Literature Articles
Some mediation scholars argue that mediator effectiveness is a direct function of matching the mediator to a specific mediation case, in terms of aligning the neutral's skill and experience to the dynamics of the case in question. This study uses Q methodology and reveals four styles of mediators...
The article offers practical thoughts on mediation to school systems involved in disagreements related to implementation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The authors recommend training programs for mediators as well as for participants in mediation sessions, individualized...
This article and accompanying sidebar are from the Spring '04 newsletter for VCASE, the Virginia Council of Administrator's of Special Education. They highlight Virginia's Special Education Mediation Services as well as considerations for administrators when mediating and negotiating with parents.
[Abstract] "Parent involvement is recognized as an important factor in the education of all students, including those receiving special education services. Research indicates that parents of students with disabilities often experience barriers to their participation in their children’s education...
This article presents trends in hearing/review officer decisions under IDEA. Employing a sample of 361 cases from around the country, drawn randomly from thirty-five years of cases published in the Individuals with Disabilities Law Report, this research documents that a handful of jurisdictions...
Through a question-and-answer format, this article presents the views of two experienced special education attorneys on a number of ways in which parents and school districts can work together. They address communication, changes in law and regulations, and the valuable roles of IEP facilitation...
This guide to the Nevada Mediation System for Early Intervention and Special Education is intended to assist families, school districts, and state agencies in resolving disputes regarding the provision of appropriate early intervention or special education and related services to children with...
In this article the author discusses the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 which amends fundamental sections of the existing federal special education law. The Amending Act includes a provision requiring a resolution session prior to a due process hearing when parents...
Experience suggests that practitioners and researchers often have conflict when trying to work together to increase knowledge of conflict management practices. This article suggests informal protocols for collaborative research efforts based on dialogues from the Hewlett-funded Theory to Practice...
This qualitative study investigated the use of family-centered practices by graduates of two early childhood special education personnel preparation programs that embedded family-centered pedagogy and involvement in all coursework. Three cohorts, involving 19 graduates employed in 19 different...
This In-Depth Policy Analysis is the result of findings based on a survey sent to all special education units of state education agencies. The survey requested information about the use of 10 alternative dispute resolution processes not specifically required under IDEA, the extent of their use, and...
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act1 (IDEA) provides two alternative administrative, decisional dispute resolution mechanisms: due process complaints/hearing (DPH) and the state complaint system. The state complaint process has garnered far less attention than that devoted to DPH. To...
The author believes that the present system of due process under IDEA is neither in the best interest of the child nor the school system. The author identifies and discusses a number of problems with the due process procedures. A proposed solution is also presented and discussed.
The shifting emphasis within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) legislation toward greater parental involvement is supported by the literature suggesting that engaging parents in their child's education will improve the effectiveness of schooling, especially programs directed...
[Abstract] Parent empowerment includes the ability to meet the needs of one's family while feeling in control. This phenomenological study seeks to understand the experience of 71 parents of children with disabilities who participated with pre-service teachers in a 16-week special education course...
This article describes the results of a qualitative case study involving the parents of three children of Hawaiian descent living in rural Hawaii. Parents shared their experiences of educational decision-making for their children with disabilities. Results revealed that parents responded to...
This exploratory study employed qualitative methodology to analyze interview data that emerged from face-to-face interviews with eight parents of four children With autism spectrum disorder. The study focused on the roles these parents played as they monitored their children's educational programs...
[Abstract] Family–school partnerships have a positive impact on both students and schools, yet they remain challenging to establish and maintain, particularly in the presence of parent–teacher conflict. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of parents, teachers, and...
Family–school partnerships have a positive impact on both students and schools, yet they remain challenging to establish and maintain, particularly in the presence of parent–teacher conflict. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of parents, teachers, and students when...
This Article discusses relevant state and federal protections for parental rights in the education process. Part II discusses the provisions of Chapter 26 of the Texas Education Code, analyzes its principles, and relates some of the practical problems that arise under the Code. Part III discusses...
The author argues that when parents threaten to sue, it’s time for the school to examine how well it is meeting the needs of special education students and their families. He draws on his experience with a cooperative project involving the School of Education and the School of Law at Seattle...
The author presents the results of Winkelman v. Parma City School District. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that parents may represent their children in special education disputes without hiring an attorney.
This publication reviews literature exploring findings from 10 studies published after 2004 that focus on the experiences and perceptions of parents or other caregivers related to the IEP process. The review also highlights recommendations from this body of literature for improving the experiences...
[Abstract] "Parents of special education students may take a passive role at individual education planning (IEP) meetings. This passivity often results in poor planning and reduced student performance at school. Understanding parent experiences during IEP meetings for children could help...