2022 ADR Conference

This presentation will walk the participants though the process of developing an alternative dispute resolution program. Content will comprise of input gathered from stakeholders, including district personnel, SELPA staff members, parents from the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and other coordinators from around the state. Input for recommended mediation trainings and interactive exercises will support the participants as they brainstorm to enhance or begin their own program. 

There is a growing need for trauma awareness aimed at improving parent-school relationships. The purpose of this presentation is to engage in factual awareness of trauma through interactive exercises, guidance on the effect trauma creates, and suggestions for improved communication. Participants can expect to walk away with a better understanding of how an awareness of trauma’s impact can promote productive communication and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.

This session will be a facilitated interactive dialogue regarding building strong relationships and partnerships with parents, team members and students through curiosity and inquiry. Researched-based topics such as confirmation bias and naïve realism will be explored in service of cultivating skills and dispositions regarding how to have a curious conversation and the use of questioning strategies so that we listen to learn.  This session is intended for both administrators and parents/families.

The presentation will provide an overview of the "Parent Liaison Training - Advocating As A Problem-Solver". The program is designed to train parents to work with school districts and SELPAs as Parent Navigators/Liaisons, assisting parents who are going through the IEP process for the first time.