When we advocate for our own children’s needs, it is easy to take a position and not move from that position regardless of differing opinions we may encounter. After all as their parents, we know what is best for them.
Nowhere is this more apparent than when parents of children identified by their school board as “exceptional” are faced with the challenge of ensuring that their child receives the best possible education for that child’s exceptionality.
With public education budgets being pushed to the limit, and teachers being pulled in different directions, conflict between the numerous stakeholders is inevitable.
As part of an ongoing effort to deal with these conflicts, the Toronto District School Board invited parents of exceptional children and TDSB Special Education Consultants to participate in a seminar presented by Heather Swartz of Agree Inc. and Hilary Linton of Riverdale Mediation on Strategies for Successful Conflict Resolution.
While the seminar outlined basic dispute resolution theory and practical strategies for dealing with conflict in a variety of settings, what I thought was most valuable was that parents opened up to the group about their fears and frustrations in dealing with the board and the consultants attending appeared empathic and ready to listen.
As an observer, I felt that both sides walked away feeling as if they had a better understanding of the other’s perspective in additional to some tools and skills to use the next time they find themselves in conflict.
—
Elizabeth A. Hyde, B.Ed., LL.B, LL.M Cand.(ADR), Acc. FM (OAFM)
