Principals play a critical role in creating inclusive schools for students with disabilities, but few studies focus on how principals foster meaningful engagement for parents of children with disabilities, especially within Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings where important education decisions are made. Research focused on principal…

This case is designed to help school leaders develop skills needed to work with interdisciplinary groups while demonstrating the complex issues faced while considering the special education needs of students. The case further examines a child study team meeting from the lens of different participants, including the principal, teacher, school…

La Sierra Charter School was established in 2000 in an effort to provide a tuition-free school of choice for students who were not experiencing success within the local public schools, yet remained committed to "honor, leadership, postsecondary ambition, and service" (Tulare County Office of Education, 2020). La Sierra's programs are…

Poor parent participation in multidisciplinary team meetings can be a concern for parents and educators, as it might lead to less relevant and effective programs for students with disabilities. This study sought to extend the literature on parent participation in the Individual Education Program (IEP) process by investigating the relationship…

An elementary principal discusses his own son's learning disabilities and explains how schools can engage parents in setting special needs students' individualized education programs. As a parent, he went through four stages: separation anxiety, role confusion, concern about the future, and partnerships with teachers. Educators must recognize each…

This manual provides information concerning the appropriate use of alternative testing techniques when pupils with handicapping conditions participate in statewide testing programs. It is written for parents and professionals involved in the education of pupils with handicapping conditions, and is to be used as a resource by members of Committees…

This guide is designed to help principals provide better services to English language learners whom they suspect might have a disability. It provides recommendations from the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) for ensuring appropriate referral and services to these students. The first part contains self-assessment information that…