Creating Agreement

Educators and Parents Working Together

The IEP team process is most effective when teams work collaboratively to meet the educational needs of students. Each participant brings different skills and perspectives to the planning of special education services. Each team member plays an important role in the success of this process.

IEP team members need resources and practice to recognize circumstances that enhance conflict management and meeting effectiveness and those that create barriers to successful decision making. The resources and links on this page are intended to help educators and parents prevent or reduce the likelihood of conflict escalating into disputes. They can be used to help teams evaluate their own interactions as well as offering ideas for improving team functioning.

Quick Links for Better Communication

• Sample IEP Meeting Agenda.pdf
• Tested Tips for Effective IEP Meetings.pdf
• Communicating with Your Child’s School: English - Spanish
• Options if Parent Disagrees with Decision of School.pdf
• WSEMS IEP Facilitation Program and Mediation

Personnel Development Resources for Educators and Parents

Parent Liaisons from the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative can assist schools to select, design and deliver evidence-based and sustainable personnel development to facilitate family involvement and promote creating agreement.

• Basic Communication Training for School Staff:
  Agenda - PowerPoint - Integrity Checklist - Overview - Participant Handouts - Presenter Notes - Slides
• Basic Communication Training for Parents
• Creating Agreement Training
• Options for Dispute Resolution for IEP Teams Training

• IEP The Movie: Negotiating the Special Education Maze (video)
• Listening
  8 minute video that requires Adobe Flash player
• Understanding "Positions" and "Interests"
  8 minute video that requires Adobe Flash player
• Guidelines for Conflict Management in Special Education
• Staff Guide for Family Involvement
• Parent Guide: English - Spanish

For questions about this information, contact Patricia Bober 608-266-5194 or Marge Resan 608-267-9158.

Last updated on 11/13/2009 11:07:17 AM