“As we run our: an Introduction To Special
Education Law, what do you think are the easiest ways for a school district or
its staff to get into special ed legal trouble?”
Over the years, the biggest reason I think
parents want to take schools to court is because no one returns their phone
calls. When a teacher or administrator doesn’t return a phone call or respond
to a parent, they are sending the message that the parent is not important.
Nothing seems to infuriate a parent more than this and I don’t blame them.
I believe that 80% of special education legal
troubles could be avoided if we open the lines of communications with the
parents/caregivers.
When parents feel that schools are transparent
and really want to help their child succeed, most conflicts can be handled locally
between the school and the parent. Many times a parent wants to be heard and
wants to know that the school is understanding about the problems being faced.
The parent doesn’t want excuses but wants some kind of action being taken.
Sometimes this action may just be listening to the parent. But most of all, no
parent wants to be or should be ignored at any time.
I have found through experience that having a
good relationship with the parents really helps avoid any conflicts. This means
being in constant communication with them (weekly or biweekly if needed). The
parents can contact me and be assured that I will respond. When we work as a
team rather than adversaries, the child is more likely to succeed. When changes
need to be made, I work with the parent on what needs to happen and the
timeframe needed for this. If the parent has reservations about the changes, I
listen and sometimes the parent’s input can change how I feel and sometimes I
can change how they feel. But most important, they feel a part of the team and
their input counts.
How would you answer this question? Please
share.
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