A Tale of Two Conversations is a two-part video, originally developed by the Pennsylvania Office for Dispute Resolution, showing actors playing a parent of a child with a disability and a school administrator. The meeting was requested by the parent and takes place in the administrator’s office. Take One shows the parent and administrator talking about the child’s special education program. They are talking, but not listening. Their communication is unproductive. Take Two shows each person using more effective communication skills. We recommend that you view the Understanding Positions & Interests video as well as Course 3: Listening and Responding and Course 4: Focusing on Interests to Reach Agreement in our Working Together suite of resources before viewing A Tale of Two Conversations.
If you are interested in more in-depth study of the effective communication skills shown in the second video below, please check out our A Tale of Two Conversations Study Guide. Check out this similar resource for Spanish speaking audiences: La Sopa de la Abuela: Special Education Telenovela (link is external).
Take One: Demonstrating ineffective communication skills.
Take Two: Demonstrating effective communication skills.
For Spanish Speaking audiences: check out this similar resource: La Sopa de la Abuela: Special Education Telenovela(link is external), Arlington Public Schools