Teacher-Student Conferences

Context

In order to support students in a personalized learning environment, Locust Grove teachers regularly conference with students. Teachers utilize class time when students are working independently (in a number of ways) to speak with students individually and achieve the following:

• Student achievement data discussion: Students and teachers review data from pretests and posttests, discussing areas of success and growth. When students have learning gaps, teachers utilize the opportunity to reteach or review the content or adjust the student’s personalized Learner Pathway to address the gap.
• Student demonstrating mastery: Students have the opportunity to demonstrate and prove mastery in conferences, especially if they are unable or choose not to demonstrate mastery in other ways.
• Support student progress in Learner Pathways: In Locust Grove’s model, much of a student’s learning is achieved through independent learning via Learner Pathways. Teachers utilize conferences to monitor student progress, giving additional supports to students who are struggling to make adequate progress. Locust Grove’s Learner Pathways also include checkpoints, which require students to check in with teachers and demonstrate mastery before moving ahead.
• Set personal goals in Advisory: During Advisory, teachers conference with students to discuss personal interests and set both academic and personal goals.
• Increase supports for students with learning disabilities: Teachers intentionally conference with students with learning disabilities frequently – at least once per week – to ensure students are getting all the support they need to be successful.

Teachers utilize technology tools (such as Google Classroom) to monitor student progress and make comments, allowing for additional dialogue outside of their 1:1 conversations.