Family as Faculty: Centering Families' Expertise for the Benefit of Youth With Disabilities

• In Event: Robust Teacher Learning Experiences: Curating Collaboration, Reflection, and Improvisation

Abstract

Family as Faculty (FAF) is an approach derived from family-centered healthcare models and adapted for special education teacher education programs to assist in changing preservice special education teachers’ (PSETs) deficit perspectives of families to more culturally responsive, asset-based ones. In this paper proposal, I discuss FAF framings and methods (both qualitative and quantitative) to assist teacher educators and special education researchers in implementing key components that emphasize family voices and provide multiple opportunities for PSETs to collaborate with and learn from families. I expand upon existing FAF frameworks to include three Essential Understandings: Families as Experts, Examining Positionality, and Analyzing Power Relations. In addition, I talk about future implications for FAF and special education research with families.

Author

• Cristina C. Santamaria Graff, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis