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)