Transition Plan 

Think About ItParent CommunicationRead the following article, which suggests how teachers can develop a positive relationship with parents/guardians:

• Dear Teachers, Dear Parents: How to Bridge the Communication Gap

Reflect on your own practice. How do you communicate with parents of students with exceptionalities? What ideas presented in the article might you incorporate into your own practice?
In one of my previous jobs, I made the worst mistake one can make as a teacher: I gave the parent to much control over the classroom decisions. After I realized my error, I tried to reestablish the roles of parent and teacher, but sadly it was too late. 
For me, parent/teacher communication is about establishing a good rapport where both parties respect and understand their spheres of expertise and work in a collaborative way FOR THE GOOD OF THE STUDENT! Like the resource suggested, I believe in creating an open and free dialogue with parents which isn't focused on the negatives. I like the idea of sunshine calls, daily communication books and the passing of daily weekly schedules ! This helps both parties! The analogy of the coin is very accurate- the teacher is one side and the home is the other but mutually the coin ( the student) is the focus! I also, really liked the suggestion that teachers should never suppose that they are experts at everything, often it is better to delay your answer and do the research, consult others and then respond. I would rather be the teacher who is known for due diligence then the teacher that speak untruths !
For me the most important area that I failed at is communication going off course, I think in future parent/teacher interactions I will be more conscious of establishing my role but allowing for feedback and suggestion, but do not let the teacher run the show: that student represents only 1% of your class population. Inclusive, not sameness, still equal fairness! 
On the other side of the coin, I enjoyed reading about parent suggestions. My sister has often complained that her son's teacher is too negative and never says anything nice. It is great have read this section and realize that parents to can open the "sunshine"call experience. I also really liked the section were she encourages parents to work with the teacher in communication by daily looking at communiction log and other parent/teacher communications (weekly schedules, news letters, etc.)
This article is a great read that can make both parties think of their right, roles and choices.