Studies show that school efforts are more effective when positive family-school relationships are established, and parent-voices are heard. Serving on Groups is a nationally recognized leadership tool that empowers family members to actively and fully participate in decision-making groups, such as their child’s IEP team, school advisory council or other government councils. The most effective groups use processes to guide their work, and a clear process sets the direction toward the group’s goals. Section 3 will introduce you to some basic principles and processes that groups can use for effective decision-making.

Presenter:

Jan Serak is the Director of Serak Consulting Services, LLC, where she contracts with nonprofit organizations to provide Board training, interim nonprofit management, curriculum development, and other services. Prior to her retirement, she was the founder and CEO of WI FACETS. She was also a founder and the Parent Partner of the WI Special Education Mediation System. Jan has served on many Boards, including National PLACE, Autism Society of America, Autism Society of SE WI, and Autism Society of WI; the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). She also served on the WI State Superintendent’s Council on Exceptional Education, WI Governor’s Read to Lead Task Force, OSEP State Advisory Panel, Quality Education Coalition, and the National Center for Deaf-Blindness Advisory Board. Jan received her M.A. in Educational Psychology and Dispute Resolution from Marquette University. She is the parent of two adult sons, one of whom has autism.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about 7 Principles of Shared Decision-making.

Learn processes that effective groups use, including Goal Setting and Reaching Agreement.

Identify ways to gather and use accurate information for making well-informed decisions and resources for creating action plans.