Date of Award

7-6-2005

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education (MAE)

Department

Education

Abstract

While the value of the parent/teacher partnership is universally accepted, it is not always easy to promote or maintain. The purpose of this study was to identify the effective steps to creating parent/teacher partnerships in special education, in order to plan a curriculum that was more response to children's needs. For the purpose of this study a multi-method qualitative approach was used, which included participant observation, questionnaires, and analysis of field notes. The results of this study revealed a complex set of issues related to interactions between parents and special education professionals within the school setting which included: (a) Listen to us, (b) develop effective communication between parents and professionals, (c) increase knowledge about various disabilities, (d) demonstrate sensitivity, and (f) improve the IEP process. The research delineates, from the parents' perspective, specific courses of action that special educators can take to facilitate more sensitive and productive communication and decision-making partnerships.

Identifier

SC 11.MAE.2005.Bundy.DJ

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