Sp Ed 4435/5435 Parent and Professional Communication and CollaborationChapter 1: IntroductionHow do you define a family?Family Systems Theory PrinciplesAt risk studentsWestfall & Pisapia (1989)Holistic ApproachPerson first languageAssignmentSp Ed 4435/5435 Parent and Professional Communication and CollaborationIntroductionsIcebreakerSyllabusChapter 1Chapter 1: IntroductionEcological Approach–Student–Environment–ConstraintsHow do you define a family?Family Systems Theory PrinciplesNo individual can be understood without looking at how he or she fits into the whole of a familyFamilies need both rules for structure and rules for changeInteraction of the family with the school, community, extended family, and friends is essential to the life of the nuclear family.At risk studentsPg. 8 degrees of being ‘at risk’Pg. 9 one of the most important issues in our professional career – impact of schools on familiesWestfall & Pisapia (1989)3 grouped factors as characteristics of being ‘at risk’–Social/family background–Personal problems–SchoolHolistic ApproachExamines all aspects of the wholeWhen working with special needs students - what could be important things to know?Person first languageFocus on person not disabilityLanguage is importantHandout and exerciseAssignmentRead chapters 1, 2 & 3Read and study Appendix A Find the Minnesota Department of Education homepage, find information on due process, bookmark or print it out.Information re: parent