Welcomes You To Getting Over The Wall Positive Communication in the IEP or IFSP

Trainer’s Name Insert photo here

Many parents report that their child’s annual IEP meeting ranks as one of the most stressful events of the year.

Many teachers report that their students’ annual IEP meetings rank as some of the most stressful events of the year.

Parents

Educators

ParentsEducators

The process of communication is what allows us to interact with other people. What is communication?

Verbal Nonverbal Written Listening Methods of Communication

Verbal Communication Word Choice

Verbal Communication Tone Enunciation Pauses Loudness Emphasis

Verbal Communication “SARAH is behind in Math.” “Sarah IS behind in Math.” “Sarah is BEHIND in Math.” “Sarah is behind in MATH.”

Respectful Acronyms Jargon Conclusions Ask! Should Verbal Communication Tone of voice Speak up Loudness Interrupting Child-focused

Non-Verbal Communication

Listening posture Crossed arms Eye roll Nonverbal Communication Watch / Clock Faking Ask

Written Communication Permanent Complete Large groups Formal Informal

Outline Short Sweet Neat & legible Written Communication Receipt CC Copy for you File

Active Listening

Be attentive Main point Take notes Paraphrase Active Listening Ask Judging Body Language

Negative History # Top Two Communication Barriers 2 The Past –Conflict / Emotions –Choose your Battles –Forgive/Forget/Pretend The Present –Different Circumstances? –Different People? –Letting Go & Moving On

Being Emotional # Top Two Communication Barriers 1 Parents Educators, too Us vs. Them (again!) Humans Potential for Conflict = Fear & Anxiety

Acknowledge Fear & Anxiety Draft Make a list Stay in touch Take a friend Negative History & Emotions Suggest a break Relevant? Expend energy? Let it go Learn!

Positive Communication Activity

American Heritage defines CONSENSUS... 1.An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole 2.General agreement

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act relies on a consensus model of decision making?

That you have already worked toward consensus with a group today?

Steps to Building Consensus Define the problem Listen Compromise Brainstorm Alternatives Input from ALL Celebrate Success!!

If Consensus is Not Reached Informal Options Meeting w/teacher Reconvene IEP meeting Meet w/principal Write an informal or letter Call / meet with District Rep(s) Call Tallahassee (with a question) Call CFPC!

If Consensus is Not Reached

Keys to Effective Communication Confidence Show Interest Open-Ended Questions Listen Twice, Speak Once Knowledge is Power Take a Risk Start Small

“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” Mattie Stepanek Why work at getting over the wall?

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