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An explorative study of socioeconomic characteristics and needs of Hispanic parents of children with special needs in one western Massachusetts school district
Abstract
This study describes the socioeconomic characteristics, assesses the basic information about special education the Hispanic parents are interested in knowing about through educational workshops and orientation, and identifies the need for services that allow the Hispanic parents active participation in the educational processes of their children with special needs. The involvement of parents in the education of their children with special needs at the national level was mandated by Public Law 94-142, The Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. According to this Federal Law, the parents have the right to be active participants in decision making related to the educational needs of their children, especially in the development of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). According to the literature reviewed, parents are usually less prepared to actively participate in IEP conferences since they possess the least amount of knowledge pertaining to laws, advocacy, rights, sources, and special education procedures. Studies have demonstrated that participation of parents in the decision-making process has been passive, limited to giving and receiving information, and sometimes simply signing the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The lack of knowledge about Public Law 94-142 and about the procedures of special education related to services makes necessary the creation of educational workshops addressed to parents of children with special needs. In the first part of this study, it was found that Hispanic parents surveyed in the site selected for this research study show particular socioeconomic characteristics that should be taken into consideration when active participation and involvement in the educational process of their children with special needs is expected. Findings in the second and third part of this study should be taken into consideration by school personnel, administrators, and community-based program directors when planning, developing, and providing educational workshops, counseling, and orientation to a culturally-diverse population.
Subject Area
Special education|Ethnic studies|Individual & family studies
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez Quiles, Julio Cesar, "An explorative study of socioeconomic characteristics and needs of Hispanic parents of children with special needs in one western Massachusetts school district" (1994). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9420683.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9420683