Documentation is Key

Write It Down or It Didn’t Happen

One of the most powerful tools that a parent can produce as evidence to support their concerns is a collection of factual, dated documentation. There’s a old saying that states, “If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.” Keep a journal and folder just for school communication.

• hallway discussions

• phone conversations

• conferences/meetings

Documentations should be dated, include all names of people who are involved in the interaction, a summary of the discussion and/or events as they unfolded. One of the best ways to document is via email since it is dated, time stamped, and lists the connections of all parties to whom the email is sent.

You may have a parent/teacher conference and your child was expressing difficulty in academics. (Write the date, name of the teachers in the conference, and the highlights about the discussion.)

Dated sample written work at various stages of the child’s academic growth is important to keep with your documentation, as well. If your child has not improved after several weeks, you may want to request another conference or it may be time to make a formal witten request a formal assessment. (B sure to document the encounter, discussion, names. If a request to test is made, keep a copy that should be dated and recorded.)

If for any reason, there is a dispute with the child’s delay of testing or services, or if there was a miscommunication of what was said, documentation is going to be very helpful to solve the issue.