- Get organized
- Buy a folder or two. Set up an organizational system that works for you. Keep Records of communication, emails, and work samples.
- Be clear about the communication system your school uses to track your child’s progress and assignments. If this isn’t sufficient based on your child’s needs communicate that to the school personnel and work on an alternate or supplementary system.
- Communication
- Most communication should be in writing- preferably via email.
- Be polite and professional in all communication. This does not require you to agree but don’t make it personal.
- Be clear and concise. Long emails don’t get read.
- Agree on the frequency of communication.
- When appropriate, use a checklist rather than a long narrative.
- Agree on which team member from the school will be the point of contact.
- If it is urgent, pick up the phone.
- IEP meetings
- Develop a “proposed agenda”. Circulate this to the IEP team in advance.
- Agree on the length of the meeting and who will participate.
- This is not the time to play “gotcha.”
- Prioritize your concerns and what you hope your child will achieve this school year.
- Leave the meeting with an action plan and agree on who will be responsible for any follow up.
Resources: www.understood.org
Our office is available for consultation and or representation in special education, bullying, and educational concerns. Please feel free to email us at mmoran@grundlaw.com or call (312)-640-0500.
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