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EFFECTIVE PARENT CONSULTATIONS:
Effective consultations helps to Improving outcomes for students with disability
Background
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 require education providers to consult with the
student and their associates (usually their parent or career) before making an adjustment.
This means that schools are obliged to consult and students and parents have a right to ask
schools to consult with them about education adjustments.
Consultation must be about how the disability affects the student in relation to enrolment, participation, curriculum adjustments and access to support services. In deciding whether to make an adjustment, an education provider must consult the student about whether the adjustment is reasonable, whether it would assist the student to access and participate on the same basis as other students and whether it is the least disruptive and intrusive but beneficial adjustment for the student.
It is important that schools have access to information about the student and their needs in order to make the best decision about the adjustment required. This fact sheet outlines what an effective consultation process looks like, what issues should be discussed, and provides suggestions about how to resolve difficult issues.
MAKE THE BEST USE OF PARENT CONSULTATIONS AND SEE THE MAGIC.
Key principles
Effective consultation is based on the following key principles.
Student focused
A genuine discussion is held about the best interests of the student and what is needed to maximize their educational outcomes. Older students are involved in the process as appropriate.
Mutual respect
Different views are heard and acknowledged without interruption, criticism or judgement.
Accessibility and transparency
Communication is open and information needed to make an adjustment is shared. Ways to access information are transparent.
Balancing power
The respective roles and responsibilities of both parents and teachers in educating the student are acknowledged and respected.
Fairness
There is willingness to reach agreement or to find alternative ways to proceed if agreement cannot be reached. Processes for resolving issues are fair and equitable. All views are heard and taken into account in the outcome.
Accountability
There are opportunities for ongoing discussion and review. The agreement is recorded in writing.
Getting the most out of consultation
Based on these key principles, in order to get the most out of the consultation process students, parents and school staff should:
“As parents we have expectations and hopes of what our children will achieve. Sometimes our expectations are different to the teacher’s and it is up to the parent to help the teacher in any way they can to show the true potential of their child …. I have found one way to overcome this potential conflict and to build a shared vision, is to establish good communication links with the school and class teacher and Educational Consultants”.
Evidence and information
Learner profiles can assist students, parents and teachers to record and understand the student’s strengths, needs and appropriate learning strategies. Learner profiles can be used as resources for teachers and can be provided when a student changes teachers, classes or schools. This can reduce the need for repetitive explanations of the student’s needs to different people.
Assessments by Educational Consultant professionals are another source of evidence to be used in the adjustment process. Expert advice from Aldana Almuneera Management Consultancy professionals are based on a functional assessment of the student’s needs. Teachers can use this advice to work out the type of educational support needed.