Every day we have the opportunity to hear from our students about how they feel school is going for them, but is that how they really feel? What are they telling their families? How do their families feel? How can we make sure all voices are being heard?
A few years ago, I started sending out a brief survey to gather information before conferences to help me prepare. To be honest, I was hoping it would prevent being blindsided by a comment or question from a family at conferences and this gave me time to think about my response. I realize this was more self-motived to avoid something. We also know that it is often easier to type/write something than actually say it. As it turned out, it opened my eyes to really hearing from families. As time passed, the survey transformed into really hearing each family's perspective and gaining insight into their student’s education.
For the fall survey, I use the following questions:
Names of people attending the conference. I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.
Overall, how is your student feeling about the school year so far? This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing -This year has been very tough/challenging for my student to a 5 representing-This has been the best year/my student is really enjoying school this year.
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Overall, how are you as parents/guardians feeling about the school year so far?
This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing-Very frustrated or displeased to a 5 representing-Very pleased and happy about the year so farPlease explain your rating for the previous question.
What do you feel are the strengths of your student? (these can be academic, social, things you are proud of, etc)
What are some areas you feel your student needs to work on? (these can be academic, social, etc.)
We will be writing an academic goal for your student during conferences. What would you like to see your student focus on and work towards? We will try to be specific with skills.
Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.
I change the form in the winter to gather information since the last conference. These are the questions I use for the winter conference:
Names of people attending the conference. I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.
Overall, how is your student feeling about school since our last conference? This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing -This year has been very tough/challenging for my student to a 5 representing-Feels good and is learning and enjoying school.
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Overall, how are you as parents/guardians feeling about school since fall conferences? This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing-Very frustrated or displeased to a 5 representing-Very pleased and happy
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Please offer any suggestions to help continue making school a great place for your student.
Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.
How is this helpful? When looking through comments before conferences, I found a theme that students were not feeling good about math. I wouldn’t have found this out just from talking with the students, but obviously, they are going home sharing frustration, questions, or how they lack confidence. I was able to gently bring that up at conferences, and the student looked relieved that we were going to talk about it. We cleared up some misconceptions, and we all felt very positive about the conversations. One family even reached out after thanking me for being the one to bring it up, as the student didn’t want the family to bring it up. I wouldn’t have even known to bring this up, had it not been on the survey.
Another example was how one student was having problems with her two friends. I didn’t see any issues in the classroom, but because the family put that on the survey, I was able to open a conversation about friendships. We had a great discussion, and since I was already aware, had brainstormed some possible solutions. We worked together with student input on what steps we could take. Their students didn’t want them to bring it up at conferences. Since this was shared on the survey, I was able to casually bring it up without the family having to, and the family was very thankful.
The information that I gain through these surveys provides many talking points and helps guide my planning for the conference and insures that families and students feel their voice is heard.
The Rita M. Reding Teacher Improvement Scholarship fund was established in memory of Rita Reding, a former elementary teacher, to help District 761 elementary teachers receive professional training to improve their teaching of the language arts in the following areas: writing, spelling, handwriting, and reading. Approximately $1,000 in scholarships, with a $500 maximum cap granted per application, will be awarded to elementary teachers each year. The funds can be used for any training opportunity that will help a teacher in grades K-6 become a more effective teacher in the areas mentioned above. This training may include college credits.
If interested in applying, send the completed form to Sarah Hoffman at the District Office by March 1, 2023.
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Have a great weekend!
-Justin
