COLLABORATIVE
WHEN POSSIBLE.
FIRM WHEN
NECESSARY.
Effective advocacy doesn’t begin with conflict. It begins with understanding.
Nicole’s approach is to first understand the student, the concerns and what the school is proposing. From there, she helps families identify what is working, what may need to change and which questions need to be asked.
Most issues are best addressed through informed, productive discussion with the school team. But collaboration does not mean simply accepting a plan that isn’t meeting a student’s needs.
The goal is not conflict. The goal is a plan that works for your child.
UNDERSTAND
BEFORE
YOU ACT.
The first step is figuring out what is actually happening.
Before recommending a course of action, Nicole takes the time to understand the student, review the relevant information and identify the concerns that matter most.
That may mean reviewing an IEP or 504 Plan, evaluations, progress reports, school communications or other relevant records. It also means listening to the family. What are you seeing at home? What concerns brought you here? What has the school proposed? What has already been tried?
From there, Nicole helps separate the important issues from the noise and determine what deserves attention.
Good advocacy starts with understanding the problem before deciding how to solve it.
FOCUS ON
WHAT
MATTERS.
Not every issue deserves the same response.
Once Nicole understands the situation, she helps families identify which concerns matter most and what should happen next.
Sometimes the answer is straightforward: clarify a goal, request additional information, prepare better questions or address a concern at the next meeting. Other situations may require a more significant change in services, accommodations, eligibility or placement.
The objective is to be thoughtful and strategic rather than reacting to every disagreement.
Focus on the issues that matter. Know what you’re asking for. Understand why.
KNOW WHEN
TO PUSH.
Collaboration works only when it is moving the student forward.
Nicole believes in working constructively with the school team whenever possible. But there are times when a family’s concerns are not being adequately addressed, progress is not occurring or a proposed plan does not appear to meet the student’s needs.
In those situations, Nicole helps families clearly identify the concern, explain what they are asking the school to consider and keep the discussion focused on the student.
Being firm does not require being confrontational. It means knowing when an issue matters enough to pursue and being prepared to explain why.
Collaborative doesn’t mean passive. When something needs to change, Nicole helps you address it.
READY TO TAKE
THE NEXT STEP?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Start by telling Nicole what’s happening.
630.286.9589 • nikki@ascendstudentadvocacy.com