Features: * First person narrative vignettes help to highlight the critical role collaborative relationships play in working effectively with parents and families of children and youth with exceptionalities. * Activities are provided at the end of each chapter to help the reader integrate and apply his/her understanding of the material, including role-play exercises based on case studies presented in the appendices. * Straightforward and functional content that assists educators and related service personnel with knowledge and skill acquisition directly connected to effective collaboration with parents and families of children and youth with exceptionalities. * Integration of effective-practice methods and current literature in an easy to understand, albeit highly professional, resource. The primary theme of the fourth edition of Working with Parents and Families of Exceptional Children and Youth is that educators and related service professionals must be involved in helping parents and families to contend with the challenges of raising, living with and educating a child who has an exceptionality. This text retains its focus on developing critical knowledge and skills for conferencing and collaborating that springs from a strength-based approach when working with families to develop responsive practitioners. Additionally, it offers professionals current evidence-based methods and related resources for building knowledge and skill sets needed for effective parent and family involvement. The text is organized in three sections: 1.Part 1: begins with an overview of the historical and changing nature of the family. It continues with specific strategies to establish trust and effective partnerships with parents and families of various configurations, including those with different languages, cultural practices, lifestyles and values. 2.Part 2: details methods to address parents' concerns during initial conferences, to report academic and soci

A practical guide for teachers who want to improve relationships with the parents of their students. Presents jargon-free & solution based approaches to collaboration, drawing on inherent strengths present in every person. Author from Flinders University, South Australia.

The Art of Collaboration: Lessons from Families of Children with Disabilities, co-authored by two professors of education and a parent of a child with disabilities, draws on the literature as well as original research to explore the meaning of collaboration and the benefits and barriers to developing positive school and family partnerships. The voices and stories of families of children with a variety of disabilities and experiences are at the heart of the book, providing insights into how we might re-conceptualize collaboration as an ongoing process and an “art” built on a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and families. The book begins with an overview of the research on collaboration and explores key themes, including the process of identifying a disability, the meaning of parent knowledge and expertise in the digital age, the potential to join parent and professional knowledge for the benefit of the child and family, and approaches leading to meaningful collaboration and communication. These include a variety of family-centered tools and practices, strategies for promoting parent advocacy and leadership, and a focus on hope and resiliency. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection and suggested activities, making it an ideal resource for both parents and professionals. Throughout, the authors critique the collaborative process, while focusing on its promises and possibilities for families, educators, and other professionals.

Parents and Families of Students With Special Needs: Collaborating Across the Age Span teaches students the skills they need to effectively collaborate with parents and families to ensure a child's success in the classroom. Authors Vicki A. McGinley and Melina Alexander’s text takes a lifespan approach with a special emphasis on the critical transition points in a child’s life. Information is provided on what can be seen at each stage of an individual with disabilities’ development, and addresses concerns and needs that families may have during these unique phases of growth. Chapters written by professors and professionals who are also parents of students with special needs bring a diverse range of voices into the narrative. The authors provide an in-depth discussion of how parents and families are affected by particular disabilities, family system theory, the laws that affect individuals with disabilities, and assessments for individuals with disabilities.