Learning how to effectively communicate your viewpoint will help you to make a difference in your children’s education as well as in your community.  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 4 and 5 will go over helpful tools, tips, and strategies often used by decision makers to improve communication and collaboration to help the group work together better.

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 tools groups can use, such as facilitation, agendas, minutes and ground rules, to run more efficient and effective meetings.

Learn about specific strategies for improving group dynamics.

Learn ways to improve two-way communication and the importance of culturally responsive practices.