Successful IEP Teams Strategies to engage parents and

Successful IEP Teams Strategies to engage parents and students for improved outcomes Mandy Cleveland, Parent Navigator

Stone Soup Group • Navigation Services • MAP Peer Support • Training & Events • Youth Activities

Engagement • ESSA – It's a requirement • The first teacher • Student achievement • Early years • High school • Teacher‐Parent relationship (Sibley & Dearing, 2014) (Ross, 2016) (Bryk & Schneider, 2003) • Don't forget about the student!

Concerns & Complaints Top issues discussed with Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction SPED Parent and Community Liaison: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. IEP Issues Evaluation Disputes Relationship Issues Enrollment Problems Placement Disputes 1. Behavior/Discipline

Barriers to Parent Engagement What are some barriers for parents to engage with the school?

Barriers to consider. . . • Historical Trauma • Past Experiences • Small Communities • Cultural Competency • Language • Resources

Strategies for Engagement What can teachers/school staff do to engage parents?

Strengths‐Based Approach • What's already working? • Are there areas to encourage? • Peer support

Coaching • Build the foundation • Empower parents

Expand the Team • Who knows the child and family? • What other information is out there? • Increasing communication • Community, extended family, elders. . etc.

Communication • Planning extra time • Clearly explain meetings • Purpose • Time • Check for understanding

Strategy Role Play • Strengths‐based approach • Coaching • Expanding the team • Communication

Tools for Engagement There's an app for that. . . and other ideas to improve engagement.

Tools for Engagement • Apps • Email • Newsletter • Communication log • Home visits • Other ideas?

Above & Beyond • Welcoming environment • Knowing parent names • Learning activities for breaks • Attending sporting & community events • Knowing the resources available in your community

Questions or Comments

Sources • Ross, T. (2016). The differential effects of parental involvement on high school completion and postsecondary attendance. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 24(30). http: //dx. doi. org/10. 14507/epaa. v 24. 2030 • Sibley, E. and Dearing, E. (2014), Family educational involvement and child achievement in early elementary school for american‐born and immigrant families. Psychol. Schs. , 51: 814‐ 831. doi: 10. 1002/pits. 21784 • Bryk, A. S. and Schneider, B. (2003). Trust in schools: A core resource for school reform. Educational Leadership 60: 40‐ 44.