Effective Communication Skills and
Negotiation Strategies

      Attempts to settle disagreements should begin at the level at which they arise.   It is usually helpful to be as non-adversarial as possible.  Many times problems can be solved without having to go to a higher level or pursuing a formal complaint process.   When addressing a problem, remember to:

• focus on the issue of concern
• describe the problem in writing
• use non-confrontational communication skills

• Tell your concerns to the student's teacher
• If necessary, go up the administrative ladder one step at a time, starting with the building principal
• Give the administrator at each level about ten working days to respond
• Send copies of earlier correspondence to higher levels
• If there is no reponse to the initial letter, telephone the office or make a personal visit to the following persons in this order:

1. the school principal
2. the local director of special education
3. the local superintendent of schools
4. the local school board
5. the state compliance officer
6. the supervisor, state of department of special education
7. the State Board of Education
8. the Federal Department of Education