Agreements about support.

Good agreements are important

If things do not go well at school, it is important that parents, child, and school agree. It is wise to make clear agreements and write them down. The easier the communication between parents and school and the better informed parents are, the more likely the solution will be good.

First agreements

Once it is clear that a student is struggling, parents and the school work together on a plan. At first, these are small changes in education to find the problem and what helps. It is important to write these agreements and actions clearly after a conversation. Ask for this at a meeting with the school so you know you understood each other well. Read also our tips for school talks.

Development perspective plan

When small changes are not enough, the school will take stronger steps. In that case, the school makes a development perspective plan for your child. This is required for students in regular education who get extra support, for all students in special education and practical education track. The development perspective plan is made within six weeks after the student enrolls in the school.

Consultation with parents

Parents (and children 18 or older) must be involved in making the development perspective plan. Parents must agree with the action part. Your child also has the right to be heard. Your child can join the discussion and planning of the development perspective plan. The rest of the document is a discussion where parents and school try to agree. This means the school must really try to reach an agreement with parents. If you do not agree with the school, read what you can do if you disagree with the support or transfer.

Contents of the development perspective plan

The development perspective plan describes what the student can do now and what the school and parents expect the student can do and know when leaving the school. This clarifies the learning path and expected development for everyone involved. Every year, the plan is reviewed and, if needed, changed. Then the school checks if the student is in the right place or should move to special education or back to regular education. The plan always includes:

• The expected level of your child when leaving school.
• The education goals for your child.
• Which learning material will be offered.
• The action part: how your child will be guided and supported.
• Any differences from the regular program.

What information does the school use in the development perspective plan

When making the development perspective plan, the school uses information about the student on:

• The school development: such as test results, the educational report, school progress, and advice from the previous school.
• Personal traits: such as self-confidence, behavior, and motivation.
• Abilities: such as intelligence.
• Medical information: such as advice or statements from a doctor or psychologist.
• Help and support given before.

Students can join the discussion and planning of their development perspective plan. This is called the right to be heard. Read more about students’ right to be heard in the development perspective plan.

Want to know more about the development perspective plan? Watch the video below.