Latinx Parent Perspectives on the Special Education Process: Implications for Practitioners

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Centering Families in Special and Inclusive Education (Table 16)

Abstract

In our paper, we put forth the combined analysis of both a researcher and a researcher/practitioner to investigate the experience of Latinx and Hispanic parents in special education and what insights we can draw as practitioners from parents' expertise. This critical mixed-methods approach was conducted using survey and interview data. We analyze significant components of parents' experiences and perspectives with a conceptual framework that builds on literature on disproportionality and parent participation. This inquiry is ever-urgent as the disproportionalities in special education are evidenced in identification, placement, and discipline. We argue that practitioners, and policymakers, can learn from parent perspectives to bolster more equitable parent-school partnerships, and ultimately, educational spaces can be enhanced for students receiving special education.

Authors

• Lydia Gandy-Fastovich, University of Utah
  Presenting Author

• Sarah D. Lent, University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Presenting Author