be a meaningful experience for the students.

If parents or teachers feel there are issues that need to be discussed without the student around that can be arranged at a later time.  The purpose of this meeting is to keep the child at the center of the learning process.  

What does the research say…

Professor John Hattie identifies "student self-reporting as the most significant indicator linked to raised student achievement."

Dylan William says "the process of students reflecting on their learning through effective questioning that promotes the articulation of student thinking, is integral to classroom and assessment practices that enhance student learning."

How do I book my conference time?

Information to sign up for 3 Way Conferences will be included in the October 24th newsletter.