Suggestions are given to teachers of handicapped students concerning developing helpful relationships with parents. Topics covered include what parents want to know, preparing for a teacher-parent conference, selecting a place, making arrangements for the conference, obtaining further information, communicating with parents, and working with…

This tongue-in-cheek article gives examples of ways in which educators give lip service to such principles as recognizing the rights of parents and valuing parent contributions but actually still try to avoid significant parent impact on their own work with students. (DB)

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…

A survey of 904 special education teachers determined the nature and extent of parent-teacher interactions, by gathering data on number of parent contacts, time spent, communication format (written, telephone, or personal visit), nature of parent contacts in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development, teachers' roles during IEP meetings, and…

Discusses strategies that support student self-determination in transition planning, including: holding high expectations for students, preparing students for transition meetings, allowing students to make important decisions, encouraging students to attend transition fairs, and providing opportunities for students to explore their communities and…

This book discusses several types of parent-teacher conferences and issues relevant to parent-teacher conferences in 10 chapters. Chapter 1 outlines a working model for successful parent-teacher conferences. Research on parent attitudes and relationships with teachers is summarized in chapter 2. Chapter 3 discusses communication topics, including…

This booklet is designed to offer preschool staff who are working with children with special needs a process for supporting children and families through the transition to kindergarten. It begins by discussing the teachers role as a partner to parents of children with disabilities. A timeline is then presented for planning a child's transition to…

Written for educators who work with special children and teens, this second edition of a best-selling classic offers a practical guide to every facet of the special education teacher's job, from teaching in a self-contained classroom or resource room to serving on a multidisciplinary team. This easy-to-follow format, takes you step by step through…