1. Read the Chapter in the textbook.
2. Review the Essential Concepts below.
3. Answer and submit the Chapter Outline and Objectives
Remember to include the assignment or question statement before you write your answer.
Essential Concepts
Parents and family members are the best advocates, and the first teachers. Parents are indispensable partners in the educational process. They want to be involved in their childŐs education. The family is likely to be the only group of adults involved with a childŐs educational program throughout his or her entire school career. In addition, research and practice has shown that educational programs are more effective when parents are involved.
It is important for teachers to recognize that there are many, sometimes difficult roles that parents must fulfill. These roles include caregiver, financial provider, teacher, counselor, parent of siblings without a disability, marriage partner, and advocate.
Effective parent-teacher partnerships are characterized by family members and professionals jointly pursuing shared goals in a climate of mutual respect. Regular two-way communication with parents is the key operational element of an effective parent-teacher partnership.
Preparation is the key to effective parent-teacher conferences. Preparation for the conference entails establishing specific objectives, obtaining and reviewing the studentŐs grades, selecting examples of the studentŐs work, and preparing for an agenda of the meeting.
Acknowledging, understanding, and respecting cultural diversity is an essential attribute of every teacher. It is equally important to understand the potential impact of being educated in a system that serves a predominantly Caucasian, middle-class culture on children from culturally diverse backgrounds. With these points in mind, two issues are particularly pertinent in this chapter: (1) Every teacher must be responsive to the individual needs of every student; and (2) The fundamental principles of learning and effective instruction are applicable to all children. In other words, good teaching practices will benefit all students whatever their cultural background.
Chapter 3
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
1. List the reasons why family collaboration is a necessary component of special education.
2. Discuss the four factors responsible for increased emphasis on parent and family involvement.
3. Describe the benefits of family involvement for teachers, parents, and the student.
UNDERSTANDING FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
1. Describe the impact on the family of an exceptional child.
2. Describe the nine roles and responsibility that parents of exceptional children play.
3. Discus the importance of respite care for families of children with severe disabilities.
DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING FAMILY-PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
1. Describe the five principles for effective communication between special educations and families.
2. Describe the barriers to parent/teacher collaboration.
WORKING WITH CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE FAMILIES
1. List and describe the barriers that might exist in working with parents and families from culturally diverse backgrounds.
2. List and describe the factors that may prevent some culturally and linguistically diverse care givers from becoming actively involved in school partnerships.
3. List the ways in which educators can increase active parent involvement.
METHODS OF HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
1. List and describe the three most common modes of home-school communication.
2. Discuss the guidelines for working with parents and families of exceptional children.
OTHER TYPES OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT
1. Describe the importance of parent education and support.
2. Describe the guidelines for home-based parent tutoring.
3. Discuss the mirror model of parent involvement.
CURRENT ISSUES AND FUTURE TRENDS
1. Discuss the philosophical foundation for family centered services.
2. Describe the strengths based approach to family support.