Now that we have reached the midpoint of the school year, let's take a look at how schools are engaging families in Student Learning Plans (SLPs).
What is a Student Learning Plan?
The Student Learning Plan helps staff, students, and families deeply understand who the student is, set positive goals, and tailor support and opportunities to each student’s strengths and needs. It can guide parent-teacher conferences and other conversations throughout the school year.
Families answer questions about:
Student strengths, goals, and how to support the student in About Me
How the student learns best, student interests, and parent/caregiver hopes and dreams for the student in Family Collaborative Questions
How are some schools using Student Learning Plans outside of parent-teacher conferences?
Families gathering at Jennifer Haley’s open house at Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School No. 215 completed the Family Collaborative portion of the Student Learning Plan, and reviewed strategies to help the pre-kindergarten students meet their SLP goals.
"My parents love how involved we are in getting to know them and their child,” Ms. Haley said. “They feel seen and heard. It helped me develop strong relationships and trust between the students and I, and the parents and I. They feel safe dropping off their pre-K students every day knowing we care and love them. That we take the time to truly communicate and truly listen."
"I loved that we shared goals about his education,” said Sarah Hubbard, a parent. “It made me feel like I was able to support his learning at home in a real and impactful way. I also loved the questionnaire we filled out at the beginning of the year. It showed interest in him and meeting him where he is right at the beginning of the year."
Acting Principal Tawanda Pinkett added, “We encourage our students to take charge of their learning and to set meaningful goals for their future. Highlandtown 215 is filled with a wonderful mix of cultures and backgrounds, which really enriches our learning environment. By gathering insights from ‘All About Me,’ we’re able to understand each child’s unique strengths, and interests, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.”