The centerpiece of the Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement (SFW/A) process at Bank Street College is the conference group. Five to seven advisees meet weekly as a group with their advisor to talk about children, their strengths and struggles; identify ways to accommodate learners with special needs; discuss achievements and concerns; to problem solve, to share information and resources; to support one another and to explore issues related to the role of the teacher and the field at large. This is an opportunity to share diverse perspectives and to begin the complex process of integrating theory and practice through fieldwork and advisement.

The process of the conference group is as important as the content. Conference group represents an opportunity to reflect not only on one's work in the field, but on one's capacities to observe, listen and understand; to communicate clearly, effectively and respectfully and to be open to varying styles of communication and professional interaction. The conference group is a precursor to many types of professional activities, team meetings and conferences in the field of general and special education.

In most conference groups in this department, student teachers will be grouped with working teachers and assistant teachers. Representatives of different age bands (e.g. childhood and middle school or childhood and early childhood) may also be part of a conference group as well as teachers who work in public and private settings. Ideally, conference groups will also have members who vary in terms of background, age, gender, life experience and ethnic identity. Developing collegial relationships that accommodates diverse perspectives is an important professional skill and will enrich the conference group experience.

All advisors work with students to generate specific goals for their work in the field and for the work of the advisor and student together. Advisors facilitate conference groups in various ways and use a variety of structures to facilitate the interaction and learning of the group. Some have students keep journals, make visits or do observations, complete IEPs and lesson plans and do other specific tasks. Some advisors videotape students or require students to videotape their own work. Many introduce "go-rounds" or "wrap-ups" or SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity)-based activities in the interest of facilitating or balancing conference group discussion.

Attendance, punctuality and active participation and professional conduct at conference group are required for successful completion of the SFW/A experience. In addition, students are expected to complete all forms, evaluations and readings, journal entries, lesson plans, sample IEPs or other written assignments, visits, etc. as assigned by the advisor or agreed upon by group members.