As a special education teacher, I refer to students who have been identified and labeled by the American educational system as students in need of special education services as exceptional learners.
To be quite honest, I believe all students are exceptional learners and benefit from the art of co-teaching, but that’s another article and conversation for another day.
In the spirit of preparing for back to school, I’m sharing some tips for parents of exceptional student learners.
Parents must be willing to work with the teachers and student support team.
Teachers and parents are each other’s top supporters. Period! Investing in good relationships with teachers is a major win for the parents and students. Parents, don’t be resistant to suggestion from the teachers. Trust me. They only want what is best for you child.
Parents need to have an advocate within and outside of the school.
I believe parents should have an advocate within the school through the Parent Liaison/Coordinator and Case Manager. Additionally, I think parents need to connect with organizations like the National Parents Union to help them understand legalities, policies, and support for their students. At the end of the day, unfortunately, schools sometimes prioritize their own best interests and take advantage of parents’ lack of knowledge. Having an advocate outside of the school setting can help parents reach maximum student sucess.
Parents must know the specific learning needs of their student(s).
Don’t depend on the school to simply tell you. Make sure that you know what that diagnosis for your child is. Even if your child’s cousin has the same diagnosis, it does not mean that the supports are the same. Parents should understand what work best for their child.
Parents must be open to alternative ways of learning.
Co-teaching, where two or more teachers teach a class, works for all classes, not just core classes. I encourage parents to push for these services and challenge the school leaders to invest in getting the entire staff onboard using co-teaching methods. Co-teaching should not only be reserved for math and English.
Parents must listen to and be engaged with their students.
Engaging your students in the learning process beyond the classroom is key. Go beyond just asking how school is going. Get engaged with your student’s learning journey and ensure support is available during, after and even when school is on break.
Even if a student receives special education services, that student is more than his or her diagnosis. Parents and teachers should work together to ensure students understand that everyone is in their corner fighting for their success.