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Reading List: Student-led Conferences

By

Unboxed Staff

PUBLISHED September 17, 2025

PUBLISHED September 17, 2025

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In our “Reading Lists” we collect the tastiest articles, podcast episodes, and videos from the Unboxed archives for your enjoyment and edification! This collection is about how (and why) to do Student-led Conferences at your school. A growing number of schools around the world are doing Student-led Conferences, or SLCs, instead of parent-teacher conferences. The difference, as the name implies, is that an SLC flips the structure, so the student takes the lead in the discussion (with support). Schools are also making IEP progress meetings student-led, with powerful outcomes for students’ sense of ownership of their learning.

Learn All About SLCs While You’re in Your Car

Listen to the podcast episode Ron Berger on Student-led Conferences. There’s probably no one in the world with greater expertise on SLCs than Ron Berger. Whether you’re brand new to them, or have been doing them for years, you’ll learn something from this episode.  

See What a Real Student-Led Conference Looks Like

In just under three minutes, veteran biology teacher Jesse Wade Robinson will teach you how to set up an awesome student-led conference.  

Get Everything You Need to Start SLCs in Your School

Read this article: Student-led Conferences: A How-to Guide This article has tips on where to have your SLC, details on everybody’s role in the meeting, even a model email to send to parents! Then, make your own copy of this SLC Model Agenda and modify it to meet your needs!  

Go Deeper, and Become an SLC Expert

Hear about SLCs from the perspective of a 12th grader who has been doing SLCs who has been doing them since second grade: Life California on SLCs Hear about SLCs from the perspective of a teacher and school leader (and her kids!): Shani Leader (and her kids) on SLCs See more Student Perspectives on SLCs

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