Introductions	Introduce anyone at the meeting to the parent
Positive Comments	Discuss strengths/positive comments Asks for help Completes homework Positive attitude Does well on tests Gets along with others Participates in class Thinks creatively Respectful Problem solver A joy to have in class Hard-worker Pays attention Stays on task Independent helpful Etc.
Discuss benchmark data   Write grade level expectations to compare benchmark scores to, or be able to reference data triangulation expectations.   ______ dibels ______ easyCBM math ______ easy CBM ELA ________ ______ easy CBM ELA ________ ______ easy CBM ELA ________	"Let’s discuss benchmark testing” Define benchmark testing - assessments to show student achievement, some of which are taken at the beginning, middle, and end of year. Discuss baseline benchmark testing: Explain the test and score, as well as the benchmark status (use the definitions and descriptions on the benchmark letter)
Compare to report card	"Let’s compare this data to the report card.” Discuss report card grades
Discuss classroom/behavior concerns in correlation to citizenship grades	”On your scholar’s report card, there is a citizenship grade. This is…….. Some behaviors or concerns that impact that grade are...” Attendance concerns Communicating respectfully Participating appropriately Being prepared/turning in work Paying attention/focus Completing work Helping others when needed Task avoidance Disruptive talking/behavior Etc.
Explain what is being done to help the scholar	Discuss which interventions or groups the scholar is in currently: MTSS Ability groups Small reading groups Parent communication Behavior Strategies Tutoring
Discuss any student goals	Ex: Participate appropriately Work independently Turn in work Control disruptive behavior Putting more effort into work Respecting others Staying focused Attend class regularly Being kind or helpful
Questions	Discuss any questions you or the parent might have (examples below) What do you think your scholar’s struggling with the most? Do you see these behaviors at home/previous schools? Do you have any additional concerns? Is he/she working independently on homework? How long is homework taking to complete? Etc.
Wrap-up	Wrap up the meeting with a summary and thank the parent for attending.

Dear Parent,
 
As mentioned in our weekly newsletter, we are hosting parent conferences (Date) for those we feel it's necessary to discuss academic progress. You are invited to select a time from the link below to meet. We can meet via Zoom or in person (please add your preference to the comments).
 
Please note that this email is being sent to specific families, so please do not forward to others.
 
I am looking forward to discussing classroom participation, benchmark data, first quarter report cards and what interventions and/or strategies I am using to address any academic concerns.
 
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
 
(Insert Link to Conference Schedule)
 
Thank you!

Dear Parent or Guardian,
 
Our 1st grade scholars have completed baseline testing for reading and math. The purpose of collecting baseline data is to monitor your scholar's progress, to guide classroom instruction, and to identify any scholars who are in need of additional academic support. Benchmark assessments are not for a grade.
 
Attached, you will find information on the various assessments that your scholar took, including their score and their benchmark status. Please use the section below to familiarize yourself with the results and terms used therein.

Glossary

Benchmark Assessment: A periodic evaluation of a scholar’s learning progress, evaluating specific grade-level skills and learning goals.
 
Score: Your child’s score on the test.
 
Benchmark Status: A comparison of the scholars score to the target level. Scholars who are “At or Above Benchmark” are on track and will likely meet later academic goals. Scholars who are “Below Benchmark” or “Well/Significantly Below Benchmark” are likely to need additional help to meet later academic goals.
 
Acadience Reading: A series of brief tests that are used to monitor development in reading.
 
EasyCBM Reading: A countywide benchmark program that measures various reading skills, which may include passage reading, vocabulary, comprehension, etc.
 
iReady: A countywide benchmark program that measures scholar achievement in both reading and math.
 
EasyCBM Math: A countywide benchmark program that measures deeper mathematical understanding and grade-specific mathematical skills.

Singapore Math: An assessment used to allow teachers to tailor instruction of our curriculum to specific needs and strengths in the classroom
Scholar: _______  Grade: _______   Year: _______  Teacher: _______

Acadience (DIBELS) Reading
Subtest	Definition	Score	Benchmark Status
Composite Score	A score derived by combining multiple reading scores to provide the best overall estimate of literacy skills and reading proficiency		𝥁 At or Above	𝥁     Below	𝥁 Well Below

EasyCBM Reading
Subtest	Definition	Score	Benchmark Status
Phoneme Segmenting	Breaking apart of words into sounds		𝥁 At or Above	𝥁     Below	𝥁 Well Below
Word Reading	Assessment to assess word reading fluency		𝥁 At or Above	𝥁     Below	𝥁 Well Below
Letter Sounds	Identifying the sounds of letters		𝥁 At or Above	𝥁     Below	𝥁 Well Below

 

EasyCBM Math
Definition	Score	Benchmark Status
Measures deeper mathematical understanding and grade-specific skills		𝥁 At or Above	𝥁     Below	𝥁 Well Below

Singapore Math
Definition	Score	Benchmark Status
Measures mathematical abilities according to our curriculum, allowing classroom math ability groups to be created.		𝥁 Above Avg.	𝥁 Average	𝥁 Below Avg.

Here are the steps we followed to prepare:

1. Data Sheets - Review with teachers at a faculty meeting. This data can be found on the data triangulation sheet. (I give them 2-3 weeks to complete). One copy for parents and one for teacher file. One grade level is attached.
2. Email and sign up - Teachers create a Sign-Up Genius (or the school's meeting scheduling platform) and send in an email to parents of students with academic/behavior concerns. 
3. Sign Up Spreadsheet - The principals assistant keeps a spreadsheet of all conference sign ups to share with admin and ESE for ESE teachers to attend conferences of their students. 
4.  Agenda and Video - Go over both at a faculty meeting (approx. 2 weeks prior to conferences) to allow time to practice with new teachers. 

Click on teachers name for example: Link goes to signupgenius.com/

Kindergarten	Mrs. Dray Mrs. Kosis Ms. Smith Ms. Thomson
First Grade	Mrs. Corona Mrs. Horton Ms. Richardson
Second Grade	Mrs. Feurer Mrs. Gardner Ms. Hooks Ms. Proulx Ms. Ramos
Third Grade	Mr. Cimaglio Ms. Forlenza Mr. Joiner Ms. Kayko Mrs. Pendleton Ms. Quintana
Fourth Grade	Mrs. Dayus Mrs. DuBois Ms. Gargis Mrs. Harris Mrs. Osborn
Fifth Grade	Mrs. Fess Ms. Lopez Mr. Nester Ms. Sproul