Description:

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 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 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.