What are some approaches or strategies that a special educator can use to help families understand that their child could benefit from a more or less restrictive environment? Why might this be a sensitive topic of conversation for families? How might data be used to support these conversations? Special Educator Strategies for Family Understanding

Families can benefit from the expertise of special educators

One strategy that special educators may employ to help families realize that their child would benefit from having a less restrictive environment is collaboration. Special educators can also work with families in order to understand their preferences and goals. These conversations can be a great way to establish trust and a relationship of collaboration that is focused on the child’s best interests. Information and education. Special educators are able to provide information and guidance for families about all the available environments, as well as less restrictive options like inclusion or self-contained classes. Special educators can explain both the advantages and the possible challenges to each type of environment, as well as help parents understand the impact on their child’s learning and development. Data-driven decisions: Special educators have the ability to use data (Billingsley and colleagues, 2019) in order to make recommendations about whether or not they should create a less restrictive environment. Families can use this data to help them understand their child’s potential growth and strengths. Families may find this topic sensitive due to concerns over their child’s emotional and social well-being as well as their access to the general education curriculum and potential success in that environment. Cont…