Counselor's Notebook, March 2014

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MASCA

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION

How to Manage Difficult Conversations By VERONICA KNIGHT MASCA VP Elementary

VOL. 50, NO. 7

MARCH 2014

MASCA Spring Conference 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Leominster Tuesday, April 8, 2014 Registration / Breakfast / Exhibit Hall 6:45-7:30 a.m.

President’s Welcome 7:30-7:45 a.m.

Graduate Student Poster Presentation Session & Exhibit Hall

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or many of us, March means the second round of conferences with parents. The “Let’s watch how little Johnny progresses” conversations sometimes become “We now have some serious concerns” discussions. March also seems to be the longest month of school, with slim possibilities of snow days and no Monday holidays or vacations. Often, behavior declines and tolerance thresholds dip, necessitating more difficult conversations with parents and guardians. On a recent teachers’ professional development day, we reflected on why such conversations are difficult. Perhaps it is the anticipated (or actual) angry responses. Sometimes it is being unsure that the message was received or well received. It was helpful for us to deconstruct the concept of anger and remember that parents may be feeling hurt at the thought of their child being “broken” or afraid that they won’t grow up to be successful human beings. Instead of trying to convince them with more data or evidence, we might need to take time to validate their fears and sadness, to listen to their stories and narratives, especially if there are embedded messages of real or perceived guilt. “I was just like that in school!” says a father shaking his head (continued on page 6)

7:45-8:20 a.m.

Morning Learning Sessions 8:30-9:20 a.m.

Keynote Session 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Kevin Jennings “Education for All: Addressing LGBT Issues in Schools”

Exhibit Hall & Luncheon 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon Learning Sessions 12:00-3:00 p.m.

MASCA General Session 3:10-4:00 p.m.

Safe Travels Home! 4:00 p.m. --------------------------------President’s Reception to be held on Monday, April 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m. All conference attendees are invited.


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