Power at Play: Exploring the Sources of Power Imbalance in Individualized Education Program Meetings

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session: Issues in Special Education

Abstract

An unequal distribution of power between school personnel and parents implies a less than optimal level of compliance with the intent of legislation that requires the inclusion of parents in the development of their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP). Data from 614 open-ended responses related to parents’ most recent IEP meetings were systematically analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive methods and procedures. Findings revealed parents perceived three sources contributing to power imbalances: i) the extent school personnel control the decision making process, ii) the extent school personnel resist ideas and contributions, and iii) tensions in relationships with schools and school personnel. Practice recommendations are offered to make decision making in IEP meetings more effective and equitable.

Authors

• Chelsea Tey Morris, University of Miami

• Stacey Mercedes Kesten, Self-employed

• Batya Elbaum, University of Miami