Start the conversation with better questions.

Before a consultation

• What is the team most concerned about right now?
• Which school routines or environments are most difficult?
• How is the concern affecting safety, instruction, participation, or independence?
• What has been tried, for how long, and with what result?
• What decisions does the team need help making?

When reviewing an existing plan

• Does everyone share the same understanding of what the behavior communicates or accomplishes?
• Are the recommended supports feasible during the actual school day?
• Do staff know what to teach, how to respond, and why?
• Does the data tell us about participation and skill development as well as behavior reduction?
• Is there a clear process for reviewing progress and changing the plan?

Protect student information

Keep initial inquiries general. Do not send student names, IEPs, reports, or other confidential records through an initial email. If consultation proceeds, agree on an appropriate method for sharing records first.