I recognize that the phrase 'parent involvement' is certainly inadequate when you truly think about the importance of the relationship between the family and the educators. First, the phrase signifies a one-way street rather than the partnership it is intended to be. Second, perhaps the word 'engagement' should be used to reflect the active roles that parents play at home and in the school. Finally, both parent and educator should be referenced in the title to describe the importance of a shared commitment to the student from both entities. In any case, the partnership between parents and educators toward advancing inclusive practices is a critical component in its success.
Not long ago, I was facilitating a discussion group composed of parents of students with disabilities. I asked the group to tell me in what ways their school could be more helpful and responsive to their needs as a parent. A mother of a middle school student suggested that "it would be wonderful if the schools would remember that I am first 'a parent' -- not solely a parent of a child with disabilities. I am also interested in the things all parents are concerned with, such as information about the new school library, the soccer team tournament, and so on."
Wise words! So let's begin by looking at the standards for parent/family involvement published in 2002 by the National Parent Teacher Association. You can read about them in their entirely HERE.
As we look at the importance of the partnership between educators and parents of students with disabilities, we are fortunate that there are many resources and tools available. We have several featured below.
Frances Stetson, Ph.D.
President, Stetson & Associates, Inc.
Resources and Strategies
Video Blog: Our expert, Cathy Giardina, provides her answer to the question:
How do we build effective parent-school partnerships in inclusive schools?
Article: Least Dangerous Assumption: Changing the Way We Think.Published in Everyone Together, Volume 1, Issue 2, Summer 2005.
Article: Keeping the Dance of Reciprocity Alive (Leading Change, CENMI)
Parent Survey
This survey was designed for parents of students with disabilities to assist the district or school in evaluating their services.
Improving IEP Meetings: A Parent Survey
This survey was designed to be provided to parents as they leave the IEP meeting. They should be provided a stamped, self-addressed envelope in which to return the survey or a link to complete the survey online. The results of the completed surveys can be analyzed on a regular basis, the results shared with education decision-makers and with a parent-school task force assigned to improve the quality of communication between the home and school and the IEP process. The results should also be shared with each faculty on at least an annual basis with a problem-solving discussion to follow regarding ways in which parent-school communications and relationships can be improved.
Ideas for Engaging Families
Reflections on Life at Home
Stay Sharp with Summer Activities that Promote Skill Maintenance!
Parents and Families are Valuable Partners in Supporting Inclusive Education
Impact of Parents on Student Success
Article: Getting Past Labeling Kids
PROFESSIONAL READING
Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: A Dance that Matters
Corwin Press has graciously agreed to allow ISN to provide you with an excerpt from this outstanding book. The excerpt is coming soon with the release of the May ISN newsletter.
You order the book HERE.
Research Article: What Research Says about Parent Involvement in Children's Education: In Relation to Academic Achievement
Links
Parent Involvement in Schools-
Parent involvement in schools is much more than parent conferences and PTOs... In the resources below, learn about practical ways in which schools are involving parents. Read about parent involvement strategies that are working for others -- and that could work for you!
Parent Involvement Matters.Org
This site is comprised of advocates for building collaborative family-school-community partnerships that advance student learning and achievement. Read more about their mission HERE.
Parent Center Directory
The Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers maintains a list of all federally-funded Parent Centers that serve families of children with disabilities in all 50 United States, U.S. territories, and in the U.S. Military around the world. Visit the ALLIANCE's website to find your state's Parent Center, and to access a number of useful resources for families and educators.
The Sloan Work and Family Research Network
The Sloan Work and Family Research Network has developed a Topic Page about "Parents Caring for Children with Disabilities". Resources on this page include a fact sheet, statistics, readings, and other information aimed at raising awareness and supporting more inclusive and family-friendly workplaces and communities.
Working families caring for children with significant disabilities need the support of their employers. They need workplace flexibility that allows them the time to attend meetings at school and health care appointments, and to deal with other added demands and emergencies as they arise. Statistics show that these families have both lower employment rates and higher rates of poverty. Flexible workplaces can help ease the strain on families who are caring for children with significant disabilities. In addition, employers offering greater flexibility may benefit because they are more likely to retain these employees.
To read more about this common yet hidden problem, visit the "Parents Caring for Children with Disabilities" Topic Page, or for quick reference, you can also download their Fact Sheet (pdf).
