Here is an archived article from the January 2010 newsletter with some New Year’s Resolutions from parents and teachers.  They are very applicable to the start of a new school year as well so here they are again!

For Parents:

I resolve to…

• Find that IEP (!)

• Get my child’s records and files in order.

• Review my child’s current goals.

• Visit my child’s classroom (make an appointment first), say hi to the teacher and observe for awhile.

• Visit the playground during recess or lunch, but I won’t overstay my welcome and will respect the teacher and other students.

• Share any questions or concerns I have with my child’s teacher about my child’s progress.

• Make sure I prepare for and attend the IEP. That means I will know in advance when it will be, request copies of new evaluations and/or assessments that may be developed, review them and make note of questions or concerns. Do these reports reflect an accurate picture of my child? Do I understand what these assessments mean?

• I will ask questions!

• Make a list of who I want to attend my child’s IEP meeting. I will give this to my child’s teacher (point person) as soon as possible. I may want to invite my child’s TCRC service coordinator (if your child is a client of TCRC), child care provider, friends, family members, anyone who has an interest in my child’s progress at school. I may invite a friend as ”an extra set of ears” to support me.

• Discuss the communication plan between home and school. Is it working?

• Make time to share appreciation with my child’s support team, including assistants, cafeteria staff, office support, nurse, custodian, bus driver and others. I know a simple note of thanks is always welcomed.

• Take advantage of local trainings, support, and resources related to special education and systems navigation.

• Take care of myself and appreciate all the work I do!

I will remember to help my child’s team create SMART goals-

• Specific

• Measureable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-limited

 

For Teachers:

I resolve to…

• Review the student’s IEP

• Re-connect with the parents to see if they have anything new to report after the long holiday.

• Re-visit the communication plan I have between school and home. Is it working?

• Encourage parents, who may be intimidated by the IEP process, to participate more so they don’t feel left out.

• Review upcoming assessments when asking for parents’ consent.

• Develop a draft IEP agenda to discuss with the parent(s) before the meeting. Add items the parent suggests.

• Share resources

• Share appreciation with my support staff.

• Take advantage of Personnel Development opportunities.

• Take care of myself and appreciate all the work I do!

• Be organized and prepared for each day’s lesson

• Have clear and consistent expectations

• Call parents prior to the IEP meeting to discuss parent concerns and alleviate any meeting anxiety

• Post daily and weekly agendas in the classroom for students to follow and share these with parents

• Frequently share student progress with parents

• Accept that behavior is a form of communication

• Accept and appreciate student and parent differences

• Find what students love and use it to motivate learning

What are your resolutions for this school year? Share them with us in the comments section.