Understand the beliefs, values, and expectations of parents and whānau
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Modelling a commitment to inclusion’
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What true partnership looks like
What true partnership looks like
We are true partners when:
- you listen to what I have to say
- you acknowledge my intelligence
- you want to learn more about my ways
- you don’t judge me
- you engage me in genuine dialogue
- we make decisions together
- you show that my child matters to you
- you include my experience, knowledge, and viewpoints with yours.
Source: Partners in learning: Parents’ voices (ERO, 2008) (opens in a new tab/window)
Expect different perspectives
Expect different perspectives
Parents and whānau will have different perspectives on diversity and inclusion, and different expectations of partnership.
Seek to understand:
- their values and beliefs about disability and inclusion
- their own experiences of learning
- their hopes and dreams for their child
- their fears and anxieties
- their expectations around how their child will be supported in the classroom and in the playground.
Where parent and whānau values and expectations differ from those of your school, be open to learning from them.
Address common parental concerns
Address common parental concerns
Parents of children with special education needs found that some schools were not open to working with them, and they felt that they were unwelcome. They struggled with entrenched attitudes by some school staff about their child and his or her learning or behavioural needs. For some parents, labelling their child and themselves, sometimes linked to previous family history with the school, undermined the development of constructive relationships.
Involve families in transitions
Involve families in transitions
Find out what approaches and strategies have worked well for their children in their previous school.
Value parental perspectives
Value parental perspectives
Parent and advocate Leah Petersen describes some of things she would expect to see in an inclusive school.
Closed Captions
Useful resources
Useful resources
What is important to your community
The NZC includes expectations that schools will seek out and listen to the ideas of students, parent, families, and whānau. This resource includes examples, tools, and resources to support gathering and understanding the values and expectations of our community.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Model a commitment to inclusion”:
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Current page Understand beliefs, values, and expectations
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Parents, whānau, and communities
Strategies for action:
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Model a commitment to inclusionShow suggestions for Model a commitment to inclusion
- Value student diversity
- Understand beliefs, values, and expectations
- Partner with whānau
- Provide professional development
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Support reciprocal relationshipsShow suggestions for Support reciprocal relationships
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Partner with whānauShow suggestions for Partner with whānau
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Build community networksShow suggestions for Build community networks
