Parent Resource Center Monday Message: October 18, 2021

This week, we focus on preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences and sharing Inclusive Practices guidance for our community. Several upcoming events of note are posted in our Events section, including two Celebrate Calm sessions, SEPTA’s upcoming session with Dr. Paula Kluth, and a session on supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) at Home as we celebrate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. In addition, Arlington County has a variety of upcoming sessions including FLIP IT!®: Transforming Challenging Behavior, a session on important considerations for families now that marijuana is legal in Virginia, and ongoing parent support groups.  Details and registration links are provided below. Have a great week!

Parent-Teacher conference season has arrived! Parent-Teacher conferences are a great opportunity for families and staff to build relationships and focus together on student achievement and outcomes. In addition to discussing academics, parents can check in on their child’s social-emotional skills and ask about adjustment to their new grade, work habits, relationships with peers and adults, and demeanor at school.

Here are some links to resources and tips to help prepare for Parent-Teacher conferences:
Resources from Understood.org: 

• Printable: Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences
• The Difference Between IEP Meetings and Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Download: Parent-Teacher Conference Worksheet
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Guide for Families With Kids Struggling in School
• Teachers Weigh In: What I Wish Parents Asked at Parent-Teacher Conferences

Advice from ADDitude Magazine
Advice from Reading Rockets
Tips from Colorin Colorado
Tips from the National Association of School Psychologists

The Office of Special Education has posted the October Inclusive Practices guidance which focuses on collaboration and establishing team norms to promote inclusive practices within APS. Parents and members of the community are critical partners in the collaborative process to support all students. Staff were asked to read High-Leverage Practices in Special Education Collaboration: Research Syntheses, and to consider what steps could be taken to establish effective, collaborative partnerships that reflect seven principles outlined in the literature:

• Communication: Teachers and families communicate openly and honestly in a medium that is comfortable for the family.
• Professional competence: Teachers are highly qualified in the area in which they work, continue to learn and grow, and have and communicate high expectations for students and families.
• Respect: Teachers treat families with dignity, honor cultural diversity, and affirm strengths.
• Commitment: Teachers are available, consistent, and go above and beyond what is expected of them.
• Equality: Teachers recognize the strengths of every member of a team, share power with families, and focus on working together with families.
• Advocacy: Teachers focus on getting to the best solution for the student in partnership with the family.
• Trust: Teachers are reliable and act in the best interest of the student, sharing their vision and actions with the family.

View our EVENTS page for upcoming PRC, APS, Arlington County and community sessions.