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Collaborating Chapter with Parents and Families in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Society
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
3-1
Support for Parent and Family Involvement
Parents and the family: Are the child's best advocates Are the child's first teachers Are with the child everyday throughout his/her educational career Have the greatest vested interest in their children and are usually the most knowledgeable about their needs Have to live with the results of educational decisions
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Three Factors Responsible for an Increased Emphasis on Parent and Family Involvement
Parents want to be involved in their child's education
Parents were an important catalyst of PL 94-142
Educational effectiveness is enhanced when parents and families are involved
Repeated research and practice demonstrates the benefits
The law requires collaboration
Each reauthorization of IDEA has strengthened and extended parent and family participation
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Benefits of Family Involvement
Increased likelihood of targeting meaningful IEP goals Greater consistency and support in the child's two most important environments Increased opportunities for learning and development Greater access to expanded resources
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Understanding Families of Children with Disabilities
Adjustment process includes feelings of:
Shock, denial, and disbelief Anger, guilt, depression, shame, and overprotectiveness Acceptance, appreciation, and pride
Educators should refrain from expecting parents to exhibit any kind of typical reaction
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
The Many Roles of the Exceptional Parent
Caregiver - Additional needs of an exceptional child can cause stress
Provider - Additional needs often create a financial burden
Teacher - Exceptional children often need more teaching to acquire skills Counselor - Must often help their child cope with the disability Parent of Siblings Without Disabilities - Meet the needs of their other children too
Behavior Support Specialist - Some have to become skilled behavior managers
Marriage - Partner Having a child with disabilities can put stress on a marriage Information Specialist/Trainer for Significant Others - Must train others
Advocate - Advocate for effective educational services and opportunities
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Principles of Effective Communication
Accept parents' statements
Respect parents' point of view
Listen actively
Respond to the parents with interest and animation
Question effectively
Speak plainly and use open ended questions
Encourage
Describe and show their child's improving performance
Stay focused
The purpose is the child's educational program and progress
[Source: From C. L. Wilson, 1995]
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Identifying and Breaking Down Barriers to Parent-Teacher Partnerships
Effective partnerships are characterized by family members and professionals jointly pursuing shared goals
Respect cultural differences Don't make faulty assumptions; parents are allies not adversaries
Regular two-way communication with parents is the key
Conferences, notes home, telephone calls, and home/school contracts
Preparation is the key to effective parent-teacher conferences
Establish specific objectives Obtain and review the student's grades Select examples of the student's work Prepare an agenda for the meeting
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Other Forms of Parent Involvement
Parents as Teachers
Use tutoring to practice and extend skills already learned in school
Parent Education and Support Groups
Parents and professionals can plan parent education groups
Parent to Parent Groups
Parent to Parent programs help parents become allies for one another
Parents as Research Partners
Involving parents in research increases the social validity of research
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.
Current Issues and Future Trends
Professionals who work with parents should value family needs and support families
Effective change for the child cannot be achieved without helping the entire family Assume that all families have strengths they can build on and use to accomplish their own goals
William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8e Copyright 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.