Kids take helm in parent-teacher conferences

Posted at: 10/14/2009 12:24 PM | Updated at: 10/14/2009 12:48 PM
By: Austin Reed, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

Students are taking charge during the conferences this week at APS high schools

APS is flipping the parent-teacher conference on its ear this week, allowing students to take charge of the meetings.

Albuquerque high school students have the day off Wednesday and Thursday to lead the conferences. They are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the meeting with their teachers.

The goal is to push up grades and make kids more accountable.

The district came up with the idea earlier this year. They say parents will benefit by allowing their kids to take charge of their education and future.

Students are presenting their progress, showing their grades and discussing their future interests and dreams.

Student Cameron Ladayer is optimistic about the program.

"I just know that it's going to help me when I go to college and we're building our portfolio for jobs and college applications and everything," Ladayer said.

APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta says the conferences help parents get involved with their children's lives.

"We absolutely positively know that when an adult is in a child's life, that student is going to do better in school and better chance of success down the line. So this is one way we can help make sure that happens," she said.

APS plans more student-led conferences in the spring. Middle schools will take part as well.

They will do it at the end of this month. And this kind of thing will happen again for both middle and high school students. APS also plans to try student-led conferences next year.

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