Parent Partnerships: Promoting Student Growth of Exceptional Students

Abstract

Meaningful parent partnerships are key in the educational process (Lueder, 1998/2000), especially for students with high incidence disabilities, as these students often “slip through the cracks.” Academic success and quality of learning improve for students of all ages and abilities when the family and school join forces (National Education Association Policy and Practice Department, 2008). This study analyzed parent partnerships in various school settings. Data was used to develop a meaningful parent partnership model to promote student growth, both academically and socially. Data collected allowed us to learn how individuals in varying roles within the educational system and parents presently view the involvement of families of students with special needs.