Navigating Communication with Your Student’s School
Communicating with teachers and school staff about your student’s strengths and weaknesses is important in making sure your student gets the support they need while at school. Clear and open communication helps you and the teachers work together as a team to do what’s best for your student with a disability making their learning experiences more positive.
It is also good to share your concerns, talk about your students’ specific needs, and find ways to help them succeed. Here are some simple tips to help you communicate effectively with teachers and school staff this school year.
- Be Prepared: Before meeting/talking with your student’s teachers or school staff, make a list of your main concerns and questions. Bring any relevant information, like their IEP, homework examples or medical reports to support your points.
- Be Specific: Clearly state your concerns about your student and their needs. Instead of saying, “My student is struggling,” describe the specific challenges they face and the support they need.
- Stay Calm and Positive: Approach the conversation with a calm and positive mindset. Even if you’re frustrated, staying calm helps keep the discussion productive.
- Ask for Their Perspective: Teachers and staff have useful insights into your student’s behavior and learning while at school. Ask for their observations and listen to their feedback to better understand how you can support your child.
- Follow-up: After your meeting, send an email summarizing the discussion and any agreed actions. This ensures everyone is on the same page and keeps a written record of the conversation. Stating something positive from your meeting and thanking them for taking the time to discuss your student with you can also go a long way.
Additional Resources
Working with Your Student’s School Professionals
