#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday December 15, 2015
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Hi all Eric HS SPED in NJ so glad to be working with tonight, let's rock
I’m excited to welcome as a guest co-moderator tonight while is off having a real life! :)
Hi, Rachel Sped Teacher from NE Indiana.
I'm Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS setting & private AT/AAC consultant.
Thanks for joining another ! :)
I am from Ness City, KS I teach 5-8 sped. Right now I am at a HS basketball game so will follow and post when I can
me too, I needed to take a few weeks off, but glad to be back.
Hi! Danielle from Indianapolis - SPED Coordinator
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
Yay! Thanks for joining tonight!
Clint from Bettendorf, Iowa joining . HS English teacher in many co-taught classes.
Tonight's will discuss working with parents in challenging SpEd situations. Looking forward to great discussions.
hi everyone! Laura here with INI schools in Indy
Q1: Who do you believe is better equipped to provide SPED services - public or private schools?
Thanks for joining . Is this your first time?
A1: Having worked in both, each bring a unique set of tools depending on population and accommodations required
First time with , yup. Involved in other chats, though.
A1: I've not taught in private school, but I feel like each program can offer a better solution for some Ss. Case-by-case basis.
A1. That's a tricky question. Public has more funding but private may be smaller. Ultimately depends on the educator.
Hope we convince you stick around for future chats. :)
also the population. Our Ss have such a varied population, many different needs https://t.co/Y38rMkKj2X
A1. That's a tricky question. Public has more funding but private may be smaller. Ultimately depends on the educator.
A1: I only have experience in a public setting. I am interested in feedback on this question.
A1: Some students w/very intense needs (behavioral, physical, or cognitive) may benefit from specialized private programs.
A1: Think common theme will be that it depends. Pubs can be well funded but to big. Priv can be focused. https://t.co/oa0XnRh7Rj
Q1: Who do you believe is better equipped to provide SPED services - public or private schools?
Q2: How do you work to create a team w/parents of the most challenging students? How do we reach the tired/overwhelmed parents?
A1: I provide SPED services/support to both the public/private schools in my community. Our SPED cooperative provides for both
yes but public can be too diverse, try to be too much to too many https://t.co/s3vpS57ZxX
A1: Think common theme will be that it depends. Pubs can be well funded but to big. Priv can be focused. https://t.co/oa0XnRh7Rj
Q1: Who do you believe is better equipped to provide SPED services - public or private schools?
A2: We have to remember parents live w/Ss 24/7. It never ends. For rest of lives. We HAVE to remember that in all our approaches.
A2: Communication with parents is key. Important to know what info parents are interested in and how best to share with them.
A2: Like to start positive! Build a good relationship BEFORE an issue occurs. Try offering a helping hand https://t.co/ciWAWs0pOg
Q2: How do you work to create a team w/parents of the most challenging students? How do we reach the tired/overwhelmed parents?
A2. most important thing you can do is listen! Build trust and make sure they understand you are on the same team by listening
do you see a difference ? https://t.co/WN0CoQji7J
A1: I provide SPED services/support to both the public/private schools in my community. Our SPED cooperative provides for both
Do you feel like one meets some needs better than the other or is it more of a personal/parent preference for size?
A1: it fully depends on the student, the teacher, and the program.
yes bbe proactive, build trust !! https://t.co/JbyXkOxMJh
A2: Like to start positive! Build a good relationship BEFORE an issue occurs. Try offering a helping hand https://t.co/ciWAWs0pOg
Q2: How do you work to create a team w/parents of the most challenging students? How do we reach the tired/overwhelmed parents?
Very true! Is it okay for duties to fall to paras? How much is too much?
A2: LISTEN. Allow parents to talk and just listen. They have these kids 24/7...they know them well.
Preach! https://t.co/EoFuXTkSSp
A2: LISTEN. Allow parents to talk and just listen. They have these kids 24/7...they know them well.
really best practice is for Ts to offer as much services as possible, use Paras for much needed support https://t.co/d6jVjnh5pl
Very true! Is it okay for duties to fall to paras? How much is too much?
YES! Services should not primarily fall to paras. If it can't be provided by Ts, we need to reconsider. https://t.co/8iSVvikxd7
really best practice is for Ts to offer as much services as possible, use Paras for much needed support https://t.co/d6jVjnh5pl
Very true! Is it okay for duties to fall to paras? How much is too much?
Q3: How do we deal with Parents who won't/don't agree with the school's Behavior Plan or Teacher’s best practices for Ss.?
A3: We can only control what goes on in school, but data often helps to hammer home a point
Some may see that as one of the downfalls of public schools then... High populations
A3: I find that data to back what I'm doing/recommending is a great 1st step to getting parents on board. Evidenced-based wins.
A3: Listen to the parent's concerns and also, let the data speak for itself. You must have data.
A2: meet them where they are at...each family must make their own journey in their own time https://t.co/t8LJhVQe3S
Q2: How do you work to create a team w/parents of the most challenging students? How do we reach the tired/overwhelmed parents?
A3: Take the time to listen. Feedback from Ps & Ss is important to consider. May provide insight. https://t.co/q4FZDX16Qg
Q3: How do we deal with Parents who won't/don't agree with the school's Behavior Plan or Teacher’s best practices for Ss.?
yes but they often happens in private also https://t.co/hQXzygU2WB
Some may see that as one of the downfalls of public schools then... High populations
It's hard b/c public schools are expected to do much with little for ALL. Rock, meet hard spot.
A3+ Remember who the expert is, though. It may take a few times to explain, but patience is a virtue.
One of those things hard to solve in 140 characters. :-) https://t.co/CfdyZLoPXa
It's hard b/c public schools are expected to do much with little for ALL. Rock, meet hard spot.
Agreed, hard to do so much with so little. Must be effective and efficient.
A3 so important to remember they are the parents they will have final say
A4: If it’s a question of $, tuff one to fight ! Must advocate to the top for Ss
A3: Sometimes the Ss advocate for themselves if they are being successful in school
maximize resources and people https://t.co/s5SiomSqCJ
Agreed, hard to do so much with so little. Must be effective and efficient.
Q4: Sometimes parents want services you agree are necessary, but school won't provide. How can we handle that tricky situation?
Hi. Jill from Ny, Director of Sped stopping in for a bit.
yes all things to all Ss Sigh !! https://t.co/sqNyjBuHa4
It's hard b/c public schools are expected to do much with little for ALL. Rock, meet hard spot.
A4: Sometimes equipment can be purchased through insurance/grants/outside & then can be used at home, too. Try to steer that way.
A4: provide awesome stuff for free; sometimes Ps will step in; Grant writing; "Hacks"; pilots https://t.co/YZyCVUW1Xr
Q4: Sometimes parents want services you agree are necessary, but school won't provide. How can we handle that tricky situation?
Welcome back to . Thanks for joining us!
A4: Again, I go back to the data. Does data support the decision. Is there a more effective and efficient way to provide services.
A4. that's a hard one, that often ends up in dispute! Ideally parents and teachers can observe a student together; come to agree
A5: Guiding parents to advocacy options or other parent who can help them advocate can help w/out risking job, but is tricky.
A4: wraparound services, grants, donors, insurance, etc can help with that. And if they don't, better get creative :)
A4 This is difficult to accomplish in NY with our regs. Usually SS are referred to get services that should happen in gen Ed.
open up for transpacey, see we are all on the same page to help Ss https://t.co/WLh64Th1rC
A4. that's a hard one, that often ends up in dispute! Ideally parents and teachers can observe a student together; come to agree
A4: Guiding parents to advocacy options or other parent who can help them advocate can help w/out risking job, but is tricky.
Q5: What do you do when Parents refuse services or testing for their child because they are scared of the "Stigma" of SpEd ?
A5: Work hard at explaining the value of services & how the Ss can https://t.co/SB9rVe6duV depth & breth of the advantages offered
A5: Show parents long-term data/outcomes of Ss w/disabilities getting/not getting services. Focus on future success/needs.
A5: I tend to ask parents to reflect, what is their goal for their Ss and do they think they will reach that goal without support.
A5: show those parents (and Ss) examples of successful people with disabilities. There are many to choose from!
A5: Sometimes it takes time. I like to bring in experts & share examples of how we can lead to success. https://t.co/hFFJfkysHp
Q5: What do you do when Parents refuse services or testing for their child because they are scared of the "Stigma" of SpEd ?
At times Ps don't really know what are the realistic possibilities for their Ss lets work on it together https://t.co/aGm96FnFgK
A5: I tend to ask parents to reflect, what is their goal for their Ss and do they think they will reach that goal without support.
Q6: What are some of your most challenging situations with parents?
Q5. after you finish crying, ask if u can use some modifications that student would get if they were identified...prove the need
A5+: Try to extinguish that stigma. Don't feed into it by trying to hide the "label". Makes it worse & doesn't help your cause.
yes anecdotal success stories can help !! https://t.co/lXIUcmyLsF
A5: Sometimes it takes time. I like to bring in experts & share examples of how we can lead to success. https://t.co/hFFJfkysHp
Q5: What do you do when Parents refuse services or testing for their child because they are scared of the "Stigma" of SpEd ?
I've had so many teen/adult students who have NO idea what their disability is/means. They think "IEP" is the disability.
I have recently been using the SWOT analysis method for addressing challenging situations. Shows different angles.
let's do away with the labels altogether !! https://t.co/BP3xsqgz9D
A5+: Try to extinguish that stigma. Don't feed into it by trying to hide the "label". Makes it worse & doesn't help your cause.
Lisa a sped teacher from an urban elementary school stopping in for a bit.
A6: Toughest parent relationship challenges usually around 1:1 paras/aides, AT/AAC equip, and amount of gen ed inclusion time.
A6: Building up to Ss being self advocates for accommodations & needs. Loosening the apron strings... https://t.co/wAsUEXKygf
Q6: What are some of your most challenging situations with parents?
A5 ask parent what their goal future goal is for s? Ask what their "perception" of sped services is? It is usual incorrect.
Biggest. Pet. Peeve. https://t.co/vB0YBS9iRk
I've had so many teen/adult students who have NO idea what their disability is/means. They think "IEP" is the disability.
I would love this. Why not focus on what a student needs as opposed to what label they belong to.
A6. helping parents release the anxiety pinned up from their own school experiences
Welcome to . Thanks for joining us. Jump in wherever you see a question that peaks your interest! :)
yes often have to educate the students ( and Ps) as to what the issues are and how they can succeed https://t.co/KsY0KrmDL8
I've had so many teen/adult students who have NO idea what their disability is/means. They think "IEP" is the disability.
A6: balancing data & emotions b/c with parents, both are equally as important
yes, they are just students after all https://t.co/IQ37dTSlFw
I would love this. Why not focus on what a student needs as opposed to what label they belong to.
I had NO idea until I started working w/adults. How can they learn strategies for disability if know nothing about it??
Love it when my co-teacher isn't "the special ed one". Love when Ss are pos. https://t.co/AS3WYeuhxd
let's do away with the labels altogether !! https://t.co/BP3xsqgz9D
A5+: Try to extinguish that stigma. Don't feed into it by trying to hide the "label". Makes it worse & doesn't help your cause.
YES!!! I sat through an initial IEP conference last month that was pretty much all about the parent's school needs...
I had some students this week who were shocked to find out I was the SpEd teacher. Awesome! I think... ;)
RIGHT?! And self-disclosure and self-advocacy...LOL at that if you don't know anything about yourself.
yes that is awesome,, we are Ts, they are Ss that's the way it should be !! https://t.co/2Mbz4HFEal
I had some students this week who were shocked to find out I was the SpEd teacher. Awesome! I think... ;)
Q7: How do you have the conversation when Parents disagree about what services should be provided?
Had a S say to my co-teacher that she wanted to be SPED T, but didn't know any! Seamless inclusion
A6 most recently telling parents their s does not qualify for services!
I'm struggling to get access to psych evals b/c most get same services/accomms & no idea what disability actually is.
excellent !! https://t.co/boi2kcDhMN
Had a S say to my co-teacher that she wanted to be SPED T, but didn't know any! Seamless inclusion
A7: Touchy,depends on who wants what, and why we can’t/ won’t provide! or, they don’t want them !!
A7: Respectfully, and prefer F2F. I'm not shy to bring in the experts either! Never brush it off. https://t.co/Gdl4kDnznp
Q7: How do you have the conversation when Parents disagree about what services should be provided?
A7: Disagreement about services comes back to data - performance, eval, outcomes, evidence-based practices... What NEED, not want.
yes, but often Ps can't tell the difference !! Hard to push with out seeming like a bully https://t.co/nSXkL1epxL
A7: Disagreement about services comes back to data - performance, eval, outcomes, evidence-based practices... What NEED, not want.
blanket statement IEPs? That's fun. Are METs not uploaded into IIEP in that district?
Very true! Sometimes it's hard for ppl to make that distinction. Even harder when Ss hide their need. https://t.co/xEIzcspYuV
A7: Disagreement about services comes back to data - performance, eval, outcomes, evidence-based practices... What NEED, not want.
A7: table the conversation, go back for data. Sometimes we see that more info is needed for both parties to make informed decision
A7 refer to the laws for sped along with S data. Always go back to what can be done for student. There are always options!
yes, again may come back to labels and stigma https://t.co/EsN3fv26Nc
Very true! Sometimes it's hard for ppl to make that distinction. Even harder when Ss hide their need. https://t.co/xEIzcspYuV
A7: Disagreement about services comes back to data - performance, eval, outcomes, evidence-based practices... What NEED, not want.
Always SO hard when parent requested the evaluation. They *know* something's off, but not enough to qualify. :(
A7: Agreed, it comes back to data, listening to what the root cause of the parents concerns.
Q8: How can we help parents best advocate for their child and work together as a team? No more us vs. them?
yes, unfortunately, many parents get overwhelmed by data and shut down https://t.co/pFTGObL3JN
A7: Agreed, it comes back to data, listening to what the root cause of the parents concerns.
A8:Become partners for OUR students. Build relationships around what we are all their for... the students https://t.co/rlYsJXmL9y
Q8: How can we help parents best advocate for their child and work together as a team? No more us vs. them?
A8: Remind parents we know they are full-time people, too, & not just SpEd parent. Wrap-around support. Not just school stuff.
yes, help with support and services outside of the classroom https://t.co/2hni53Rrwf
A8: Remind parents we know they are full-time people, too, & not just SpEd parent. Wrap-around support. Not just school stuff.
A8 Always tell them you are free to call/email with questions/concerns. Keep lines of communication open.
A7: Each situation is unique & should be approached as such! DATA doesn't lie, though Show the numbers, show the outcomes!
And mean it! Nothing worse than hearing those words to have a P later complain about to communication. https://t.co/ebR598veTz
A8 Always tell them you are free to call/email with questions/concerns. Keep lines of communication open.
eeeeeek. I just had a move-in like that this week, but our rockstar team tracked down all the records for me :)
I have a group for my class I have invited ppl to join, unfortunatelynone have yet but keep trying https://t.co/XcNoK26KPU
And mean it! Nothing worse than hearing those words to have a P later complain about to communication. https://t.co/ebR598veTz
A8 Always tell them you are free to call/email with questions/concerns. Keep lines of communication open.
We have to initiate 1st thousand times until they realize we are serious. Ps used to only talk to Ts for bad stuff.
A9:Don’t fight with them,we are not going to win, patient measured responses,use data if available“let’s work together (See Q 3)
I've found that ppl are more likely to join or b/c texting is more common place.
Q9: How do respond when parents "blame" you for their childs behaviors or lack of progress?
A8: Be passionate! Parents can see your passion. Show them you are on the same team fighting the same fight!
Yes! Flip that situation to help make school a positive experience.
might be right, always trying something new https://t.co/vK6NLmrgkw
I've found that ppl are more likely to join or b/c texting is more common place.
A9: Truly reflect. Maybe I could have done better. Review data. Invite the S into the convo, too. https://t.co/GtF9JTHAFR
Q9: How do respond when parents "blame" you for their childs behaviors or lack of progress?
A9: When parents are against you, again, ask yourself why, is data clear, are you using research based practices? Educate family.
A9: When parents blame me, I ask for details to see if they are right. Because they could be. How can I be better for them?
reflection always a good tool, yes, Ss input so important, we often ignore them https://t.co/8r0CAQTTkM
A9: Truly reflect. Maybe I could have done better. Review data. Invite the S into the convo, too. https://t.co/GtF9JTHAFR
Q9: How do respond when parents "blame" you for their childs behaviors or lack of progress?
A9: Don’t fight them, we are not going to win, patient measured responses, use data if available “let’s work together (See Q 3)
Sign of a strong T to be open to that possibility. We are people, too. Sometimes we might need to adjust. https://t.co/9KkIX2u6H5
A9: When parents blame me, I ask for details to see if they are right. Because they could be. How can I be better for them?
I have one parent I've promised to call from my cell phone for good stuff b/c has panic attack when sees school #.
A9 Listen. Often the blame is misdirected frustration from parent. Have covo that behavior plans are ever changing to fit s.
for years in my ALTED class all Ss had my cell to call or text when ever they or ppl needed me https://t.co/YZWR3664uy
I have one parent I've promised to call from my cell phone for good stuff b/c has panic attack when sees school #.
Awesome responsiveness! Made a point to make positive calls to as many as possible in first 2 wks. Authentic ones!
It took many years of being less than perfect to realize it was better to be wrong & fix it than be wrong & cover it up.
https://t.co/llHxFFaDoD
It took many years of being less than perfect to realize it was better to be wrong & fix it than be wrong & cover it up.
Amen, again being transparent & letting families & Ss know we are real and on their side ! https://t.co/ZBn65TSVX9
It took many years of being less than perfect to realize it was better to be wrong & fix it than be wrong & cover it up.
A9: it may have something to do with insufficient communication-maybe they needed more info from me to understand
I went from teaching adults to teens & it's weird to not be able to text/call w/Ss so freely now. I miss that.
I gave my cell # to one student last week to give his mom & had to make him swear not to sell it to other Ss! ;)
that's where is great! I got 2 voxers from Ss during thid chat ! https://t.co/JiJcvGOYMp
I went from teaching adults to teens & it's weird to not be able to text/call w/Ss so freely now. I miss that.
A9 - when parents question me I ask parents a lot of questions to see what they are really wanting to know. Plus I love data
Really, I love or just for that purpose w/ students. Even keeps text records
new state regulations in NJ stop us from doing that ( shhh don't tell anyone !!) https://t.co/241y8KGaJq
I gave my cell # to one student last week to give his mom & had to make him swear not to sell it to other Ss! ;)
We assume others know about our evidence-based practices, but we actually look nuts w/out communication. https://t.co/d68H3Lf81A
A9: it may have something to do with insufficient communication-maybe they needed more info from me to understand
yes, sometimes they are just frustrated and don't know what else to do, https://t.co/Vq6FUe5lBR
A9 - when parents question me I ask parents a lot of questions to see what they are really wanting to know. Plus I love data
A9 and I think a lot of times parents are frustrated with their children, the "system" and need to vent to someone.
lines of communication must stay open !! https://t.co/hy5G9lkI9c
A9: it may have something to do with insufficient communication-maybe they needed more info from me to understand
Q10: Any new ideas or strategies you learned tonight? Anything you plan to try or learned NOT to do?
So much this. Very few parents trust me until I REALLY earn it. I'm just another part of the system when meet me.
absolutely !! https://t.co/IziUapy0t6
A9 and I think a lot of times parents are frustrated with their children, the "system" and need to vent to someone.
I have some parents that make me nervous to talk to w/out a witness. Kinda wish we had recordings of all calls.
especially in HS, parents have been dealing with the system for years, they are tired also https://t.co/aoIVzWafyX
So much this. Very few parents trust me until I REALLY earn it. I'm just another part of the system when meet me.
: Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
keep all records,, scary !!! https://t.co/BrKj4LbrTX
I have some parents that make me nervous to talk to w/out a witness. Kinda wish we had recordings of all calls.
A10: I've learned that I want to try and for communicating w/HS students (and maybe parents, too??).
A10: So often we see just the tip of the iceberg. Many family are families in-crisis. Don't forget the importance of empathy.
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
A10: Affirmed my love of SPED peeps! Added many to my (esp. & ) Thx for https://t.co/ksxCGruGpQ
Q10: Any new ideas or strategies you learned tonight? Anything you plan to try or learned NOT to do?
yes, often we have to assist the family, not just the Ss all connected !! https://t.co/9Fehc0C7uR
A10: So often we see just the tip of the iceberg. Many family are families in-crisis. Don't forget the importance of empathy.
Thanks to for co-moderating! What a great chat about a topic nobody wants to talk about. https://t.co/qp8IQ2MExs
: Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
We will storify this and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
A10 reaffirms what a committed and dedicated group of Ts, thanks all
my pleasure, thanks so much !!! https://t.co/YXuyRY6I8z
Thanks to for co-moderating! What a great chat about a topic nobody wants to talk about. https://t.co/qp8IQ2MExs
: Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
We're taking a break, but will be back with me on Tuesday, 1/5/16, at 9pm EST for the next . Enjoy your holidays!
