| =Pparenthése |

La voix des parents de Colombie-Britannique

How can parents find a positive solution

to a difficult situation at schoole

As parents, we may be called up to deal with a difficult situation that occurs between our
child and a school staff member. How should we react? Who can we speak to? The process
discussed below was developed several years ago by the various partners in francophone
education. It is designed to resolve conflicts within a respectful, constructive framework.

e Students have the right to a safe
re] Environment and quality edu-
cation. Parents have the right
to participate in their child's education
and to speak to the teacher. Students,
parents, and school staff have the right
to be respected, informed, and heard.
It is the responsibility of the student
to be a good school citizen, and par-
ents and teaching staff should act as
role models and demonstrate socially
acceptable behaviour. Everyone is re-
sponsible for treating others with fair-
ness and respect.

Even within an environment of re-
spect and cooperation, difficulties
may arise. It is the responsibility of the
student to attempt to resolve the issue
where possible. Failing this, the parent
will have to intervene.

The Conflict Resolution
Procedure

The following procedure should be
followed to resolve conflicts that may
arise at school:

1. Take action as soon as possible;
do not let the problem worsen
and don’t assume that if will simply
disappear.

2. Listen carefully to what your child
tells you. Try to understand alll sides
of the issue. Do your best to look at
the issue objectively, without let-
ting your emotions get in the way.

3. Identify the situation clearly. What
facts and/or information are mis-
sing? Begin to prepare questions.

Decide whether your children
need your help or if they can find
a solution themselves.

In the event you have to inter-
vene, speak directly to the person
involved about your concerns
(unless this is inappropriate). Ask
to meet with the person at a mu-
tually convenient time.

Clearly identify the purpose of

the meeting and explain your
understanding of the issue. Listen
carefully to the ofher person and
try to understand his or her point of
view. Ask questions to help clearly
identify the problem and how to
resolve it.

If, during the initial or subsequent
meetings, you feel that your con-
cerns have not been addressed,
contact the person's immediate

supervisor as soon as possible
(school administration, school
district officials, superintendent).
Ask the supervisor to intervene in
your situation and follow

the guidelines in Item 6.

If, having contacted the super-
visor, you Still feel that your con-
cerns have not been adaressed,
the supervisor can outline your op-
tions to pursue the matter. Some-
times, this may involve appealing
the school employee’s decision.

In compliance with section 11 of
the School Act, the CSF (franco-
phone education authority) has
established a policy (Policy B200-
13) and appeal procedure for
students, parents and guardians.
An individual wishing to appeal a
decision can obtain the relevant
form from the CSF.