When a child is identified as a student with a disability, families are called upon to become more involved than ever before. Primarily, they are to act as team members in making crucial decisions about their child's future education. Sadly, many parents are not recognized as having valuable information regarding their child. In order to act as…

Parents of handicapped children are introduced to the reports and records kept on their child. Parents are encouraged to try to understand the reports, keep a copy of any record or report, know their rights regarding access to reports, correct inaccuracies, and maximize parental control of reports. (DB)

This tongue-in-cheek article gives examples of ways in which educators give lip service to such principles as recognizing the rights of parents and valuing parent contributions but actually still try to avoid significant parent impact on their own work with students. (DB)

Two parents recount experiences in keeping their severely physically disabled daughter in regular classes within their neighborhood school against the stated policy and pressures of the school system. Stressed is the value of group action by parents and the power of individuals speaking up. (DB)

Staffings are designed to be problem-solving meetings. In theory, all participants come to a staffing with information, knowledge or general input aimed at designing an effective educational program for a child. However, in some cases, staffings become discordant sessions laced with conflict. In order to avoid this negative outcome, it may be…