Parents/guardians and educators play a key role in making sure students get the support they need.
Here are some steps to get started:
1. Get Everything in Writing
- Always keep records, including testing, medical diagnoses, and records of communication with school.
- Avoid only having phone calls or informal talks.
- Ask for communication by email or in a written log between home and school. Save these in an email folder or physical file folder.
- If you talk in person or on the phone, follow up with a written summary of what was discussed. (see template for tracking school contacts)
For help getting started on keeping detailed records, contact Disability Advocacy Solutions.
2. Keep Emotions in Check
It’s natural to feel emotional when talking about your student’s needs—but school meetings should be fact-based and professional.
- Focus on facts about:
- current circumstances
- goals for improving learning outcomes/experience
- safety concerns that need to be addressed
- Avoid leading with your emotions about the situation
- Come prepared with:
- a list of concerns
- questions
- ideas for solutions
- diagnostic or outside medical information you wish to share (optional)
- Try to stay calm, clear, and confident in meetings.
- Meetings with schools are formal meetings where everyone has a limited amount of time. The more prepared, organized, and unemotional you are for meetings, the more time can be spent working on solutions to improve your student’s educational experience.
Think of it like a business conversation:
There’s a problem that needs solving, and you’re working together to find the best solution for your student.
For help preparing for your meeting with the school, contact Disability Advocacy Solutions.
3. Stay Focused on the Child
When emotions rise, remind yourself: this is about doing what’s best for your student.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school nurse, keep the focus on what the student needs to be safe and successful.
For assistance on how to make this happen, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.
4. Learn the Student’s Rights
Don’t rely only on the school to tell you what’s available. Learn about:
- Your student’s rights
- What services and supports are possible
- Who makes decisions at your school
When you understand your rights, you can advocate better—for your student and the people supporting them.
You can find helpful guidance and resources at:
https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ocr
Start there to learn about federal protections, and then look at your state and local school district policies for more details.If you would like help finding and understanding these policies, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.
Disability Advocacy Solutions LLC 