Structured Collaborative Parent/Professional Partnership Intervention Resulting in Shifted Views of the Individualized Educational Program

• In Event: 66.080 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 66.080-16 - Collaborative Practices and Preservice Education in Special Education

Abstract

This paper presents changes in attitudes toward the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) resulting from the implementation of a statewide training model for educators and parents of children with disabilities. Special education professionals and parents were paired and immersed in a six-month collaborative learning community focused on knowledge building and shared perspective taking to develop effective home/school partnerships. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys to measure Attitudes Toward the IEP. Results indicate an interaction effect on Overall Attitudes, highlighting differences in how the training affects teachers and parents; and enduring pre- and post-test group differences on Attitudes toward the Value of the IEP in terms of Team Planning. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Sara A. Abercrombie, Northern Arizona University

• Mariana Mereoiu, Bowling Green State University

• Mary M Murray, Bowling Green State University

• Brad Colwell, Bowling Green State University