Reducing Parental Dissatisfaction With Special Education in Two School Districts: Implementing Conflict Prevention and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Parental dissatisfaction with special education services is a national problem. This article presents two districts that have undergone systemwide changes to decrease the dissatisfaction of families who have children with disabilities. Using qualitative inquiry, the authors analyzed documents and ob...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of educational and psychological consultation Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 191 - 233
Main Authors Mueller, Tracy Gershwin, Singer, George H. S., Draper, Lisa M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Philadelphia Taylor & Francis Group 01.07.2008
Routledge
Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Subjects
Administrator Role
California
Children with disabilities
Compliance (Legal)
Conflict resolution
Customer satisfaction
Disabilities
Educational Practices
Federal Legislation
Individualized Education Programs
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Inquiry
Instructional Leadership
Interviews
Leadership Effectiveness
Leadership Responsibility
Parent Attitudes
Parent Participation
Parent School Relationship
Parents & parenting
Quality of education
School Districts
Special Education
California
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Summary:Parental dissatisfaction with special education services is a national problem. This article presents two districts that have undergone systemwide changes to decrease the dissatisfaction of families who have children with disabilities. Using qualitative inquiry, the authors analyzed documents and observed and interviewed 24 informants about the system problems and changes. Data analysis revealed three themes within the systems problems category: (a) lack of leadership, (b) not keeping up with the law, and (c) parents excluded. Systemwide changes were organized into seven themes: (a) new leadership, (b) partnerships, (c) creative use of resources, (d) updated educational practices, (e) relationship building, (f) teacher and parent support, and (g) alternative dispute resolution. Findings revealed effective leaders who focused on all levels of the system.
ISSN:1047-4412
1532-768X
DOI:10.1080/10474410701864339