Page 14 - Shared Solutions: A Guide to Preventing and Resolving Conflicts Regarding Programs and Services for Students with Special Education Needs 2007

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FACTORS CONTRIBUTING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO CONFLICT
Insufficient, wrong, or misunderstood information: Conflicts can arise when people have too little or incorrect information or when they misunder- stand the information supplied.
providing complete and/or accurate information
identifying what has been misun- derstood and providing clarification
Miscommunication: Differences in communication styles may lead the parties to misinterpret the intentions, perceptions, or attitudes of another. As well, the parties may not be aware of the way they come across and the impression they are making.
listening actively, asking questions to identify and understand assump- tions that may need to be corrected, and validating the feelings of others
expressing how one feels and demonstrating empathy
Differing values: Differing values may mean that the parties have differing and possibly incompatible goals.
identifying and respecting others’ core values while showing and seeking flexibility in areas where compromise is possible
Concerns about resource allocation:
brainstorming ways of using Resources may be perceived as existing resources more creatively
inadequate.
and/or effectively
Historical factors: There may be a his- tory of disagreements and/or real or perceived injustices based on the par- ties’ past experiences.
keeping an open mind and showing patience and willingness to listen and work to re-establish trust
Structural factors: Structures exist for parents, schools, and school boards over which they may have little con- trol. This may limit the range of pos- sible solutions for one or more parties.
showing empathy for frustrations, providing help with negotiating procedural obstacles, and being flexible (e.g., scheduling meetings at times that are convenient for par- ents, wherever possible)
Personal/emotional factors: The need for attention, autonomy, control, power, or recognition may influence the behaviour of one or more parties.
identifying the possible needs of participants and attempting to respond to them in appropriate ways while serving the student’s best interests
Shared Solutions | 2007