Elliott Elementary School recently held its inaugural Student Engaged Conferences, marking a significant shift away from traditional parent-teacher meetings in which parents and teachers talked about students. In this new format, students take the lead in discussing their academic progress and personal goals with their parents, effectively flipping the script on conventional parent-teacher conferences.

During these conferences, students present their achievements, challenges, and future objectives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability in their educational journey. Teachers support the students by guiding them in preparing their presentations and providing feedback, but the spotlight remains on the students themselves.

This approach not only empowers students to take an active role in their learning but also enhances communication between students, parents, and teachers. Parents gain a deeper understanding of their child's academic experience and are better equipped to support their growth. Meanwhile, students develop critical skills such as self-reflection, goal-setting, and public speaking.

The Student Engaged Conferences align closely with the mission and vision of both DoDEA and Elliott Elementary School by placing students at the center of their educational experience and fostering a collaborative environment that supports continuous improvement and lifelong learning. The conferences encourage students to take responsibility for their learning, thereby nurturing their intellectual and personal growth.

Elliott Elementary's Student Engaged Conferences have been met with enthusiasm from the school community, highlighting the benefits of this student-centered approach. By placing students at the heart of the conversation, the school aims to foster a more collaborative and supportive educational environment in which students, parents, and teachers act as partners in helping students to set and achieve in personal and academic goals.