Gone are the days when parents just sent their kids to school and handed the responsibility of learning completely over to the system. At its best, education is more than what happens within the walls of a classroom. It’s a partnership - a collaborative journey - between teachers, students, and parents.
At Nagoya International School (NIS), central to this collaboration is a carefully structured progression of student/parent/teacher conferences, designed to deeply engage families in the learning process and empower them to support their child's education beyond the classroom. The school and faculty value this connection and work hard to foster this relationship knowing that the best outcomes result from this strong partnership.
As we come off the second of our conferences held earlier in November, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to provide a more in-depth explanation of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ we frame this important aspect of our approach to education.
A Three-Pronged Approach to Education
Research consistently highlights the importance of involving parents in their child's education. When teachers, parents, and students work together, students tend to perform better academically, feel more supported emotionally, and develop stronger communication and problem-solving skills. This three-pronged approach ensures:
- Teachers provide pedagogical expertise, structure, and guidance.
- Parents contribute unique observations and insights from the home environment
- Students develop ownership and responsibility for their learning journeys and build self-awareness and confidence.
At NIS, this philosophy aligns seamlessly with our mission and the values we promote through our guiding principles of Inquire, Inspire, Impact, and also Include. Our unique progression of conferences reflects these ideals and provides multiple opportunities to deepen the partnership between school and home.
Every year, families participate in four conferences, each with a specific purpose, from a specific lens, and with a specific theme. These conferences provide opportunities for each stakeholder to lead discussions, ensure meaningful dialogue between all involved, and reflect the growth of students over the course of an academic year.
1. The “Inspire Conference” (Family-Led, Early in the Year)
The first conference, held near the start of the school year, is family-led and asks families to share their hopes, dreams, and goals for the year. This conference is aimed at families and homeroom teachers making connections, as well as providing a platform for parents/guardians to ask questions, and better understand their child’s day-to-day school life.
The “Inquire Conference” is a starting point, laying the groundwork for a shared understanding and opening the door for deeper conversations later in the year. There is an opportunity here to also connect with departments and explore Toddle, our online learning management platform that allows families to stay connected with their children's learning.
2. The “Inquire Conference” (Teacher-Led, Early in the Year)
The second conference, held at the beginning of November, is teacher-led allowing teachers to share observations they have made about students and their learning in relation to their classes and the students’ articulated goals. It is also a chance to address any clarifying questions families may have regarding concept-based-inquiry-based learning, which can contrast sharply with traditional educational experiences that families may be familiar with. This session also provides a formal opportunity to discuss aspects of learning assessment at NIS, such as subject objectives and criterion-based assessments.
The “Inquire Conference” is a starting point—a chance to bridge the gap between familiar educational norms and NIS’s innovative curriculum. It lays the groundwork for a shared understanding and opens the door for deeper conversations later in the year.
3. The “Include Conference” (Three-Way, February)
By February, as the academic year progresses, and the report cards for Semester 1 have been received, it’s time for an equally balanced three-way conversation, often initially led by the student, with learning at the center. The “Include Conference” invites all parties to share their observations about the learning, growth, and development that has happened in the first semester.
Families bring a wealth of knowledge about what learning looks like at home, and these insights will enhance the teacher's understanding of the student's strengths and challenges. Reciprocally, the teacher has the unique experience of how knowledge, skills, understanding, and dispositions are progressing, which families can support at home. Of course, students and their learning are at the center, and this conference allows for reflection on progress to date as well as the opportunity to consider adjustments that may be needed to ensure success.
4. The “Impact Conference” (Student-Led, End of the Year)
In the final quarter, the spotlight shifts fully to the students. The “Impact Conference” is a student-led opportunity for children to reflect on their learning journey during the academic year. It allows them further opportunity to articulate their growth, showcase their achievements, and reflect on their goals for this year, as well as begin thinking forward to their next learning experience.
Students use their experiences in conjunction with their online portfolio to share with their parents and teachers, demonstrating the skills they’ve developed and the knowledge they’ve gained. This moment not only celebrates their progress but also empowers them to take ownership of their education—an essential skill for lifelong learning, whether it be at NIS, returning home, or on to another experience altogether.
Reinforcing Learning Beyond the Classroom
At the heart of these conferences is NIS’s belief in the power of partnerships. Families, students, and educators work together to ensure learning extends beyond the classroom, creating a consistent, cohesive, and supportive environment.
By inviting parents or guardians into the educational process, NIS equips them with the tools to reinforce their child’s learning at home, whether through discussions about classroom projects, encouragement of independent inquiry, or support for emotional and social growth.
We know meaningful learning happens when students, teachers, and parents come together. Our conference progression is more than a series of meetings — it’s an integral part of our program to educate our students and designed to reflect our mission. This partnership helps students achieve their best outcomes and encourages parents to actively participate in supporting their success.
To those parents who have attended the conferences, we sincerely welcome your feedback about our process. We encourage all parents and guardians to join us in February and June to foster that important three-pronged relationship that is vital to your child's continued success at NIS.
