The education process needs to be a team approach, especially when it comes to educating children with special needs. As a parent trainer and education/behavior consultant I have witnessed time and again, the "do it my way approach" and for the most part it does not work. Educators, administrators, parents, and the child have to start working as a team. Research has proven that when educating the child with special needs consistency is key. The approaches used in the classroom (academic and/or behavioral) need to be implemented in the home and community. It is important that the staff involved as well as the families of the child are properly trained and that there is communication between all parties involved in the child's education process. Working as a team can make all the difference in the success of our children.
http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/energies_focused_on_autism.html
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail?accno=EJ891864
http://www.skillfulsquad.net/
This post is so true and it's sad that something so simple is usually not implemented. As a mother of a child with DS I often find myself out of the loop. My son's school district I believe has his best interests, but I feel that they don't communicate with me especially where behaviors are concerned. They try new methods to correct inappropriate behaviors that I am sometimes never made aware of. I am certain that the behaviors in school I see at home, so shouldn't that be part of working as a team?
ReplyDeleteThis is all so true!!All members of a team are such a vital part of a child's success. Each & every member contributes their own valueable input about the child & when they all come together great ideas flow. Also, with consistency among members a child can achieve many great obstacles which may have stood in their way. I have and continue to be part of team which has led to many success stories.
ReplyDeleteTo Team Member,
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to hear of the wonderful team experience you have encountered. Your words are true, "each and every member contributes their own valuable input." The parent(s), the teacher(s), the paraprofessional(s), the administrator(s),service providers, and the child all have valuable information that needs to be heard and implemented accordingly to benefit that child. When we work as a team for a common purpose we see positive results!
Take care
To Mom,
ReplyDeleteCommunication is essential with your son's school. I am not sure if the behaviors being corrected are part of a BIP (Behavioral Intervention Plan) or the teacher's classroom management techniques. If it is part of a BIP, you had to consent and be part of that meeting with yur son's school district. If it's part of the methods that the teacher uses, it is important that you contact him/her to go over the methods they are using. Consistency is key, so, if there are methods being used in the classroom it would be in your child's best interest to see that follow through at home. Maybe consider a communication log between you and your child's teacher. This way it will keep you "in the loop." Keep in mind, a journal that goes back and forth should not be too wordy, you just want to get some feedback ona regular basis. It sounds like you are pleased overall, so try the journal for now and see if that opens the lines of communication between you and the school.
Take care