Setting the Stage for a Successful Academic Year

Are you finding it challenging to set and support educational goals for your child? In this episode, Genie Dawkins delves into practical strategies for parents to help their children achieve their academic goals by maintaining clear communication and ensuring they receive necessary accommodations.

Episode Summary:

In this episode we explore the common challenges parents face with evening school events, the vital role of connecting with teachers, and, most importantly, the powerful impact of setting personalized educational goals for your children. Genie emphasizes how these goals can foster independence, boost confidence, and drive academic and personal development. With practical advice on proactive communication, keeping organized records, and utilizing motivational visual aids and reward systems, Genie shares her tried-and-true methods for success. Plus, she brings personal anecdotes about her own children to further inspire and guide you on this journey. So grab your notebook and get ready to join us in making this school year a triumph through goal-setting and proactive involvement!

Key Takeaways:

• Setting Educational Goals:
  • Understand the importance of setting both short-term and long-term educational goals tailored to your child’s needs. These goals help children take ownership of their academics and personal development.

• Support Through Communication:
  • Maintain ongoing, effective communication with your child about their goals. Engage them in discussions about their progress and the challenges they face, ensuring they feel supported and understood.

• Ensuring Accommodations:
  • Advocate for your child by ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations outlined in their IEP. Regularly review and communicate with the school to guarantee these accommodations are properly implemented.

• Goal Setting Strategies:
  • Use visual aids for younger children to represent achievements and contracts with monetary rewards for older kids to motivate academic and behavioral improvements.

• Proactive School Engagement:
  • Don’t wait for scheduled meetings—initiate conversations with teachers and school administrators to discuss your child’s goals and accommodations early on.

• Organization for Success:
  • Keep detailed binders for each child with important educational documents, including reports, assessments, and goals, to stay organized and informed about their progress.

Links and Resources:

- Understood.org

- Education Binder

- Wrightslaw Resources

- ADDitude Magazine Resources for ADHD

Timestamp Overview:

00:00 Educational goals foster independence and ownership.

04:03 Discuss short and long-term goals early.

09:44 Created chart and puzzle incentives for math progress.

13:14 Incentivized grades with money led to honors.

16:04 Teach kids goal setting and perseverance skills.

18:54 Schools delay discussing IEPs until October or November.

21:53 Ensure child's IEP accommodations for effective state testing.

26:48 Ensure kids' testing, accommodate needs, support confidence.

28:42 Advocate for comfortable headphones during school testing.

34:34 Programs and goals to support children's attention.

35:18 Ensure child’s school occupational therapy includes attention goals.

40:37 Unable to attend back-to-school night, request information.

41:51 Follow up with parents if unable to attend.

46:09 School musicals featured "Tomorrow" by Jones and Campbell.

48:06 Growth, support, and inspiration for parenting journeys.

Quote:

1. “Setting educational goals that resonate with your child is crucial for fostering their independence and motivating them to achieve success."
2. “Effective communication with your child about their goals not only supports their academic journey but also strengthens your relationship and understanding of their needs.”
3. “Ensuring your child receives the accommodations they need is a key component in helping them meet their educational goals and thrive in school.”

Genie is the passionate host of The Parenting Cipher, a podcast designed to help parents navigate the complexities of special education. With years of firsthand experience as a parent of children who require special education, Genie offers a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and motivational insights to empower parents in creating a supportive and successful educational environment for their children. Her relatable storytelling and expert advice have helped countless families feel more confident and informed in their educational journeys.