May 9, 2017
Surviving IEP Season: Effective Meetings and Team Collaboration
Industry:
Solution:
7 Keys to Collaboration
Once the meeting is underway, these keys to collaboration will maximize a smooth-running meeting:- Remember the Common Purpose - While the process can be complex and occasionally trigger strong emotions, participants should remain focused on their shared purpose—supporting the education of the child.
- Give Everyone a Voice - For collaboration to truly take place, all participants must feel they have an equal voice in the process.
- Open yet Respectful Communication - All participants must feel that their perspective is welcome and respected even during disagreements.
- Listen Well - Sharing one's perspective isn't enough. Participants must also be open and sensitive to the perspectives of others.
- Explore Underlying Interests - Participants need to focus on understanding the “why behind the what” and avoid becoming fixated on disagreements over the means of reaching their goals.
- Avoid Demonizing - Even if not immediately understood, participants almost always have good intentions and should avoid the temptation to assume the worst of others during disagreements.
- Trust the Collaborative Process - By having faith in the team, expecting success, and letting go of the need to know exactly how issues will play out, the collaborative process is given the space it needs to be successful.
- IEP: Compliance
- IEPs and the Common Core
- IEP: Facilitated Meetings