As we cross the midpoint of the school year, the questions at the forefront of teachers’ and parents’ minds often are “Has time in school been spent profitably so far?” and “How can we make the most of the time that is left?” While there are many ways to gather data — standardized testing results, curriculum coverage, reports from other teachers — one of the best ways I know to find out anything at school is simply by asking my students.

In the spring of 2023, by implementing student-led conferences in the Middle School as part of our strategic plan, Compass 2028, Steward began the formal process of asking students to reflect on their learning and report their thinking back to their teachers and parents. As the name suggests, these conferences are directed by the students themselves. Instead of a meeting being held solely by adults about a child, the students, under the guidance of their advisor, present their parents with work they have completed during the school year. They talk not only about the content they have learned but more importantly about the study techniques they have developed and how they may hone those skills for future success. In addition, students create and present goals for the remainder of the school year. Parents are welcome, and expected, to ask questions of their child about their work as well as their learning and accomplishments.  

The benefits of these conferences, both the preparation and the implementation, are myriad. Of course, academic achievement is a focus of the conferences, but in a school that also values individuality, attention is shifted from numerical grades to individual growth. Focused on meeting students where they are and measuring personal progress, the conferences build student self-confidence and pride. Asked to reflect on their experience in the conference, students have said, “I learned that I’m good at school,” “My parents see that my projects take a lot of time and effort,” and “I like knowing how much I’m learning in my classes.” 

As a teacher, I love the time I spend preparing for these conferences with my students. The in-depth conversations we have about what my advisees enjoy and find challenging about their academic classes enhance our relationships and help me help them become more effective learners. While we prepare for the conferences, we explore and define what progress looks like for each student.

This process also provides a unique opportunity for parents to see their child perform — something that usually only occurs on the athletic field or through the arts. One parent commented at the end of the conference that, “I was really impressed with the level of detail [student] went into about each of his classes. Typically, I don’t get much response about what he has done in school on any given day. Hearing him take ownership over his work and being able to explain it all in such detail was a welcome change!”

In the end, student ownership of learning is one of the greatest benefits conveyed by student-led conferences. When students are given a voice in their own education, they are able not only to learn what they need to be successful but also to be able to advocate for themselves. One parent summed it up by saying, “My biggest takeaways were that the students are learning study skills and life skills that will serve them well into high school and college, and that they really enjoy being given the platform to share what they are doing and learning.”

The Steward School commits itself to preparing students “for college and for life.” Student-led conferences have become an effective tool in achieving this goal.