Families and Teachers of Individuals with Disabilities: Collaborative Orientations and Responsive Practices

This book presents an overview of research and strategies for teachers working with families of individuals with special needs. Beginning with a thorough overview of family research, services, and practices, this book instructs novice teachers in both special education and general education settings on the "ins and outs" of working with families of their diverse students. Families and Teachers presents a "collaborative orientation approach" which is a philosophy of recognizing and including parents, siblings, and other family members in the complex educational decision process. Within the framework of recommended practices to support the needs and strengths of their students' families, novice teachers using this book can begin to apply family research and promote effective, collaborative practices. For teachers who deal with families of special needs students.