The Parent Involvement Research Program assessed the extent of parental involvement in the educational process of handicapped children in Kansas, and implemented three training models in urban and rural areas to increase parent participation levels. The three training models were teacher-to-parent contact, parent-to-parent contact, and community…

Summaries of five papers from a 1979 conference on special education are presented. "Adapting and Managing the Environment for Mainstreaming," presented by D. Bricker-Derkacz, briefly considers factors in structuring a multisensory environment: orientation, adaptation, boundaries, and designing specific activities. In "Communicating with Parents…

The paper describes a federally funded research project which employs the "trainer of trainers" model with parents and teachers of handicapped children. The project has four major objectives: to train special educators in parent intervention techniques; to recruit and train parents as trainers of other parents; to establish a parent…

The booklet offers information to help parents find resources for their handicapped children. Following a brief discussion of the difficulties of having a handicapped child is a chapter with tips about diagnosis. Among the suggestions offered are insisting on a clear and complete interpretation of all diagnostic reports and checking the library…

Presents basic components of in-service training program that counselors can use to train teachers to work more effectively with parents of children with disabilities through integration of counseling theory and special education practice. Four-session program focuses on grief response following loss, family systems theory, parental self-esteem,…

A study of homework strategies with regular and special education elementary school teachers led to guidelines concerning development of innovative homework assignments, use of a homework planner, teaching of study skills, and ways of involving parents and encouraging peer support. (DB)

A more effective partnership for the advocacy of integrated educational options can be formed when parents and professionals work in concert. Eleven strategies for securing integrated options are offered, including working with the media, working within other advocacy organizations, influencing others in the school system, and consulting with…

Preschool teachers can assist parents as their special needs children make the transition from the home or other services into public preschool programs. Respecting parent concerns, providing for individualized parent involvement, normalizing the classroom environment, and allowing time for adjustment are some ways that teachers can help. (JDD)

This article discusses practical strategies to assist parents in becoming a more inclusive part of the Individualized Education Program process. Characteristics of effective teams are provided, and strategies are listed for providing social support, increasing distinctiveness, ensuring fairness, providing a sense of similarity, and for enhancing…

This study investigated parents' perceived levels of involvement and satisfaction in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) planning process. Approximately half of the 98 parents interviewed expressed high levels of satisfaction with their involvement in their children's educational planning process, although 26 percent expressed definite…

A study involving 28 Virginian parents of adolescents with disabilities found they identified the quality of their relationship with service providers as the key factor affecting their participation in transition planning. A model is presented that illustrates the potential positive or negative cycle that occurs as families and professionals…

This article offers educators of students with disabilities guidelines to facilitate better interaction with families of children who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse. It urges self-evaluation and reflection on personal interaction style and necessary modifications to facilitate cross-cultural communication. It suggests ways to…

This phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of three teachers, four parents, and three Section 504 coordinators regarding the development and implementation of the Section 504 process for children in middle schools who have attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or central auditory processing disorder.…

The resource guide is intended to assist local Arkansas school districts to establish a program for improving the parent educator partnership in planning and implementing appropriate educational programs for handicapped students. The guide should be used in conjunction with a needs assessment of parents and educators to identify appropriate…

A parent who is also an education major offers guidelines to classroom teachers involved in parent-teacher conferences to discuss individualized education programs. Emphasized are: the teacher's role as coordinator and moderator of the conference, preparing parents for the meeting, providing support for them, and making clear explanations during…