Kreiva Goal Setting Conferences
Big Picture: Conferences at Kreiva
At Kreiva, there are two essential conferences scheduled throughout the school year. The first one is our fall Goal Setting Conference. Our second, is a Student Led Conference (SLC) where students reflect on their goal progress and share their learning in the spring.
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, executive functioning goals (which includes things like organization, time management, and collaboration) 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 (see attached). 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 Kreiva philosophy?
At the heart of our mission at Kreiva 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?
Teachers will be holding conferences on Friday, October 9 from 12:30 to 6:30 pm.
Teachers will also be scheduling conferences throughout the week of October 12th.
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?
On 9/23, teachers will be sending out a Sign Up Genius link and some information about what their Goal Setting Conferences will look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can come?
A: This is a conference with your student, family/caregivers and Advisory teachers.
Q: What do I do at this kind of conference?
A: Complete the sections of the Family Insight Questionnaire (see attached) 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.
Q: What should we do after the conference?
A: 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
