My funky padlet by Cora Wilson

Challenging Conversations- Trust & Transparency

cbwilson4 — 2024-05-18 17:43:58 UTC

Challenging conversations has always been area growth- both the willingness and the manner in which the conversation is had. We having conversations of sensitive nature, it is important to be factual but also sympathetic to information being shared. Whenever a challenging conversation is happening, especially with a student with special education needs, I remind myself that (in most cases) not sharing all information or the "hard parts" will only be detrimental in the long term. We need to be fully transparent. It is however to be mindful of time and place- sometimes different information can be shared a different times. If a parent is not going to be receptive to everything, then for that meeting key points need to be predetermined, otherwise, trust is impact and information is not taken in. My principal and I will discuss are key topics/points that need to be shared, and also reflect on what possible questions/arguments parents may have.

Challenging Conversations- Listening

cbwilson4 — 2024-05-18 17:48:41 UTC

When having a conversation/meeting with a parent or teacher, it is important to get an idea of what there purpose is. By listening this can often be achieved. I find that conversations can have a few different reasons:

1- people want to express/vent their concerns. They are either not in a mindset to collaborate a solution, or they are not open to having one.

2-people want to express their concerns and be given a solution

3-people want to express their concerns but want validation in their solution

Depending on the nature of the conversation, sometimes it can be okay to asked what is desired.

Challenging Conversations- For Growth

cbwilson4 — 2024-05-18 17:54:08 UTC

"Honest conversations between administrators and staff are the prerequisite for growth. Growth occurs through reflection"

If there are not hard conversations happening between various stakeholders this does not mean there are not problems. It likely means people are not in an environment where they feel they can speak up. If staff are not asking hard questions, or sharing hard truths, or administrators cannot be honest with their staff growth will not happen. As we continue to navigate a new model of special education (inclusive by nature) we have to respect and be open to the fact there will be problems. We have to be comfortable talking about them.

Challenging Conversations- Teachers & Parents

cbwilson4 — 2024-05-18 17:57:08 UTC

"The teacher's ability to communicate effectively is the essential resource to create a strong partnership between the school and the family."

It is important to break the cycle of only calling for the "bad things." Families who have children with needs understand there are challenges and if the only communication is about a bad grade, behaviour, needed support, etc. this is not going to create a strong connection. Parents should not feel anxiety when they see the school calling or an email pop up from them.

My principal and I model this by having sunshine calls with kids. When we hear about a positive action we call the parents together with the child to share the news.

cbwilson4 — 2024-05-18 17:57:48 UTC

CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS