We've been looking at ways for parents to more effectively communicate with schools.  In previous posts we discussed many ways for parents to prepare to work with schools and to advocate for their children.  Here are some more ideas:  1.  Try to resolve one issue at a time; 2.  Keep your child's file in order.  Keep all written communication; 3.  Give solutions an opportunity to work; 4.  If the problem is not resolved on one level, go to the next level in the chain of command; 5.  Never send verbal messages by way of your child to teachers or other school officials; 6.  Avoid criticizing teachers in front of your child; 7.  Stop saying, "I'm just a parent".  Adapted from In*Source Parent Pack.

Good communication skills are an immensely valuable tool in working with anyone in any situation.  Add to that a good working knowledge about Indiana's special education law, Article 7, and you should find that you are more successful in getting an appropriate education for your child.

Cathy Boswell, In*Source