The effects of a parent forum on parental empowerment and attitudes towards the special education process and educational decision making

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a parent informational forum in empowering parents to engage in the special education decision making for their child with special needs in an urban elementary district. A pre-survey and post-survey were completed by parents who attended a bilingual information session. Both surveys contained nine identical indicator statements that parents rated on a four point scale. The post survey contained an additional eight indicator statements and four open ended responses. Fifteen parents attend the forum and completed the pre-survey, while seven parents completed the post-survey. Results showed a drop in parental belief that they were equal partners with school professionals. Drops were also seen in parent's belief that the school was responsible for the development of an educational program, and knowing how to make changes in an educational program. These drops could possibly be explained by parents developing an understanding or their role and their rights as parents of students receiving special education services. Approximately 70% of parents left the forum feeling empowered to participate in meetings.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Special Education

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Language, Literacy, and Special Education

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Walker, Laura

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kuder, S. Jay

• Special education--Parent participation
• Special Education and Teaching

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/292

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1291