"Your Joy Is Making Me Excited": Diverse Perceptions of Inclusion and the Individualized Education Program Process

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In an interactive session designed for working education professionals, we will explore three qualitative studies that discuss the perceptions of families and teachers related to the Individualized Education Program (IEP), inclusion, and service delivery for students with dis/abilities in urban schools. Themes across the studies indicated challenges in full and informed participation in the IEP process for multiple stakeholders as well as suggestions for improving the process for all parties. These findings expanded on existing research and included novel findings, such as positive emotional responses to the IEP process from some families and teachers due to support in place at the school. By combining the three studies, a deeper, more nuanced discussion of the IEP process is possible.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Special and Inclusive Education Research

Chair

• Jan W. Valle, City College of New York - CUNY

Papers

• "In This World, There Are Many Differences": Middle School Teachers' Perceptions About Inclusion - Keara Browne, New York City Department of Education

• "You Are the Parent, With Your Heart in Your Hand": Parents Explore the Individualized Education Program Process for Their Children - Elizabeth Golini, Hunter College, CUNY

• "Kids Have to Know": Supporting Middle School Students to Participate in Their Individualized Education Program Process - Maya Severns, Hunter College, CUNY

Discussant

• Audrey A. Trainor, New York University