Knightly News

What began as a pilot project in sixth grade has evolved into a division-wide effort to empower students and give them a voice in their education. The annual Middle School student-led conferences started at Episcopal in 2021 and have now expanded to include seventh and eighth grade students. Middle School Division Head Mark Engstrom says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Families enjoy watching their child shine, and I’m glad we’ve been able to build out a platform for that to happen,” he says. “It’s amazing to watch our students impress themselves, their parents and their teachers at the same time.”

Student-led conferences place the student in the driver’s seat. As students, families and faculty gather to discuss the first quarter, students share what they’ve learned about themselves, why they are succeeding or struggling in certain subjects and what classroom and extracurricular activities they most enjoy. Students lead these discussions after spending three weeks reflecting on the quarter and creating a digital presentation. “Because these conferences ask students to be reflective learners, they are better able to identify areas in which they need to grow and where they are thriving,” says sixth grade teacher Martha Stickle.

After only a few years, Middle School teachers and administrators are seeing impressive student growth. “What may have been a lack of eye contact last year might look like a confident connection the next,” says Engstrom. “Reflections that may have been rudimentary last year are all of the sudden deep the next time around. To see students grow in their thinking and confidence is one of the best aspects of the day.”

In order to better prepare students, the conference format has changed slightly since the initial pilot project. “We’ve focused more on a glow and grow component of their learning in more of the classes,” says Engstrom. “Hopefully, this will give all students the opportunity to dive more deeply into their reflections and feel a stronger sense of ownership with regards to the presentation.” Stickle says the conferences have also helped teachers discover how they can help students feel more confident. “Students – like some adult presenters – rely too heavily on their presentations, reading directly from the screen,” she points out. “This year, we tweaked our student-led conference formatting to invite more inclusion of visual elements.”

Teachers are not the only adults benefiting from student-led conferences, as families also appreciate the experience. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two years of student-led conferences,” says Middle School parent Amy Binck. “I am impressed with the growth my son has shown and the thoughtfulness with which he has approached these presentations. This was a great addition to Middle School.” Binck says her son enjoyed the opportunity to present his work to her, and he received helpful feedback from his teacher. 

Student-led conferences foster a connection between families, teachers and the school community. Stickle appreciates the valuable insight she gains from watching students and families interact and says it helps her get to know her students better. Fellow sixth grade teacher Nancy Callaway says it is important for the members of the student’s education triad to receive the same information. “We’re all together so we all know, and we’ve all heard it,” she says. 

Ultimately, student-led conferences provide a meaningful opportunity for students, teachers and families to work as partners in the educational journey. It’s an experience that prepares students well for their future at Episcopal and beyond.

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