ERIC Number: EJ923232
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1045-988X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Beyond the Schoolhouse: Understanding Families though Preservices Experiences in the Community
Stoddard, Kim; Braun, Bonnie; Koorland, Mark
Preventing School Failure, v55 n3 p158-163 2011
The benefits of family involvement in the education of children with disabilities are well documented. Few teacher education programs, however, implement specific strategies for encouraging interactions between families and those preparing to be teachers. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the local membership of a professional association for persons with disabilities (i.e., Council for Exceptional Children) developed a summer community-based program involving preservice teachers. The Support Network for Kids in the Community (SUN) program required that the preservice teachers interact with children with various disabilities and their families in inclusion summer recreation activities as part of university coursework. The preservice teachers assisted the students at community sites, acted as mentors, provided assistance to the recreation leaders, and interacted with the families. The preservice teachers, as a result, were able to understand more fully the challenges faced by the children and their families. The SUN program development and coordination efforts required of the university and community partners are discussed as well as the positive and unique reflections reported by the preservice teachers. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers, Teacher Education Programs, Family Involvement, Disabilities, Community Based Instruction (Disabilities), School Community Relationship, Learning Experience, Sensitivity Training, School Community Programs, Field Experience Programs, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Program Descriptions, Community Recreation Programs
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A