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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