Chapter 23

Collaborative Team Decision Making

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 Learning Objectives
• 23-1 Articulate characteristics of effective school teams.

• 23-2 Describe the types of collaborative teams that are

commonly formed in school settings.

• 23-3 Describe strategies for effectively communicating

assessment information to parents.

• 23-4 Depict the variety of ways in which assessment

information is communicated and maintained in written
formats, and various related rules about data collection
and record keeping.
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Characteristics of Effective School Teams
• Effective communication and collaboration is essential, given
that many important decisions are made by groups of individuals
• Some important principles:
– Have a shared goal/purpose
– Clearly articulate roles and functions of team members
– Listen to and respect other’s viewpoints
– Balance structure and flexibility during team meetings
– Use objective data
– Ensure confidentiality
– Regularly evaluate team functioning

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 Types of Teams
• School-wide Assistance
• Intervention Assistance
• Multidisciplinary
• Individual Education Plan

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 Communicating with Parents
• Communicate frequently
• Communicate strengths and weaknesses
• Translate assessment information
• Be aware of cultural differences and their impact
• Schedule to facilitate attendance
• Clearly explain assessment purposes and outcomes
• Use non-technical language
• Focus on solutions/avoid blame
• Prepare students for active engagement in meetings

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 Communicating Using Electronic
and Written Records
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA)
– Parents have right to inspect records until child is
18
– Release of information to others requires parent
consent

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 Collection of Pupil Information
(slide 1 of 2)
• Screening (parent consent not necessarily needed)
– Academic
– Vision
– Hearing
• Consent needed for additional data collection
• Verification
– Ascertain the truth of collected information
– Only verified data should be maintained in records

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 Collection of Pupil Information
(slide 2 of 2)
• Summarization and Interpretation
– Typically, a report is created when determining eligibility
for special services
– Principles for good reports
• Organized
• Use language that is easily understood
• Focus on observed behaviors
• Focus on relevant information
• Convey level of certainty
• Provide data-based recommendations
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 Maintenance of Pupil Information
• Retention of pupil information for limited
periods of time
• Parental rights of inspection and amendment
• Assurance of protection against inappropriate
snooping.

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Dissemination of Pupil Information
• Access within schools
– Must keep record of who views student files
– Only those with legitimate need to know can view
files
• Access outside schools
– Parent permission needed
• Important considerations for electronic
records and communication

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Rights Reserved.