Effective Communication Skills and
Negotiation Strategies

1. Each time you have contact with your child's school, remind yourself that you are important and have the right to be heard.
2. Prepare in advance for all meetings - make a plan about the important points you wish to make and take a written list with you.
3. Whenever possible take someone with you - to take notes, help you express your concerns, or provide whatever type of support you may need.
4. when you don’t understand what is being said, stop the meeting and ask for clarification.
5. Communicate assertively rather than from a passive or aggressive stance.
              Remember, an assertive person clearly states his/her point of view and takes into account what others have to say.   Other people generally respect an assertive person.
              A passive person discounts his/her own needs nad defers to the other person.   People learn that they can take advantage of a passive person.
              An aggressive person discounts others and insists on what she/he wants.   Others may feel forced to do what the aggressive person wants, but they often feel angry about doing it and will do only as much as they have to.   The aggressive person teaches others to fear and avoid him/her.
   
   
6. Use nonverbal behavior to tell others you know you are an important part of the process.
7. If you say some of what you wanted to say, but not all, do not be too hard on yourself.
8. It is important to stand up for your rights and the rights of you child, but there are also times when it is necessary to compromise.
9. Address all complaints initially with the individuals involved.   Move to higher ranks if you do not get the desired results.
10. Let the school/teachers know when you are happy with their services, not just when you are unhappy.
11. Continually remind yourself that what you have to say is important.   If necessary, remind others that you have a legal right to be included in decisions about your child’s education.