Welcomes You To
Getting Over The Wall
Positive Communication in the IEP or IFSP
Trainer’s Name
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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
ParentsEducators
Parents Educators
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
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
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 email 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?
1-888-61-AWARE
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