How can you explain a parent special education?

Elissa Curlin: It depends. Have you tested the child? Is there evidence (assessment results) that have led to this conclusion? This topic is sensitive and I'd save it for an actual meeting that is held to specifically discuss the child's educational placement/evaluation results. This way, an educational specialist or psychologist can elaborate on the findings. I understand that is SO challenging to stay quiet if you see that a child needs specialized support in the classroom. But, you need to stick to the guidelines about testing. Usually, you keep documentation (work samples, report cards, behavior chart), then have a meeting about student's overall progress, then possibly a meeting with an educational team (student study team), and if appropriate a parent will sign a form which gives permission to test child. Placement is determined after the testing results....Show more

Caroyln Ebach: This is difficult, I have had parents cry when they were told. I think! the main thing is to accentuate the positive. It also depends on the child's disability. If the child is classified as LD, explain that their child does not process things the way other people do, they may be taking in the information, but getting it back out is difficult. Make sure to tell them that special ed is not a place, it is a service. A service that will give the child lifetime tools to better enable them to be successful, which is the ultimate outcome everyone wants to see. You may also want to explain that once a student is qualified to receive services, that does not mean it is forever, sometimes students are very successful and do not continue needing the services. An IEP mtg can be called at anytime by the parent to re -evaluate the current program, as well as the annual mtg. Again, make sure you have good, positive things to say about what the student can do, not what they cannot. Good Luck....Show more