Carla Braun

Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Wilkins, Elizabeth A.

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

LCSH

Special education; Elementary education; Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of low-income, minority parents and guardians of primary-aged children in the special education process using a strengths-based perspective. Minority students are currently overrepresented in the field of special education; thus, this study sought to to uncover possible reasons for that occurrence. This study was conducted in a school district in a suburban city outside of Chicago, Illinois. Four participants, three mothers and one grandmother who was legal guardian of her grandchild, were observed in one special education meeting each, participated in two one-on-one interviews, and took part in a focus group discussion. The data were member checked, transcribed, and coded. Themes were concluded from the data. The findings of this study illustrated the need for a reexamination of the special education process. It was determined that parents/guardians should feel empowered and be provided with supports from school personnel. Parents/guardians should also be clearly informed of their legal rights, so they can best help their child(ren) grow.

Comments

Advisors: Elizabeth A. Wilkins.||Committee members: Shi-Ruei S. Fang; Eui-kyung Shin.||Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

142 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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