2. KEYS TO A PERFECT MEETING
1
• Respect Different
Viewpoints
2
• Value the contribution
of each participant
3
• Be realistic and
understanding
3. BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
Decide – “Do we really need to have this meeting?” (Dettmer,
Knackendoffel, &Thurston, 2013, p. 162)
Reasons to call a meeting:
Fulfilling legal obligations (such as an IEP)
Brainstorming to generate ideas
Problem-solving with multiple people in various roles to explore
options
Reconciling conflicting views among school, students, and home
Providing a forum for all to be heard
Building a team to make and implement educational decisions
(Dettmer et al., 2013, p. 162
4. PREPARING FOR THE MEETING
Use a planning checklist to
prepare for the meeting
Request attendance from those
who can contribute to the topic
at hand
Stick to the rule “concerning
meetings that the more who
are involved, the shorter it
should be” (Dettmer et al.,
2013, p. 162).
5. PREPARING FOR THE MEETING
Develop an agenda and allow
appropriate time for each agenda
item
Decide the meeting place
Comfortable chairs
Interactive seating arrangement
where all members can face
each other
Make sure each participant knows
his/her role
Have someone be the chair,
recorder, and/or timekeeper, if
needed
6. DURING THE MEETING
Introduce all participants by name and role
Listen attentively
Think creatively and stay on task
“Each participant in a meeting should be thinking at all
times about what will move the group ahead” (Dettmer et
al., 2013, p. 165)
Encourage opposing views to be discussed in the meeting
so the best solution can be reached
Stay within the meeting’s time limit and refocus the
discussion when needed
7. AT THE END OF THE MEETING
Review key decisions
Set the time and place for the next
meeting, if needed
Review the minutes of the meeting
Make sure that accurate notes
were taken on who was
designated for each
responsibility, what the decision
was, and the projected date to
be completed
Assess the progress made as well
as the effectiveness of the meeting
8. REFERENCES
Dettmer, P., Knackendoffel, A., & Thurston, L. P. (2013).
Collaboration, consultation, and teamwork for students with
special needs. (7th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson
Education, Inc.
