Speaking the Same Language: Eliminate the Educational Jargon and Acronyms
Going through the process of an IEP is intimidating, but it is the job of the teacher to help make it less intimidating for the parents.
Remember:
- Things that are affecting the student at school are also affecting the student and family members in the home.
- Be careful as to how you word things. Remember, you are talking about another person's child and family member.
- The verbiage and testing results can be confusing for parents to decipher. Make sure that you explain what each evaluation tested for, and how the scores were derived (EX. CLICK HERE for a sample breakdown of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children– Fourth Edition (WISC– IV) testing results). Bridging that gap can help the parents feel much more comfortable with the decisions regarding their child's educational future.
-As frustrating as it can be to have a student in your classroom who is acting out, it can be even more frustrating/embarrassing for the parents of that student who are trying to work with their problem behavior 24/7.
-It is important that the teacher makes the connection to work with the family as a team to resolve the problem behavior (and not just cast judgment and disapproval on the parenting style of the family).
Remember:
- Things that are affecting the student at school are also affecting the student and family members in the home.
- Be careful as to how you word things. Remember, you are talking about another person's child and family member.
- The verbiage and testing results can be confusing for parents to decipher. Make sure that you explain what each evaluation tested for, and how the scores were derived (EX. CLICK HERE for a sample breakdown of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children– Fourth Edition (WISC– IV) testing results). Bridging that gap can help the parents feel much more comfortable with the decisions regarding their child's educational future.
-As frustrating as it can be to have a student in your classroom who is acting out, it can be even more frustrating/embarrassing for the parents of that student who are trying to work with their problem behavior 24/7.
-It is important that the teacher makes the connection to work with the family as a team to resolve the problem behavior (and not just cast judgment and disapproval on the parenting style of the family).
Connecting with the Text - Interactions: Collaboration Skills for School Professionals (6th edition)
Language when communicating with families is important when first diagnosing (or identifying a child for special services) but it is important to keep in mind when throughout the child’s educational career.
(Friend & Cook, 202)
- Provide feedback in a private, safe, and comfortable, environment
- Minimal professionals present
- Ask about strengths and weaknesses of child
- Present information in a jargon-free manor
- Use thorough results from a variety of assessments
- Keep in mind the “whole” child!
- Give parent time to digest results before planning
- Be sensitive to potential language barriers
- Use conflict resolution strategies to clarify
(Friend & Cook, 202)