... helping me prepare for this "mystery meeting".
Lots of good advice has been shared here and on other threads recently as it seems several families are facing rather unnerving in-person or virtual meetings. Some of the tips were -
- Research the school or district policies and practices. This information is often found on their website. You may wish to print and put this in an advocacy ring binder to refer to over the years as the policies/practices may change over time.
- Have any test results and other pertinent facts available
- Know what you are asking for
- Agenda
- Know who is in the meeting, and their role(s)
- Stay calm
- Take notes so you can summarize in an e-mail afterward
- Use active listening (rephrase what has been said, and put it in a question form) to clarify understanding
- Listen to any proposals they may make, ask appropriate probing questions, such as how a proposal may work, how the proposal may help your child, etc
- Do not be forced to make a decision if you need time
- Summarize next steps & time frames, and/or need for a follow-up meeting
- Thank everyone for their time & interest
- Write a summary (points of agreement, etc)
