What are effective indicators of communication with parents in special education?

• A. Frequent updates and competitive practices
• B. Passive listening and setting independent goals
• C. Regular updates, active listening, and collaborative goal setting
• D. Only annual meetings and paperwork

Answer: (C)

Effective communication with parents in special education is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for students with disabilities. Regular updates, active listening, and collaborative goal setting are all vital components of this communication process.

Regular updates keep parents informed about their child's progress, any challenges they may be facing, and the strategies being used to support their learning. This transparency builds trust and ensures that parents are aware of and can engage in their child’s educational journey.

Active listening is equally important, as it allows educators to fully understand parents' concerns, insights, and experiences. By genuinely listening, educators can better address the specific needs of the child and ensure that parents feel valued and heard in the decision-making process.

Collaborative goal setting emphasizes partnership between the school and the family. When educators and parents work together to set realistic and meaningful goals for the student, it creates a shared commitment to the child’s success. This collaboration not only promotes better outcomes for the student but also empowers parents as key stakeholders in their child's education.

The other options suggest less effective or more limited forms of communication. For instance, relying on competitive practices or passive listening does not foster a constructive relationship. Additionally, only having annual meetings and paperwork could lead to disengagement and a lack of support for the