Conversation Cards

Submitted by Mrs. Green:

 

I have heard many teachers say they just don't have time to have individual conferences.  One day, this idea came straight out of nowhere, and I went with it! 

 

Conversation Cards!!

Individual Conversations with Students:  yes, it takes up class time, but here is an IDEA!  Create "CONVERSATION CARDS" with your students.  Here's what I did:  First, I gave the class an assignment (they all worked on a pretty lengthy pre-test); during this time, I called them up one at a time and discussed their testing data with them.  I told them their EXPLORE score, their 9th grade Performance Series Test Score, their 9th grade EOC, and their current 10th grade Performance series score.  They even wrote it down.  Then, we talked about "average" and what that means and where each needs to be.  Finally, as a class, they filled out an index card by labeling their name and a few pieces of information.  Attached is a pictured (anonymous) of what one looks like.  They had to say on what level they are currently reading and list all of their relevant data.  Then, they had to state a goal.  The idea is that I write the student back.  The next time students will write on this, they will tell me what kind of obstacles they face that keep them from improving, as well as one strategy from class that they feel can help them.  Of course, the card is always "open" for them to write anything else they need me to know.  I plan on doing this every 2-3 weeks.  It takes me about an hour to respond to each class.  It has been SOOOO worth it! Check out this sample!