A Prezi for you!

Here is a link to a Prezi I created for my masters class.   Visual Schedule in The home.

Please let me know if you find this helpful.

A Reflection on Chapter 5...

Fialka, J. M., Mikus, K. C., & Feldman, A. K. (2012). Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: A Dance that Matters. Corwin, A SAGE Publications Company.

In our final article on this book, I want to talk a little about how educators and parents can better work as a team.  As we have explored in this series.  Over my career in education, I have dealt with a number of people just like those described in this book. Every , student, child, parent, teacher, and person is unique.  If we as professionals take the time to engage each and every person we come in contact with, then we will do a great deal to closing the divide between professionals and parents.  

In my own career, I want to take the approach of Mister Rogers.  "I like you just the way you are!"  I grew up watching him on PBS.  I will try to live up to the standard he set for himself.  

Reflection #1 (135)

Write a brief note to a parent or professional partner sharing something you valued or appreciate about him or her...

Dear Mr. XXX,

     I wanted to thank you for attending the IEP meeting for you your son, JJJJJ.   Your son, is a wonderful young man. It is clear that you have spent a great deal of time working with JJJJJ and that you care about him very much.  

    It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife today, and I look forward to working with you, your wife, and JJJJJ.  Please feel free to contact me if you ever need anything.  

All the best,

Garrett Jackson

----

As a professional educator, I think that is important that we work as a team with parent, and ensure that their concerns are addressed.  A parent is always going to be the best advocate for a student. Their input is valuable and should always be welcomed by professionals.

A Reflection on Chapter 4...

Fialka, J. M., Mikus, K. C., & Feldman, A. K. (2012). Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: A Dance that Matters. Corwin, A SAGE Publications Company.

     Continuing with our series on A Dance that Matters  We are going to explore Chapter 4, the final chapter of the reading.
     As a review, the book, has addressed a number of issues relating to Parent and teacher relationships. A good number of case studies are presented in Chapter 2, to help the reader to see how dynamic the relationship can be between both the professional and the parent.    Chapter 3 gave a some great information on how to build upon the relationship that have been established.
Chapter 4 addresses how to handle those times in which the relationship is on the verge of a breakdown.  From the professional stand point, this happens when the parents are Angry, or when the Parent does not attend (112).   Having been a special education teacher for over 6 years, and in education over 12, I have unfortunately encountered both of these situations every year.

Reflection #1 (113) Think of a time in your own life when you experienced someone else's anger.  Where were you? What did you instantly feel?  What did you do or not do?

    In my professional life, I have had the experience of dealing with parents who are angry.  To be honest, as a professional, it really doesn't matter why they are angry, it is my job to deal with it.  Initially I feel as if I am being blamed for all of the problems.  While I might be the reason why the parent is angry, I have to step aside and let the parent vent.    Having worked retail, I learned that any times the anger show, is an act.  Yes, the parent is mad, yes the parent many times has reason to be.  However, it a lot of times is for show.

Reflection #2 (114)
 List the Feelings that the mother is experiencing at this moment.
  ANGER... Dispair... Self-Doubt... Helplessness... Fear.....

Reflection #3 (119)
If I remember only one thing from my reading about understanding anger, it is..

Anger is shown in many different ways.  People who are angry, can lash out to even people who are trying to help.

Reflection #4 What are your thoughts about how Diane's communicated with D.J's Mother?
Persistence pays off...I think that in many ways, depending on the community, there is a since of shame about our kids.  There may also be a sense of shame, if the parent has some of the same issues. The note at the end really reflects, that parent is concerned and is thankful for the efforts of the school.

(Please be advised the date of publication may be off due to an error, and this being stuck in my draft bin.. Acutal posting was 8/24/17 ChST)