#LDchat Archive
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.
Wednesday July 6, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! This is Dan with the Understood team.
Today’s co-hosts are and , parent leaders with Decoding .
Deborah here. Mom to 3 boys. I am passionate about parent engagement. Looking forward to chatting today!
We’ll be talking about parent engagement with special considerations for parents of kids with learning and attention issues.
We’ll also be giving away two books, so keep an eye on your DMs to see if you’ve won.
Peter here. with a PhD. ? That's me! I wrote a book! Screwed up somehow but not stupid. (on Amazon and BN)
PEATC the is here! We are so glad to be joining in on this very important topic!
Hey Peter! We always love having you.
Thanks! Interesting topic. My mom was so involved she started a school for me (Gateway School of NY)
We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
We'll give it another minute as folks settle in.
Happy to be able to join today. Parent to 2 w LD
I'm always interested to know if any other participants are, themselves, LD
First question coming up...
Q1: How would you define or describe the term “parent engagement” to someone who’s never heard the term before?
Trend? Two moms of LD kids started too! https://t.co/LCIcUukVey
Thanks! Interesting topic. My mom was so involved she started a school for me (Gateway School of NY)
Hi Peter I am an individual with dyslexia and a mom of 2 with LD
A1: A COMMITMENT to educators & parents working together in meaningful ways to support & improve positive outcomes for children.
A1 I think it's pretty self-descriptive. How is it confusing?
I keep looking for a way to do the same Peter
A1 - Parent engagement is creating a working relationship. Partnership - parent + school = engagement
Do schools support parent engagement or do they set their own expectations of the parent role? Join NOW: https://t.co/fF1abM80X5
I'm here with you! I'm part of the Parent Engagement & Advocacy team
A1: activities for parents understand the school community and school activities
Understood Chat right now! https://t.co/cxgcI6msZh
A1: A COMMITMENT to educators & parents working together in meaningful ways to support & improve positive outcomes for children.
A1 or did you mean what is it like from the school's side?
A1 A willing relationship between parents, teachers admin and students w assumption of good intentions by all
Sometimes "engagement" can be misunderstood as doing things for parents instead of with.
Happy to hear your thoughts from either side.
A1 From parents, it's a commmitment to be involved with their kids' schooling
Involvement implies "doing to"; in contrast, engagement implies "doing with” and then there’s EMPOWERMENT
A1 From schools/teachers it's a commitment to letting parents know what's up and letting them be involved
A2: Parents of SWD have a unique perspective & knowledge base that can inform improved decisions for ALL learners.
A1. It is a lot easier to define than achieve. It takes a LOT of work openmindedness and commitment
Q2. Why is parent engagement and involvement especially important for parents of kids with learning and attention issues?
A1 "The greatest gift a parent can give a child is a face that lights up when he enters the room" - anon. (I wish I knew who)
Think schools ARE supportive of the idea but training to effectively implement authentic parent engagement help both P and school
A2 Because, while one size never fits all, with our kids, the fit is often especially bad
5 important things to do before, during and after an meeting:
I think "with", "to" and "for" are all important
A2 so there is consistency at home & school. Common goals.
Could the initial question be reposted?
A2 Parents are sometimes the only voice kids have-they can learn how to self advocate if they have good examples
A2: to dispel the myth that the school is against the growth of any specific student demonstrate activities that may be new
Q2. Why is parent engagement and involvement especially important for parents of kids w/ learning & attention issues?
A2 - IEPs, 504 plans, require teamwork & essential for positive outcomes for our LD kids. engagement helps ensure working together
A2 also, so both know what's going on in other place; our kids often act very differently in home and school
A2. Schools r primarily designed for typical learner and LD can take on so many individual complexities. Parents know their kid best
A2: Parents of SWD can share important insights into systemic improvements... not just individual advocacy efforts benefit.
requires providing child care and interpreters for families to attend
Yes, however parents are often lacking information, strategies, and the know-how to effectively advocate.
good chance to connect with families who hopefully have had positive experiences
Q3: In your experience, do schools support parent engagement or do they establish their own expectations of the parent role?
Agreed! Parent's have very special insight and bring a unique perspective to the table
Agree! and I believe engagement can help close that knowledge gap.
That can be true. But today have many resources & can come up to speed quickly on #504
Yes RT :Ps of SWD can share important insights into systemic improvements... not just individual benefit.
Providing for their need for information, strategies, and know-how is the root of "engagement"
A3 I think most schools have expectations, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing
Not quickly enough. And understanding IDEA is insufficient. Far more is needed.
A1: my experience is school is open to parent involvement, but can be hard 4 parents initially as it's a whole new world/language.
Parents can get a lot of info from the 'net. But also a lot of misinformation
Can the questions be reposted as none are appearing?
A3: It’s easier to define roles & manage expectations; more difficult to embrace the philosophy of EMPOWERING parents into action.
A3: school supports but limited events or schedule conflicts make engagement "one more thing", lots of "same" parents
A3 Also, the schools I know are not rigid in their expectations
only when they are rigid about them. Flexibility is important on all sides
Expectations are indeed not necissarily bad, but they should be coupled with an open mind
A3 hard to say b/c I think it varies at every school which is difficult for all involved.
Very true. This is why Understood exists--hopefully to eliminate any confusion.
School-family relationships should be built on mutual respect - listening, welcoming perspectives, and shared decision making.
You hit the nail on the head! https://t.co/ot1f5EwaTT
A3: It’s easier to define roles & manage expectations; more difficult to embrace the philosophy of EMPOWERING parents into action.
Things can break down fast when folks are fearful or skeptical of each other. It’s OK that the process is sometimes uncomfortable.
For sure! Parents vary in their abilities, available time, etc.
Are you participating via tchat? If so, try refreshing your browser.
A3. That very much depends on the schools and individuals involvef
What do you think ? #504 https://t.co/7lKCyIF86M
Not quickly enough. And understanding IDEA is insufficient. Far more is needed.
A3 Of course, when I was at Gateway, parents were involved - my mom started the place!
Hi Randa... happy you're here!
also in Twitter own willingness to be flexible. I find stress really impacts my ability to flex
Refreshed again. None of your questions are appearing; only responses.
stress affects everything! Too much stress makes everything hard. Too little and there's no engagement
You need to have the right amount of stress. Not easy!
Parent-teacher engagement is ONE type of parent engagement... we can also look to engage parents in systemic change for our schools.
Q3: Do schools support parent engagement or do they establish their own expectations of the parent role?
From my parent perspective-learning #504 led to effective & later,
Thank you! We were trying to formulate this statement
Thank you. A3: They have their own expectations which come across loud and clear to parents.
A3 not knowing any differently-it can be an overwhelming exp.parents could have had a bad exp. themselves
this is harder for many of us to figure out how to do effectively
We read about IDEA but didn't know what ways it could be applied. Few resources explained this https://t.co/Ga82dtNJ9d
What do you think ? #504 https://t.co/7lKCyIF86M
Not quickly enough. And understanding IDEA is insufficient. Far more is needed.
A3: And, while many schools speak the words engagement, educated parents are often dismissed. Seen it for years.
State PTIs - great place for parents to get started learning about individual and systemic advocacy tools. https://t.co/IH4H2o7ML4
That shouldn't happen! And didn't at the schools our son attended (Gateway and Summit)
I've seen this too unfortunately. I'm very stubborn though. After lots of trying I have made inroads.
Engaging at the county, district or state level is a great way for parents to participate
But worth the continued efforts!
IDEA is complicated for many parents. Many do not understand how to advocate no less federal/state laws.
Agree! I have lived it It is inherently uncomfortable - but we grow together thru the process https://t.co/xtHPsUmEVq
Things can break down fast when folks are fearful or skeptical of each other. It’s OK that the process is sometimes uncomfortable.
Great conversation going on at . We have over 50 collections of resources on parent engagement! https://t.co/l7ecUXLIqN
Agreed Peter...it shouldn't. But it does. Far too often.
Parent engagement has to start BEFORE placement; ideally at birth! Then at meetings with bureaucrats who are dismissive
Last question coming up...
We make mistakes along the way - but that's OK... we have to learn to collaborate and it takes time.
Good to hear Tina. My mantra is never give up. You do know your child best.
30 minutes is too short for these chats! But they are great
. agree. Our school "applied" for it before IEP and we were denied even though we had diagnosis etc.
Q4: How can parents of kids w/ learning and attention issues become more actively engaged in their child’s school and community?
Lots of info available places like state PTI's funded to help provide knowledge to parents
What role does a district play in helping parents learn about laws and advocacy?
Agree. Miss the hour format
A4 Well, start a school; or home school. Those are biggest
A4: Parents of SWD should seek out opportunities to serve on decision making teams - BOE, PTA, Advisory Council, etc.
A4 Also, volunteer at the school if they can
Agreed, however effective parent advocacy requires more...skills, knowledge, competence.
A4 find a partner or a group-it is important to know that you are not alone!
A4 communicate with teachers via all methods - email, phone, notes, whatever
A4 - Attend local Special Education Advisory committee meetings, attend PTA, seek out parent groups then share info
A4: be willing to participate and attend school functions that are open to families
That's great but what is state PTI? https://t.co/mwGI4KGbo1
Lots of info available places like state PTI's funded to help provide knowledge to parents
Applied for what? And a diagnosis is sometimes not sufficient. Specially-designed instruction.
A4 get to know the non-teacher professionals too. PTs, OTs, SL therapists, psychologists
I've found PEATC. Very helpful
A4 Tell the school when your kid or family is having a tough time
A4 It's important to understand when to back off.
Great suggestion, Peter. That's not necessarily something everyone would think of.
I'm sorry...could you repost Q4? They simply are not appearing. Thanks very much.
A4 Become informed-learn about IDEA-it is more effective to be involved if you can speak the same language.
Kids might find it humiliating.
this is awesome advice. Some of out best results have come from out son's OT
Q4: How can parents become more actively engaged in their child’s school and community?
. good Q. Don't know process was never explained. I guess to school district for approval & got denied
so important keep everyone informed to best serve our students
Sorry about that. Not sure why the questions aren't appearing for you.
Yes! I have made MANY mistakes as a parent! Just ask But we found a way to work together 2 help kids
A4: Know your SpEd director. Attend sped parent groups. Volunteer esp. in your child's class.
About to wrap up. Any final thoughts?
I'm so sorry. I do appreciate you reposting. Don't know why either. Always did before.
A4 - Ask... your teacher, admin, school board.. "How can I engage and make a positive impact for our class, school, county?
Important to include parent leaders from all groups (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic etc) ensures equity and well rounded perspectives
EVERYBODY makes mistakes. Important for kids to see parents mess up ... and then clean up the mess
And don't forget to check your DMs right after this chat to see if you've won a book.
