Parent Interview

SPED 854
December 9, 2016

Interview Questions
1. Throughout your sons education here at Prairie
Park, what are some of the successes you have
experienced?
2. What are some of the challenges you have
experienced?
3. What advice would you give to education
personnel about improving the special education
collaboration process?
4. What are some supports you need or wish you
had?

Parent Interview
SPED 854
December 9, 2016
This week I had the opportunity to collaborate with my students mother named
Jean. Her child has intellectual disabilities and is considered to be non-verbal. I felt that it
would be informative to involve this particular mother in this interview.
Conducting this interview was simple and straightforward with the mother.
Having known her for two years, I have developed a relationship that seems to have
dissolved any barriers that are often present between teachers and parents. Before
conducting this interview, I was familiar with her personality. Jean also knows I have a
great deal of respect for her and her family.
Approaching some of the questions I had for this interview, I didnt know if I
would gain additional insights. This was proven wrong as I asked what challenges she has
experienced. The challenges she mentioned were actually current challenges that she had
not voiced to me until this point. Her challenged involve the interactions she has between
a certain paraprofessional. She felt as though the paraprofessional has an abrasive attitude
towards her and has been voicing inappropriate requests, such as asking her to send her
child in Velcro shoes and stretchy pants to make things easier when changing him. Prior
to this interview, I had myself convinced that I did not have any current collaboration or
communication issues. I was extremely wrong and could see the root of this issue lied
within the collaboration and communication system I have with my paraprofessionals. I
learned that I must be direct in communicating with my paraprofessionals and have the
proper collaboration them. I had no idea that my paraprofessional was having difficulties
changing him. This interview question helped me attack an issue within my
programming. I have now set up times within the week to meet with each

Parent Interview
SPED 854
December 9, 2016
paraprofessional individually. To go support these times of collaboration, I am creating an
agenda to facilitate effective communicate and collaboration.
Another response came to my surprise about the challenges she has experienced.
Jean stated that is it has been difficult for her son to adjust and adapt to new special
education teachers. He has had 3 different special education teachers in the past 7 years.
Unfortunately, he will again transition to another special education teachers within the
next year. As the turn over for special education teachers is high, I feel that the effects of
this issue are always apparent amongst the students. I never thought about the effects this
issue has brought to the practice of collaboration and communication amongst teachers
and parents. I can now understand how difficult it would be for a parent to adjust to a new
special education teacher for their child.
This interview gave me great feedback and also encouraged me as Jean mentioned
many successes she has witnessed throughout her childs education. She was particularly
pleased about inclusive practices we support her son with. Although we discussed many
topics, I still have lingering questions about supporting her sons communication skills at
home. I did not address this topic during our time because I felt that I needed our speech
and language pathologist to join in a later discussion.
Overall, I am encouraged that there are many parents who are willing to
collaborate with teachers. Understanding a parents point of view leads towards the most
effective practices and supports. I didnt enjoy hearing everything we discussed, however,
it was vital in the process of moving forward in supporting my student. I am hopeful to
continue conducting interviews with parents on a regular basis, similar to this format.