Description:

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 provides board training, interim nonprofit management, curriculum development, and related services to nonprofit organizations. Before retiring, she was the founder and CEO of WI FACETS and a founder and Parent Partner of the Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System. Jan has held extensive leadership and advisory roles with state and national organizations focused on education, disability advocacy, and dispute resolution, including the National PLACE, Autism Society, and the National Center for Deaf-Blindness. She earned a Master of Arts 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.