Current research has begun to explore the experiences of families working to access school-based special education services, and the initial findings play a critical role in moving toward services with a level of high-quality engagement for all families. The limited number of studies that include Nondominant families report feelings of 1)…

By intentionally implementing strategies to partner with caregivers before, during, and after the evaluation process, school psychologists can empower families and improve student outcomes. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP, 2019) has advocated for engaging families as active partners, emphasizing the importance of forming…

Students with disabilities face many difficulties in their transition to adulthood and are therefore supported by various individuals or organisations. Hence, a collaboration between family, school, health, and social services as well as other services is needed throughout this process. This narrative review aims to highlight important components…

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools in the U.S. pivoted to provide services to students using technology to mitigate the need for face-to-face interactions. In addition to providing instruction using distance technology, it was necessary for schools to conduct much of their other business in a way that limited face-to-face interactions,…

Disproportionality and inequity exist in the special education services that U.S. children receive based on factors such as race, geographic location, and resources of the school system. Overrepresentation and underrepresentation are both prevalent issues and can vary by region or school district and are likely due to multiple factors. Although…

The Family Expert Survey aims to provide school psychologists and other school-based mental health professionals with a research-based data collection tool that focuses on family perception of, and satisfaction with, the current IEP procedures that are in place. At its core, this survey's focus is to provide a low cost, valid way to collect data…

In this article we propose a model of collaboration for school teams as a guide to the provision of effective, individualized and culturally responsive school-based mental health supports. When school teams embark on this process, they must be ready to provide a continuum of care within a comprehensive plan. Collaboration is essential when working…

The global pandemic has meant that some schools are back in session with new and changing rules, and others are providing remote learning. The U.S. Department of Education has addressed specialized instruction through remote learning for children with disabilities, including addressing misconceptions about service delivery for children with…

Evidence suggests interpretation and implementation of the inclusion of students with disabilities has the potential to vary greatly depending on how school leaders make meaning of inclusion as the least restrictive environment. It may also be affected by the level of collaboration and trust school leaders develop with parents (Jones & Gansle,…

The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance to Minnesota CareerForce youth development professionals on how to intentionally integrate the Guideposts for Success framework into the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) model. Developed by PACER Center for Minnesota's Partners for Youth Disability Employment Initiative (DEI), this guide…

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education in a multitude of ways. During this time, school districts struggled to provide students with disabilities access to services and supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). School personnel were required to continue holding meetings to review students' Individualized Education…

This study examined family engagement in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings from the point of view of various stakeholders, including family members of students receiving special education services, and educators, such as classroom teachers, special educators and paraprofessionals. Six educators and three parents were interviewed to…

Principals play a critical role in creating inclusive schools for students with disabilities, but few studies focus on how principals foster meaningful engagement for parents of children with disabilities, especially within Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings where important education decisions are made. Research focused on principal…

This study is an exploration of "DisCrit Mothering," of education, research, and activism, rooted in our radical love for our children facing barriers and injustices due to intersectional oppressions in schools. We employ critical duoethnography to discuss and analyze our experiences, understandings, and lessons learned in our mother-son…

To address disparities in post-school outcomes for students with disabilities, federal legislation mandates appropriate education programs to include transition planning and programs for students with disabilities. Because administrators are held responsible for ensuring appropriate educational programs for all learners including those with…