What are some approaches or strategies that a special educator can use to help families understand that their child could benefit from a more or less restrictive environment? Why might this be a sensitive topic of conversation for families? How might data be used to support these conversations? Special Educator Strategies for Family Understanding

Special Education Strategies to Help Families Understand

One strategy that special educators may employ to assist families is collaboration. Special educators work together with families to understand their preferences and goals. These conversations can be a great way to establish trust and a relationship of collaboration that is focused in the best interest of your child. Information and education. Families can receive information from special educators about different environments available. This includes less restrictive options, such as self-contained classrooms and inclusion. Families can learn from them the potential benefits and challenges of each environment and how it may affect their child’s development and learning. Data-driven decision making. Special educators may use data such as observations and assessments to inform their decisions about a restrictive or more relaxed environment. (Billingsley, et al. 2019, 2019). These data will help parents understand their child’s strengths and needs and make informed decisions regarding their child’s education. Family members may feel sensitive about this topic for many reasons. These include concerns regarding their child’s mental and physical well-being and ability to get the general education curriculum. Cont…