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Understanding Basic Systems
Education
Professional Tips
- Begin the discussion with positive comments. When discussing negative issues or behaviors describe them clearly without additional comments and focus on strategies for solving the problem.
- Attempt to call parents a long time in advance to arrange a convenient time for an IEP meeting. Working parents may be able to arrange to come in on a day off while their child is in school.
- Discuss options with parents and the student. Parents need an understanding of how and what classroom modifications will take place and how their child’s curriculum will blend with the regular class curriculum.
- If a student and parent are involved in the planning process of the program they understand the strategies and this increases responsibility for setting goals and pursuing goals.
- Offer a time for parents to review the IEP before the meeting
- Develop a plan for regular ongoing contact with the parents. Sometimes there are so many professionals involved with their child it is hard for parents to know who does what. Setting a formal means of communication whether by e-mail, phone or perhaps a home/school journal that goes between home and school will help parents follow what goals are being worked on and the progress of such goals.
- During a meeting, introduce everyone in the room and identify their association with the child. Smile.
- If parents seem overwhelmed, slow down and allow time for questions and rephrasing.
- Listen carefully to family stories. People often communicate important facts in a story telling manner.
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