Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today’s #ldchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We’re being joined today by Debra Isaacs Schafer, founder of @EdNavigation, to discuss parent-teacher communications at #IEP meetings.
Hi! We’re an agency in Connecticut that provides professional support to schools and districts, as well as info and resources to educators and families, particularly around special education and equity. #LDchat
Q1. How prepared a parent is can influence how the conversation goes during an #IEP meeting. What are some ways parents can prepare for the meeting? #ldchat
First...an IEP meeting is a business meeting so parents must be prepared. An agenda is a necessity. Plus, a checklist of issues to be discussed, agreed to, rejected and tabled. #LDChat
A1: Also, parents need to ask questions...and open-ended ones. Questions that can be answered with yes/no tend not to result in parents accessing the information needed. #LDChat
We have agendas in our district that have space for parental input and keeps us focused on the purpose of the meeting. Staffings are ongoing and not and IEP. #ldchat
Parents should ask for the agenda and the draft of the IEP prior to the meeting. Maintain an IEP Binder like https://t.co/PeKm8mwjLe suggests. Write down your own ?s and talking points ahead of time. #LDchat
Good point. Too often, the student's strengths are downplayed, and their weaknesses are highlighted. It's so important to play to a student's strengths and affinities. #ldchat
100% spot-on. And request it one week prior. Parents often receive the draft the night before...not sufficient time for parents to review and prepare. #LDChat
A1. A good rapport and communication before the IEP meeting is held need to be established. Developing a relationship with the parent is so important. It opens things up for easy conversation. #LDChat@MsCastillosMath
A1) How parents can prepare before an #IEP meeting... and what to do during and after (in Connecticut, they’re Planning and Placement Teams): https://t.co/kL2ll6pG8k#LDchat
Q1. How prepared a parent is can influence how the conversation goes during an #IEP meeting. What are some ways parents can prepare for the meeting? #ldchat
Good point. Too often, the student's strengths are downplayed, and their weaknesses are highlighted. It's so important to play to a student's strengths and affinities. #ldchat
100% spot-on. And request it one week prior. Parents often receive the draft the night before...not sufficient time for parents to review and prepare. #LDChat
A2: The most important thing is this...parents are discussing *their* child whereas teachers are discussing *a* child. Emotions are raw when parents are in that meeting. #LDChat
A2: They’re on the same team and want what’s best for the child. Their approaches may be different but it’s ALWAYS about the student. Build trust, collaboration, and consensus. #ldchat
A2: It's good for the teachers to keep in mind that the parents may be overwhelmed and are unsure about how to proceed and best support their student. On the flip side, it's good for the parents to remember that the teachers are there for their student, no matter what. #ldchat
A2: Follow the agenda and respect time. Watch for language and emotions. Offer and take breaks if emotions run high. Use non-judgemental language. Write as much as you can down! #LDchat
Right you are Jenn. If parents are given an IEP draft at the meeting, parents need to reconvene after they've had an opportunity to review it and come prepared with questions, concerns, etc. #LDChat
A2) Speak in clear language; avoid jargon when possible. Regardless of the resources you think you do or don’t have, focus on the child’s needs. #LDchat
A2. That AT may help bridge achievement gaps and empower Ss. And legally the team should be having this conversation as part o the IEP meeting. #ldchat
A2: It's good for the teachers to keep in mind that the parents may be overwhelmed and are unsure about how to proceed and best support their student. On the flip side, it's good for the parents to remember that the teachers are there for their student, no matter what. #ldchat
Agreed...jargon can destroy a meeting before it ever gets off the ground. And, if acronyms are being used, ask the other party/parties whether they understand them. Don't assume. #LDChat
A2: The most important thing is this...parents are discussing *their* child whereas teachers are discussing *a* child. Emotions are raw when parents are in that meeting. #LDChat
A3: Parents...bring an advocate for a neutral perspective. Ask questions that drill down to determine the "sticking points" in the discussion. Use "I" statements. #LDChat
A3: Put concerns in writing. The goal is to negotiate and be flexible...on both sides of the table. Mediation is always an option as well, yet staying out of due process if possible should be the goal. #LDChat
A3. Take breaks if needed. Practice motivational interviewing during the meeting to help process information and to clarify information that parents are providing. #LDChat@MsCastillosMath
A3: As school systems we have to be honest about the staff/student ratios in Special Educ., but also really listening & creating a plan for that child’s future #ldchat
A3: Acknowledge the other party's point & try to reach a compromise, if possible. Approach the situation calmly & come from a place of trying to work things out. #ldchat
A3: Listening. Active listening. Staying calm and centered. Drill down to the heart of the issue. Building trust and consensus between schools and parents. #ldchat
Just jumping in.. A3.. Professionals should stop & listen to parents. Often when parents know they are truely heard by the team then they too are able to listen & understand our professional rationales for our recommendations #LDChat
A3: We as parents, teachers, & administrators need to create a vision & an action plan that ensures success & builds on that students strengths #ldchat
I always remind myself that the parent is simply doing their best to care for their child. It’s not a personal attack if they disagree, ask questions, or need time to process a diagnosis or recommendation. #LDchat
A4: It begins and ends with mutual respect and an understanding that roles and viewpoints may be different. Teachers should provide non-issue/positive feedback often. #LDChat
As a Special Education teacher I would make a personal call to each of my families asking about their concerns, their visions, & what their child feels passionate about. Really important for families to know we are a team! #ldchat
A4: And parents should reach out to teachers for their assistance and input. Also, volunteer...show you care and are interested beyond the IEP meeting. It's about building relationships. #LDChat
A4: While I realize this is not always possible, if you have a huge caseload...I like to share successes with the parents now & then, outside of the IEP mtg - like if the student had a particularly good session or an "aha" moment. #ldchat
A4: Parents need to know what an honor it is to be able to teach their child. Gratitude and honor for having the opportunity to be a positive part of their child’s life matters. #ldchat
A4: Frequent, open communication between both the parent and the teacher. Don't just call or email w/ complaints, but come up w/ solutions. If you're angry, you may not want to send that in an email-text can't convey everything. #LDchat
A4) Family engagement should be embedded into the school culture. Teachers can take the lead by communicating often and welcoming everyone, getting to know their students’ family background and culture. #LDchat
Funding for schools is becoming extremely low & it forces school districts to cut jobs. As a Special Education teacher I would have 14-18 students with IEPs with a variety of needs in just K-1st grade. There is very little training/support to manage IEPs #ldchat
