top of page

Partnering with Families: A Commitment to Trust and Empowerment

Writer: Mark SilberbergMark Silberberg

We are often asked, "How does The Lang School partner with families to create a supportive, inclusive, and trusting environment for twice-exceptional (2e) learners and their parents?" At The Lang School, partnering with families isn’t just a mission—it’s a cornerstone for everything we do.


Building trust begins the moment families first engage with us. Even our admissions process is designed to foster connection and understanding. During this phase, engagement is structured to help families understand our program in the context of their child’s unique strengths and challenges. This increases each family's understanding of how our program is tailored to meet the needs of 2e learners while also setting the foundation for a strong partnership. Once enrolled, we ensure transparency through consistent communication about each child’s academic, social, and emotional progress. Parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and regular email updates keep families informed and engaged.


At The Lang School, we view parents as active collaborators in their child’s education. Our partnership mindset encourages open dialogue, where parents’ insights are valued, goals are discussed together, and challenges are tackled as a team. Trust is built not only by focusing on students’ strengths—whether it’s creativity, problem-solving, or artistic ability—but also by supporting their growth in areas of challenge. Many parents of 2e learners come to us with stories of frustration, misdiagnoses, or unmet needs in previous schools. By listening with empathy and approaching each interaction with patience, we create a foundation of mutual respect and care.


Families at The Lang School play an integral role in their child’s success. Active engagement is a key expectation, as parents participate in meetings, workshops, and school events. We encourage families to reinforce strategies at home that support their child’s executive functioning, social-emotional learning, and self-advocacy skills. Open and consistent communication between home and school is essential, allowing us to adjust our strategies collaboratively when needed. This partnership requires trust and flexibility, as parents are encouraged to try new approaches while leaning on the school’s expertise in 2e education.


To support parents in their role, we provide workshops on topics such as self-advocacy, parenting a 2e child, and managing transitions. These sessions empower parents with tools and knowledge while also fostering connections within our supportive community. By providing resources and workshops on twice-exceptionality, we raise awareness and promote shared responsibility for creating an inclusive environment. Parent networks and shared experiences create an environment where families feel understood and valued. Inclusivity is central to The Lang School’s mission. We actively involve parents and the wider community in creating a school culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Through our active Parents Association, parents have opportunities to join committees and planning groups, ensuring their voices are heard. Community events bring students, parents, and staff together to celebrate differences and build mutual understanding.


The Lang School also emphasizes strategies to foster inclusivity for our students. Individualized learning plans ensure that instruction is tailored to meet each child’s needs, while teacher training in cultural competence helps recognize and integrate diverse perspectives into the classroom. Our integrated academic and social-emotional learning programs foster collaboration and encourage students to appreciate their peers’ unique talents and strengths, creating a sense of belonging and mutual respect.


Cultural differences are another vital aspect of the community we build. We understand that family dynamics, cultural norms, and perspectives on education can vary widely. Recognizing these differences allows us to tailor our communication and engagement strategies to meet families where they are. Celebrating diversity is an ongoing priority, reflected in our curriculum and school events, so that all students and families see their identities respected and valued.


Ultimately, The Lang School takes a whole-child and whole-community approach to 2e education. By empowering families, fostering collaboration, and embracing diversity, we create a community where trust is restored and every student’s potential is celebrated.

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page