Ensuring Successful Virtual Team Meetings Using These Tips

Since our last post, it appears we have somewhat settled into a new normal of distance learning. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been bumps in the road, but dare we say it feels like we’re now in a groove?

As things have settled down a bit, schools are offering virtual team meetings. Just like in-person meetings, these are held to review IEPs, consider evaluation results and even discuss placement. The same rules apply as before, the only thing that has changed is the location. Some districts are using conference calls, while others are using on-line platforms like Google Meet, Zoom and even Skype. Although the subject matter is the same, participating in virtual meetings can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t participated in one. To ease your apprehension, we’ve come up with a couple of suggestions to help you:

1. Obtain a copy of the meeting invitation and check to see if it includes the link to the on-line platform

2. Make sure your device is fully charged and you have the latest software

3. Double check that your internet is fully functional. That goes for the wifi connection too

4. Have the phone number of the school contact in case you have trouble “joining” the meeting

5. Dress appropriately, or at least from the waist up

6. Virtual meeting should not be recorded either by you or anyone from the school, just double check before the meeting begins

7. Have a copy of your child’s IEP in front of you. If you don’t have a copy, just ask the Team Chair to share a copy.

8. Spend a few minutes before the meeting and jot down your concerns – consider how your child was doing while the school buildings were open, what it is like remote learning and identify what may be hurdles when your child returns to a traditional setting

9. When the meeting is ready to adjourn, ask for a copy of the sign-in sheet and the Team Chair’s notes. They can be emailed to you.

Of course, if you’re feeling uncomfortable with this new way of participating, you can always wait for a time to meet in person when the school buildings reopen. Based on the current situation, we’re suggesting you give a virtual team meeting a try. When school resumes in person, we anticipate a huge backlog of meetings.

If you still have questions or would like support, give us a call. We’re here to help.