Which practice supports professionalism and accuracy during parent meetings?

• A. Use correct technical terminology as much as possible
• B. Do not tell them practical limitations to realistic possibilities for their child
• C. Tell them levels of their child's current performance in each area
• D. Tell them not to worry about their children's education but let the team do it

Answer: (A)

Clear, precise communication with parents using correct professional terminology supports professionalism and accuracy in meetings. In this setting, teams rely on specific terms to describe a child’s abilities, goals, supports, and progress. Using accurate terminology helps ensure everyone—teachers, therapists, administrators, and parents—speaks the same language, reducing misinterpretation and making documentation, decisions, and planning clear and defensible. It also signals competence and adherence to standards, which is essential when discussing assessments, goals, and interventions.

While it’s important to share a child’s current performance, and while there will be discussions about realistic possibilities and planning, the strength of using correct terminology lies in the clarity and precision it provides. Other options may omit necessary honesty about limitations, skip context that helps families understand progress and next steps, or place an undue burden on families to rely solely on the team without collaboration.