Special Education Coordinators: Let's Talk About Asking Better Questions

As special education coordinators, we know how crucial parent interviews are in understanding a child's needs. But let's be real – the way we ask questions matters.

 Sometimes, our questions can come across as if we're looking for problems rather than trying to understand the child's strengths and challenges.


The Questions We Ask Matter

Think about it. When we ask questions like "Does your child throw tantrums?" or "Does your child have difficulty with social interactions?", we're already framing the conversation around potential issues. It's like we're looking for a "yes" or "no" answer that confirms our suspicions.


What If We Asked Different Questions?

What if, instead of asking leading questions, we asked open-ended ones that encouraged parents to share their insights and perspectives? For example:


- "How does your child express themselves when they're feeling frustrated?"

- "Can you tell me about your child's social interactions? What do they enjoy about playing with others?"


The Power of Empowering Questions

By asking these kinds of questions, we can:


- Build a stronger partnership with parents

- Focus on discovering strengths and potential

- Create a more positive and supportive assessment experience


☘️

Let's make a conscious effort to ask better questions. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and supportive special education system that celebrates every child's unique strengths and potential.


☘️

The next time you're preparing for a parent interview, take a moment to reflect on your questions. Ask yourself:


- Am I focusing on strengths and potential, or just looking for problems?

- Are my questions open-ended and empowering, or leading and assumptive?

- How can I reframe my questions to create a more positive experience?


Let's ask better questions and make a difference. ☘️



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