Fall Goal Setting Conferences
MVCS-Leaders of Our Own Learning
Big Picture: Conferences at MVCS
End of the year progress report conferences are optional and, of course, we are happy to meet with families throughout the school year as needed.
Goal Setting Conferences Ahead
At the Goal Setting Conference students, families and the teachers work together to identify and set appropriate subject-specific goals, cross disciplinary goals (which includes things like critical thinking, collaboration and creativity) and dispositional goals like managing impulsivity, listening to understand, etc. It is also a time to get to know more about our students strengths and interests. All of which will help teachers as they design curriculum and differentiation plans for the year.
To best prepare for this conference, everyone (students, caregivers, teachers) will have an opportunity to think about goals prior to the meeting. To help families prepare for this, we have made a Family Insight Questionnaire. Please take some time to think about your learner(s), fill out the sections that resonate most with you and bring this along to your conference.
How does this kind of conference fit with the MVCS philosophy?
At the heart of our mission at MVCS is that every one of our students will be life-long active participants in their own education with a strong sense of self and community.
When students set goals for themselves, they take ownership of their learning which leads to intrinsic motivation and sustained attention
Asking students to articulate their own goals can uncover areas of strength and areas of discomfort which is essential to self discovery
It provides a foundation for students to advocate for their needs
Goal Setting Conferences give families much needed time early on in the year with their teachers to build connection and shared understandings about the year ahead
When?
All teachers will be scheduling conferences for Friday, October 6 throughout the day 8:00-3:30 (Please know that there is no school on this day.)
Goal Setting Conferences are 20 minutes in length and are best in person. Virtual conferences can be arranged upon request.
Note: Students are required to be at this conference with you.
How do I sign up?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can come?
A: This is a conference with your student, family/caregivers and teachers.
Q: Why are we adding Goal Setting Conferences this year?
A: First, this kind of conference is more in alignment with our mission and vision (see above). Second, families have shared over the year a desire to be more connected to classrooms and the learning that is happening at MV. And lastly, this assessment tool makes sense for the beginning of the school year.
Q: What do I do at this kind of conference?
A: Complete the sections of the Family Insight Questionnaire that resonate with you and bring it along to your conference. Share your thinking and consider the other ideas that will be brought to the table. Note: If you have an incoming student and have filled out the survey in the enrollment packet, you do not need to do this again. Moving forward, check in with your student regularly. Here are some questions you could ask.....
- What were some of the wins for the week? Surprises?
- What do you need to do differently tomorrow/next week?
- What do you need? How can I help?
Additional Resources to Find Out More
Teacher-Parent Communications to Start the Year Off Right: By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students.
6 Ways to Involve Families in Elementary School Classrooms: Building relationships with families early in the school year helps teachers create a strong classroom community.
Guiding Students to Set Academic Goals Encouraging students to set goals for themselves—the first phase of self-regulated learning—helps them develop a growth mindset