Lakota student‑led conferences highlighted at board meeting as teachers report stronger student ownership

At the Lakota Local Board of Education meeting on March 23, teachers from Cherokee Elementary described how a fall 2024 pilot of student‑led conferences put sixth graders in charge of reviewing portfolios and leading the discussion with families.

"My name is Rory Smith, and I'm a sixth grade teacher and team lead from Cherokee Elementary," said Rory Smith, who explained that students compile test scores, grades and reflections into a portfolio and initiate the evening's conversation while teachers later add subject‑specific insights. Smith said about 82% of participating families rated the experience a 9 or 10.

Camden, a sixth‑grade student, told the board the format reduced stress and made him more comfortable discussing school. "I think these are so great for many reasons," he said, describing how leading the conference allowed him to "tell my parents about all my accomplishments and what things I learn and do at school."

Camden's mother described the moment as transformational. She said watching her son "become the narrator of his own progress" motivated her to pilot the model in her own classroom and to share the approach with teachers across districts.

Teachers said the conferences produce actionable feedback for instruction. "When we're there and we can problem solve with the student, with the parent, it's just super meaningful," one teacher said, describing cases where students could immediately clarify classroom behavior and collaboratively identify supports.

Board members asked how the conferences affected day‑to‑day teaching. A social studies teacher said the model highlighted the value of classroom discussions and helped identify when instruction should shift to better meet student needs. Superintendent Doctor Whiteley and multiple board members praised the program as an example of student ownership and said they want to spotlight student achievement at each meeting going forward.

The presentation included requests for continued parent feedback and suggested the district consider ways to scale elements of the model. The board did not take formal action during the spotlight; a photo with attendees and teachers followed the remarks.