Parenting Through Challenges: Goal Setting for Education Success

1. Goal setting within the context of Education One Parents perspective! Rachel Scheuboeck- more importantly Mother of Jet Hermione Farmer – Project officer One Plan

2. This is Jet • Jet is 15 years old • He has a great personality • He is really funny and quick witted • If he likes you, you will feel like the most important person in his world…If he does not like you… you will definitely know! • Jet loves expensive and classic cars • He is amazing at Lego • He is fascinated with police and emergency services generally • He loves and is amazing with animals.

3. Jet faces a number of challenges with his health and education.

4. Challenges • Sturge Weber Syndrome – rare • Jet has hemiplegia • Glaucoma resulting in vision impairment • Epilepsy • Stroke like episodes that require lengthy rehabilitation • Intellectual disability. • Autism diagnosis

5. Jet’s story • Early years to Kindergarten • Junior Primary • Primary school – moved to a special class • High school • Post school?????????

6. These experiences have meant… • We have had to learn to adapt • We have had to re evaluate goals and decisions on a regular basis • We have had to ask the school, friends and family for help and to work with us • We have had to be realistic on what we can achieve at home and develop trusting positive partnerships with the school staff • We have had to work on our relationship with school personnel for Jet to be the best he can.

7. How I plan for success • I set a big picture aim of what I want for my child in the future, and allow time for practice. • Always think next environment – What are the skills my child will need to manage in the next learning or post school context? How can I help him develop the skills he will need at school and at home. • Include your child in the goals setting process if appropriate. • The importance of jobs and responsibilities around the house no matter how big or small.

8. Discussion • What level of schooling is your child currently in? • What are the skills you believe they will need to be successful in their next environment? • What is one thing that you can help them with to work towards this skill? • Discuss with a partner and if comfortable please share with the group.

9. One Plan • The One Plan is an online personalised learning plan that contains information to support your child’s inclusion and achievement in preschool and school. • Your child’s One Plan is developed in partnership with families, the child, preschool / school staff and other relevant personnel

10. One Plan – What are the benefits? For your child: • Personalises goals and adjustments. • Provides an opportunity for your child to voice, share and record their interests, strengths, motivations and aspirations • Supports transition of information to other sites your child may attend • Provides information about progress. For you as a parent/carer/guardian: • It includes your voice about your child’s learning, their strengths, interests, motivations and aspirations • Supports effective communication • Documents agreed actions • Supports and documents your child’s ongoing learning journey. • Only have to attend one meeting. Your voice is crucial to develop an authentic and successful plan

11. Perspective Perspectives – is about the collective voice from teacher/s, child / student, parent / carer, guardian, and service or agency point of view. It provides information about your child’s strengths, interests, motivations and aspirations

12. Perspective screen – Example of Max Year 4 • Strengths: • Interests • Motivations • Asprirations

13. Notes / Agreed Actions Drop down options

14. What parent aims can set the scene for the Plan? • An aim will outline what you hope your child will achieve at school that year. • It is clear not vague eg: “Jet will make friends”, What is realistic to aim for and possible? –new aim “Jet will leave the class during break times and be supported to interact with other students while he plays football”.

15. Discussion • If you could help your child develop one skill now, what would it be? • What supports would your child need to achieve this skill? • Who are the people that can help you with this? E.g. Family, friends, allied health professionals, school, community?

16. Creating a shared vision – building a team • Work out what is your main priority as a family (eg. what could your child learn, that will make their/your life easier?). • You will be far more successful focusing in on one or two priorities rather than tackling everything at once! • What is the priority for now? This may change as your circumstances change. • What priorities need to be in partnership with the school?

19. Goal writing template – Year 4 Max will identify and name happy, sad, angry and tired emotions by matching correct visuals with minimal adult support after recess each day by the end of term 1 With 100% accuracy Max will identify and name happy, sad, angry and tired emotions by matching correct visuals with minimal adult support after recess each day with 100% accuracy by the end of term 1 S – Specific M – Measureable A – Attainable R – Realistic T – Time Bound A – Agreed Upon R - Reviewed

20. Services

21. Building a team • Communication is key, share your perspective, ask questions • If something does not sound right, refer back to the teacher or leadership for clarification. • If you have any concerns, ask for a meeting with teacher, leadership and bring a supportive friend or family member if you need. • You can ask for information to be added to the One Plan at anytime.

22. Preparing for school meetings • Always take time to plan for meetings at school. • It is far easier to leave feeling heard if you are clear on what you want to say. • The One Plan process is collaborative. This is our opportunity as parents to work in partnership with the school and have our voice heard. • Come to the meeting with one aim you would like included in the learning plan. Be open to input from the school to ensure it is achievable!

23. Final Thoughts…. • Most people who work in schools want to make a positive impact on the students they teach. This is a good assumption to go into discussions with. • People like positive feedback, be generous when it is appropriate. • Remember that when it comes to your child you bring a unique and valued perspective to educational planning. • As a parent/ carer it is important to have hopes, dreams and promote aspirational outcomes for your child. • Most importantly, your primary role is parent or carer! It means we need to enjoy our beautiful kids!

24. If things don’t go to plan….

25. Resources • http://web.seru.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ONE-Plan-Fact-sheet-Feb-2019.pdf • There is a parent information sheet available on the SERU website which provides detailed information on the One Plan and how you contribute as a parent. • Google the Department and search parent complaints, selecting Raising a complaint

26. Thank you….