What relationship between parents and schools is effective in meeting the needs of students with disabilities?

Answer 1

Good communication. A daily or weekly communication from the school to the parent that says what is being taught and suggestions on ways the parents can reinforce what is being taught. Using email would open up a lot more communication with parents and teachers.

By law schools provide the necessary services that will help to educate a child. They stop short of providing the necessary services that will help that child function at his/her best as an adult living in society. Many parents don't realize this. Many believe that their child is receiving all of the necessary services he/she needs. So, even though the parent's insurance would cover additional services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, many parents don't pursue it. The school would do well by the student and parent to suggest additional services where appropriate.

Answer 2

Before My daughter was fully diagnosed with her learning disabilities while we were in the process of getting things done I made sure that I was at the school every day! I had that ability as I have a physical disability that makes it impossible for me to work and the school was only a block away. I was there if any questions came up or if I thought that the teacher wasn't doing what A needed done. I had a close relationship with both the principal and assistant principal and while I was working to make sure that my daughter got what she needed I helped other children get the services that they also needed. IF you or your wife can't be there every day, make frequent telephone calls to the school and let them know that you care what happens to your child. Join the PTA and become as involved as possible. The administration listens to the parents who are the most active and who are really involved with their children's education, because there are so many people who aren't involved. Which person would you rather help?? The one who wants it or the one who denies that they need it.

Answer 3

Maintaining positive and open communication between the parent and teacher is very important. With my own son who is moderately autistic and in varying exceptionalities classes, the teacher and I communicate daily, mainly through notes in my son's planner, but neither one of us hesitates to pick up the phone and call if we want/need an answer a little faster. It is also important that the parent take the necessary time to educate themselves about the IEP process and IDEA--and be willing to stand up for their child. The parent should never assume that the school knows best because that isn't always the case.

Answer 4

Read fred Jones book on Positive Discipline. He discusses catching a student being good. Communicating this on a relatively regular basis shows parents the teacher is not the enemy so when problems arise the teacher is already known through prior experience to be on the students' side.
Too many educators fail to act like they recognize that parents are our bosses and that we are doing what we do to serve their needs--or their children's--which theoretically should be the same.
Doing whatever is necessary to prove this to parents is a prime function of educators.
The adage that it takes a village to raise a child only works with trusting and open communication between the educator and the family stakeholders.

Answer 5

I have two special needs children. There are good schools and bad. Good communication is key. Honesty from both parties is a must. Parent education on laws and services is a must. Having a parental/child advocate to assist navigating the system is a big bonus. Having a school willing to provide the services and following through with the IEP is priceless.

Answer 6

NONE!

I have found it depends upon the LSD, actual school attending admin and staff's willingness to work with a parent and their love of children. If they truly love children, they make accommodations and modifications without a law forcing them. They are willing to try anything and everything until the magic combo happens. Resulting in a happy, successful, educated person.

Admin/Staff don't do it for the money. They are over worked and underpaid. The pay is the strides the children make, the smiles and twinkle in their eyes when a child discovers he/she can do anything!

Answer 7

I agree on the good communications. I have children with IEP's and it has been an up HILL battle, Let me just say that in order for there to be Good Communication, the schools must first treat the parents like they have at least enough common sense to help their child. I know we don't have the same IQ"S as the teachers, but we do know and understand our child, at least most of us do.

Answer 8

A partnership is required. Both do not understand the total child. Each sees the child from their point of view. Each can teach and learn from each other to develop the best IEP for the child.
Open and frequent communication between both parties gives each a better perspective of the child.

Answer 9

1)Good communication
2)schools respecting parents instead of thinking 'they' are the 'experts'
3)HONEST- schools need to be honest in helping the child instead of cheating, lying, violating FEDERAL laws so they can get out of helping the children.
4) WORKING- Most times when parents first want help thru special ed, ALL communication from school stops. Schools 'stress' that they want parents 'involved' in their childs education, but when teh parent does this, they get blocked and stonewalled all the way.
5) They stop all communication because they dont' want any proof that the child is having problems so they won't have to help thru special ed.

Go to www.schwablearning.org message board and get LOTS of great answers.

Answer 10

good communication as mentioned before, along with self-knowledge. you as your child's advocate need to have a clear understanding of how IDEA and IEPs work and be willing to step up as an advocate of your child's specific needs.get on the net. learn how the ropes work and go for it.

remember: power is knowledge. what you know can only help you, seasoned with wisdom, co-operation and kindness.