Page 49 - Shared Solutions: A Guide to Preventing and Resolving Conflicts Regarding Programs and Services for Students with Special Education Needs 2007

Appendix B:
Shared Solutions on the Go
TIPS FOR REACHING A KEY QUESTIONS TO HELP SHARED SOLUTION INVOLVE THE STUDENT
1. Listen actively and intently.
2. Acknowledge the other party’s position.
3. Acknowledge the validity of the other party’s feelings.
4. Apologize if it seems appropriate to do so.
5. Use humour.
6. Change the timing of a meeting or take a break.
7. Use “Yes... and” instead of “Yes... but”.
8. Ask questions that elicit a “yes” response.
9. Change language from “you” to “us”.
10. Agree on a shared, mutually acceptable solution.
1. What is the problem?
2. Who is involved in the problem?
3. Who needs to be involved in the problem?
4. How do you feel about the problem?
5. What do you think can be done to resolve the problem?
6. What part could you play in resolving the problem?
7. How will we know if the problem has been resolved?
8. Who can you talk to if you need or want to share or clarify your thoughts and feelings about the problem?
(Source: Adapted from Windle and Warren, Collaborative Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution in Special Education, 1999.)