Students with Learning Disabilities The Family and Learning Disabilities

Parental Adjustment Awareness and Recognition of Problem - Parents feel helpless and frustrated when child does not seem “normal” - Although difficult, parents must recognize the disability - Common reactions include parental conflict, doctor shopping, and defense mechanisms

Parental Adjustment continued Search for a Cause and Cure - Hope for a cure and removal of guilt Acceptance of Child - Emphasize strengths rather than weaknesses

Schools Helping Families Informational Strategies –Resources –Information sharing Parent Education –Focus on needs of parents for content –Support parents’ interactions with professionals –Promote growth of child

Family’s Role at Home Parent Observation –Insightful judges of child’s development Time Management –Routine as essential structure for success Parents as Teachers –Tutoring with care

Parent-Teacher Partnership Establishing Cooperation –Recognize potential challenges –View roles as complementary Culturally Responsive Relationships –Learn the culture of students –Exhibit cultural responsiveness toward families –Honor linguistic backgrounds of families –Link home, school, and community

Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences Establish rapport Obtain pertinent information from parents Provide information Summarize and plan follow-up activities

Reporting Student Progress IDEA reauthorization mandates regular progress reports 6-week period reports typical but not enough to be helpful Alternatives: –Daily report system –Curriculum-based measurement reports –Weekly progress reports

Parent Advocacy and Parent Rights Parents and professionals working together Reauthorization of IDEA, guaranteeing free and appropriate public education Parents have the right to be involved in identification, evaluation, placement, and program development Due process