What is the role of parents of special education needs children in inclusive education?

Question

What is the role of parents of special education needs children in inclusive education?

Answer 1

In all special education settings, whether full inclusion or completely self contained or some combination of the two, the parents are supposed to be full members of the IEP team.  They are to be a part of writing the goals, strategies and accomadations for their child.  This is because the parents know their child best, and have the most interest in seeing their child succeed.

If you are asking about the parents of a child with special need's role in the day to day operation of the inclusive classroom, it is no different from that of the parent of any other child.  Of course some parents will be more involved than others, depending on the child's needs, their life circumstances, and their relationship with the teacher.  This is true for parents of children with and without disabilities.

Answer 2

couldn't have said it better than the first poster. well said.

My son has a learning disability and has an IEP and I am part of the team in making decisions and bringing up concerns as well. We have rights and if I feel my child needs a change I can call a meeting just as a teacher coucl to discuss my concerns and what I think needs to be done.

I am a stay home parent so I volunteer at the school a lot and I have great email communication with his teachers so that I am always informed.