Think of 2 things that are working well with your team meetings, and 1 thing you would like to improve upon.

5 years ago we would have said~ We worked collaboratively and gathered a lot of good data. However, we needed more structure with our meetings to help limit the length and help us be more productive.

Now we would say~ Our meeting process is, efficient, collaborative, and productive.

Meeting Mechanics Key Components Use the board Use a timer Assigned roles (note taker, time keeper, facilitator). Eliminates emotional component of a meeting Keeps the group focused and on task Always starts on time. Teachers know what to bring (CA60, updated assessments) to each meeting. Helps to prioritize efforts Keeps all members involved and equal (including parents) All ideas are good ideas Walk away with a specific plan and divided responsibility

Structure Spend about 30 minutes on a student: student strengths (5 min.) concerns (5 min.) prioritize needs (5 min.) brainstorm strategies (10 min.) plan/assign responsibilities (5 min.) set follow up date.

Meeting Mechanics at Monfort At Monfort we use the Meeting Mechanics process for: All SNACs Parent requests for evaluations Conferences/staffings Transitions to programs FBAP/BIP and some IEPs

M&M at Monfort con’t We dedicate the 1st whole Monday of the month to M&M meetings. We utilize the computer to print notes so everyone has a written copy of the board. The notes serve as a paper trail for progress monitoring and as an aid for determining course of action (i.e. REED/504/Ect.)

M&M at Monfort con’t Entire team attends and actively participates, including general education teacher, special education staff, and parent as needed. Keeps the daily schedule on time.

Case Study Meeting Mechanics

Looking at where we are now…. This is a process and it continually changes. Our team need to continue to work on being concise and clear.

“Effective system change takes 2-5 years even with concentrated and continual actions.” – Centre for Strategic Planning