Special Education


Students With Intellectual Disabilities
A Resource Guide for Teachers


Appendix 5: Sample Questions to Discuss During a Meeting with Parents

  • What do you think is important for me to know about your child?
  • What is your long-range vision for your child. What do you see him/her doing when he/she is twenty years old.
  • What are your goals regarding integration for your child?
  • What works best at home when communi- cating with your child?
  • Does your child require communication sup- port such as sign, visual clues, or other aug- mentative communication systems?
  • Does your child need any special equipment?
  • Could you tell me about your child's chal- lenges and what this might mean in my class- room?
  • Are there any things I need to know to help me manage group activities on outings with your child?
  • Can you tell me what might make your child upset or afraid?
  • When other children ask about your child's differences, how do you handle this?
  • How do you feel your child learns best? For instance, is learning easier when instructions are listened to or when written down?
  • What positive feedback do you give when your child succeeds at home? What spurs your child on to greater efforts?
  • In what areas has your child experienced par- ticular success?
  • In what areas would you particularly like your child to succeed this year?
  • What can your child do independently? What would you like to see accomplished in this area this year?
  • Is there further information you feel I should know about your child
  • How do you see your involvement the school and your child's program?
  • Are there any questions you would like to ask me?