Studies show that children perform better at school, have fewer absences and behavioral concerns, and graduate at higher rates when families are engaged. 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. Sections 7 and 8 provide helpful tools for staying organized while participating in a group as well as discuss important skills, such as facilitation and conflict management, to succeed as a family representative.

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 how to find out about the role of a family representative on a group.

Learn skills for staying organized and informed while serving on a group.

Learn how to best represent other families’ perspectives when serving on a group.

Gain skills to facilitate and suggestions for handling conflict while serving on a group.