This article reviews literature on the use of interpreters and offers recommendations that will promote effective communication among family members, service providers, and interpreters who speak the family's language, but have not been trained formally as interpreters or special educators. The complexity of the interpretation process is…

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…

This pamphlet guides parents of children with disabilities through the procedures for acquiring special education services in the state of Washington. Following an overview of special education, the pamphlet presents information on notice and consent procedures, confidentiality of records, individualized education programs (IEP), the placement…

Forty-four randomly selected parents of handicapped students from two New England school districts described their level of participation in special education referral, planning, and placement process by responding to questions either in writing or orally in a telephone interview. Among responses were the following: 93% of parents were notified of…

Interviews with 19 parents explored perceptions of major issues in their handicapped child's transition from a specialized preschool classroom to regular kindergarten. Among results was that parents indicated the greatest satisfaction with parent-teacher conferences and the least satisfaction with amount and type of school and classroom…

Seven parents in an experimental group completed family information profiles and met with a school/community liaison prior to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. A control group received written notification of the meeting. Parents in the experimental group made a significantly greater proportion of contributions at the meeting.…

This paper is designed to enable disability activists, parents, and advocates to negotiate effectively. It begins by describing negotiations for short-term or long-term changes and different approaches for negotiating. Steps for preparing for negotiation are listed, along with strategies: (1) control the negotiation session; (2) never negotiate…

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…

Questionnaires on individualized education programs (IEPs) were completed by 168 parents of handicapped children (10 to 17 years old). Analysis of the ten participant categories (i.e., mother, teacher, psychologist) found that two participant categories, the child's mother and the special education teacher, attended at least one IEP conference 75%…

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…

Suggestions for special education teachers preparing for parent-teacher conferences include: preparing a folder showing students' tests, assignments, and progress; and encouraging a two-way dialogue by providing a supportive environment. Suggestions for parents include being responsive and receptive to teachers' suggestions and asking for…

The Parent Transition Plan ensures a child's smooth transition from preschool to public school kindergarten and assigns responsibility for various tasks to parents or school personnel. This article outlines the need for a transition plan, the goals of transition planning, and guidelines for writing the plan at a parent-teacher meeting. (JDD)

Discusses facilitating culturally sensitive transition plans for young children transitioning to kindergarten and their families. Addresses transition roles for families and adapting transition roles for culturally diverse families. Stresses the need for transition teams to emphasize continuity, communication, collaboration, and family concerns.…

This practicum addressed educators' concerns that relatively few parents involve themselves in the reevaluation process of high school-level students with mild disabilities. The practicum sought to increase parent involvement in the development of 10 students' academic and career/vocational programs. The practicum involved encouraging parents to…

To enhance the interaction level between parents and multidisciplinary team members at meetings on individualized education programs, seven recommendations and nine print resources are offered. (MC)