	Developing Parent/Teacher Partnerships
	Advocating For Children With Learning Weaknesses
	WORKSHOPS
	Effective Parent/Teacher Communications
	Don't Take It Personally

Ten Strategies for Parents to Advocate for Children with Learning Weaknesses

Know your child
1. Be observant and objective. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
2. What is their learning style? How do they learn best?
3. Give your child your undivided attention when speaking about school. What are they really saying? Put it in context based on your knowledge about your child.

Know the system
1. Research the state and federal laws
2. Understand the process. Ask questions of teachers and other professionals.
3. Talk to others about their experiences. Some people will help you with new ideas and strategies and you will help others with your learning.

Be committed to your child's success
1. Help your child work smarter. Working harder (doing more of what is not working) will not change the situation or outcome.
2. Help them to do their best rather than trying to achieve a letter grade
3. Let them know what they are doing right and your belief in their ability to succeed.

Don't wait to become involved
1. There doesn't have to be a problem. Tell the teacher what you know about your child even if they don't ask!
2. Communicate early and as often as necessary. Let the teacher know what you observe and hear from your child.
3. Let the teacher know if you want them to provide feedback, a response or an acknowledgement.

Focus on finding solutions
1. Find the common ground. Reach an agreement on what you both want for your child and then work together to find the best method for meeting that need.
2. Avoid blame and criticism; it sets up a win-lose dynamic between the parent and teacher, which takes the focus off your child.
3. When discussing any problem or situation, remove the words "I", "You" and "Why" from your vocabulary. Substitute "We", "Your Child's Name", "How" and "What".

Know your objective in every communication
1. Plan your communication. Script and practice it if necessary.
2. Clearly and concisely state the situation and the problem you want solved. Know which alternatives are acceptable and which you cannot abide
3. Have a "check list" of key points to guide the conversation, particularly for meetings such as a PPT.

Be willing to "hear it all"
1. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Your child may behave differently at school.
2. Listen fully without interrupting, planning a rebuttal or getting upset. There is plenty of time to respond.
3. Make sure you fully understand what is being said. Clarify any ambiguity or vagueness by asking "what" and "how" questions.

Be willing to go outside the system
1. You may have to go outside the system for support or diagnostics. Do it for your child's sake.
2. If you go outside the system, share what you learn with the school.
3. Encourage cooperation. The more the teacher knows about your child, the easier it will be for the teacher to work with your child in the most beneficial way.

Help your child develop self-advocacy skills
1. Explain their learning weaknesses to them simply and without judgment. Review the content of their IEP with them so they understand the goals and accommodations.
2. Encourage children to speak up for themselves whenever appropriate. Help your child plan the conversation with their teacher. Use role playing to build confidence.
3. Facilitate the communication and, if your child needs physical support, go with them but step back and let them handle it directly with the teacher as far as they can.

Acknowledge efforts made by teachers & other professionals
1. Say "Thank You". Show sincere appreciation for their time and effort.
2. Recognize the positive outcomes. Be specific.
3. Catch the teacher doing things right and let them know you noticed!

Sharon Kratochvil, Ph.D.
Organization & Personal Development Coaching
(203) 359-9408
Sharon@CoachSharon.com