ERIC Number: ED615170
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Comparing Special Education Experiences among Spanish- and English-Speaking Parents of Children with Disabilities
Meghan M. Burke; Zach Rossetti; Janeth Aleman Tovar; Kristina Rios; James D. Lee; Kristen Schraml-Block; Javier I. Rivera
Online Submission
Due to systemic barriers, Spanish-speaking (versus English-speaking) parents of children with disabilities are less likely to participate in educational decision-making. However, little research has directly compared special education experiences between both populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the differences and similarities between Spanish-speaking (n = 12) and English-speaking (n = 44) parents of children with disabilities. Specifically, six focus groups were conducted in either English or Spanish in two states. There were three main findings: exacerbated negative experiences (e.g., disempowerment and lack of teacher knowledge) for Spanish-speaking (versus English-speaking) parents, unique communication barriers among Spanish-speaking families and shared barriers among English- and Spanish-speaking parents. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [This paper was published in "Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities" v33 n1 p117-135 2021.]
Descriptors: Spanish Speaking, English, Barriers, Students with Disabilities, Parent Participation, Participative Decision Making, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Federal Legislation, Parent Attitudes, Access to Education, Educational Quality, Interpersonal Communication, Power Structure, Special Education, Teacher Competencies, Empowerment
Related Records: EJ1431285
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Tennessee; Illinois
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A