Parent Leadership

2 08, 2018

10 Back-to-School Assignments for Parents of Special Needs Kids

kristina@partnerstx.org2018-08-02T14:27:36-05:00

It’s time to get the kids ready for back to school with new clothes, a fresh supply of notebooks and maybe a cool new backpack. But what about you? Are you prepared for your special needs child to start school? Even if your child already has an IEP (Individualized Education Program), remember, it’s just a “plan.” For your child to get the full advantage (and hopefully significant progress) from the IEP, your participation in and preparation for its implementation is critical. Here are 10 homework assignments to help your child to make a successful transition into the new school year: [...]

10 Back-to-School Assignments for Parents of Special Needs Kidskristina@partnerstx.org2018-08-02T14:27:36-05:00

24 07, 2018

8 Things a Teacher Should Know about Your Child

kristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-24T15:07:26-05:00

For many of us the summer brings the opportunity to sleep in late, go to bed later, and generally have less structure around the home in regards to routines and meal times. With the start of school, there is an abrupt shift to following more rigid routines. It is often a difficult transition for parents, as well as children. Teachers are going through these same transitions: getting to know the personalities and learning styles of sometimes more than 20 children can be quite a challenge. If your child has special needs, it is especially important to share information with each member [...]

8 Things a Teacher Should Know about Your Childkristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-24T15:07:26-05:00

12 07, 2018

Learning the Rules of the Game

kristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-12T15:38:55-05:00

Parent: “We should be able to trust the system to do what’s right for our kids.” In theory, this sounds good. But when you are dealing with a child with disabilities, there will always be disagreements. You simply will not get agreement from the number of participants who are required to be in these team meetings. Schools are in the decision-making process for the short-term. As a parent, you are in it for the long-term. Eventually, your child will leave the public school system. If he/she is does not receive an appropriate education, will the teacher, the school principal or director [...]

Learning the Rules of the Gamekristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-12T15:38:55-05:00

12 07, 2018

How to Disagree with the IEP Team Without Starting World War III

kristina@partnerstx.org2019-02-27T13:36:37-06:00

Many parents have questions about what to do when they are presented with an IEP that is not appropriate for their child. You should advise the IEP team that you don’t think the IEP is appropriate, that it does not provide your child with enough help or the right kind of help. You should use facts to support your position (i.e., facts from an evaluation of your child from a private sector evaluator, graphs of your child’s test scores). Be polite but firm. Tip: Think how Miss Manners handles difficult situations and use this idea to guide you. [...]

How to Disagree with the IEP Team Without Starting World War IIIkristina@partnerstx.org2019-02-27T13:36:37-06:00

12 07, 2018

The Art of IEP Diplomacy

kristina@partnerstx.org2019-02-27T14:55:12-06:00

During IEP season the stakes are high. Parents and teachers alike go into those meetings full of emotions and ideas. Sometimes I am surprised that what is unsaid seems just as loud as what is actually said. In the past, I’ve made the mistake of going into an IEP angry. I did not get the best results for my son at that meeting. So I’ve been trying different tactics over the years, and I’ve made a conscious effort to learn the art of diplomacy in my words and actions. Diplomacy is the art of prioritizing alliances over battles. It has cost [...]

The Art of IEP Diplomacykristina@partnerstx.org2019-02-27T14:55:12-06:00

12 07, 2018

Learning to Negotiate is Part of the Advocacy Process

kristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-12T15:09:18-05:00

Negotiating solutions to disputes and/or claims saves time and money. Most of our experience is in the civil area, but the techniques and skills in special education cases are the same. By using these techniques, we rarely are forced to take a special ed case all the way to a hearing. Here are a few techniques that have worked for us. Perhaps they will be helpful for you. […]

Learning to Negotiate is Part of the Advocacy Processkristina@partnerstx.org2018-07-12T15:09:18-05:00

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