Why I don’t like the idea of primary school kids being present at school interviews.

I’m a SAHM  (stay at home mum) who was a teacher BK (before kids). I feel I know this process from both sides.

FROM WHERE I SIT
An interview with a child present is a different to one where there are no children in the room.

Here is why I choose not to include my children in the interview process

• I may need to discuss my child’s social or behavioural issues which the child may not be fully aware of yet.
• I may need to discuss aspects of the teachers teaching or conduct. I do not want to influence my child’s positive image of their teacher. Also I respect the teacher enough to pick a private time to discuss it with them (not before or after school or within the child’s hearing)
• There is more open discussion without the child present.
• There is no pressure to try and include the child in the discussions or to use language that a child understands.
• As a mother I am distracted somewhat from focusing on the teacher cause it is in my nature to ensure my child is ok too.

BUT, BUT, BUT……
THE CHILD HAS PREPARED A PRESENTATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
I discuss the report and supporting information with my child before the interview and so do not need to do that again in the teachers presence.

YOU COULD ALWAYS ASK THE CHILD TO LEAVE THE ROOM WHEN YOU WANT TO DISCUSS THINGS YOU DON’T WANT THEM TO HEAR
I feel this is not respectful of the child. You ask them to come to the interview and then ask them to leave. If I was in the child’s position, I would be wondering what my parents and the teacher are talking about that I could not listen in on.

STUDIES
It seems that are having kids along to an interview is benificial for kids who are in high school. It holds them accountable for their own learning. I can see benefits in older kids attending the interviews but not so much for primary school kids.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr323.shtml
Highlights of Research on Student-Led Conferences
Student-led conferences are emerging as a way to actively engage students in their learning process, wrote Donald G. Hackmann, assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Iowa State University in an ERIC Digest, “Student-Led Conferences at the Middle Level.” Following are some of the benefits of student-led conferences listed in Hackmann’s article:
* Students assume greater control of their academic progress.
* Students accept personal responsibility for their academic performance.
* Parents, teachers, and students engage in open and honest dialogue.
* Parents attend conferences at increased rates.
* Students learn the process of self-evaluation.
* Students develop organizational and oral communication skills.