As we enter into 2009, I’m simply ready to explode with the information I’ve learned and gathered to pass onto the special education community. You see, for the past 13 years I’ve been able to make progress with special education teams by leading parents and staff to creative, effective solutions. Together, we didn’t rely on the minimums the law required or the changes coming to IDEA. We simply made it happen.
So in 2008 I took the time to put together all the strategies we’ve been using into a simple, easy to use plan for both parents and staff. You definitely don’t need one more thing to do, but what if I could give you tools to get things done easier?
Now, laying out the plan would be overwhelming, so you’ll be seeing things in bits and pieces to help you make a difference little by little in your child’s/student’s education. Let’s get started:
The new Monday buzz word: Integrity
Don’t you wish we all had more integrity? Or maybe we all have integrity, but nobody believes us. Integrity is strict adherence to a set of values. What are your values as your role on the special education team? Are you honest and fair to each and every person on that team? Have you fulfilled your role to the fullest to assure the child is receiving the education the need?
If we all had just a little more integrity when focusing on special education needs, the trust in the environment would build. With trust and integrity, progress for the child could be be made.
What does integrity truly look like for special education? Here are a few examples:
Parents- You’re honest about the skills you see at home from your child, you communicate openly and in a positive manner with the staff and you treat the team as you wish to be treated.
Staff- You’re honest in your accomplishments with the child, truthful data is taken and is recorded consistently. You complete your role (teacher, therapist, admin) not only at the minimum of what is required, but from the passion that drove you into this field.
Your Action: Today, take some time set your standards of integrity. Knowing what you expect of yourself and what you expect of others will set the foundation for the child’s success.
