When looking at education policies and board by-laws, examine the language. How they use language is going to determine the reality of what you can advocate for.
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Process Language – focuses on the services being provided
Example) The school will provide parents an opportunity to participate in their child’s IEP meeting.
Outcome Language – focuses on what the services are doing.
Example) 80% of parents will attend their child’s IEP meeting and provide feedback.
** Outcome language is measurable.
Language to highlight:
Should, could, would
May vs. Must
Require to vs. Will offer
When you see the word “SHALL” in legal language that means MUST.
They MUST do that. Shall = mandatory.