Parents who are knowledgeable of special education are more likely to engage in their child's education. Parents seek information about special education from a number of sources including State Departments of Education (SDEs). However, little is known about the web-based special education resources SDEs provide to parents. We sought to address…

Examines the evolution in England, France, and the United States of organizations concerned with the wishes of parents in regard to secondary schooling. Concludes that despite significantly different educational systems there is similarity regarding parent involvement: the wishes of the vast majority of parents remain unexpressed, unsolicited, or…

With the exception of special education programs, the major responsibility and authority for educational decision making has belonged to teachers, administrators and school boards. A review of literature on parent-school relationships suggests that there have been two dominant trends. The first, which advocates "partnership," is…

This article discusses legal developments relating to the 1981 Education Act in Great Britain, focusing on court interpretation in the areas of parental rights and participation, wider integration of students with special needs into ordinary schools, defining a special educational need, reassessments, and repayment of fees. Possible future trends…

This paper analyzes the concept of parent involvement in the early childhood literature, and discusses the applicability of this information to the day care context. A review of the literature suggests three main goals of parent involvement programs: (1) parent education; (2) the right of parents to influence programs that affect their children;…

Reviews the following historical phases of the recent home school movement: (1) parents' contentions about public schools; (2) home school parents' confrontations with schools and the courts; (3) cooperation between public schools and home schools; and (4) consolidation of home schools. Introduces the other articles in this issue. (BJV)

Analysis of a state-wide survey and in-depth interviews with 15 home school families in Oregon reveals that the impetus for home schooling may be tied to the effects of contemporary culture on personal belief. Characteristics of religious and New Age home school families are discussed. (BJV)

Designed to assist parents and teachers in understanding the complex procedures of special education, this book describes the process for obtaining school services for children with disabilities. An introduction reviews six major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that relate to children's rights to a free,…

Designed to assist Spanish-speaking parents and teachers in understanding special education procedures, this book describes the process for obtaining school services for children with disabilities. An introduction reviews six major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that relate to children's rights to a free,…