When Being an Expert May Not Be Enough: Understanding the Experiences of Special Education Professionals Parenting Children with Disabilities.
Saved in:
| Title: | When Being an Expert May Not Be Enough: Understanding the Experiences of Special Education Professionals Parenting Children with Disabilities. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Batz, Ruby (AUTHOR), Blanchard, Sheresa Boone (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Exceptional Children. Jan2025, Vol. 91 Issue 2, p123-143. 21p. |
| Subjects: | Education of children with disabilities, Children with disabilities, Special education, Child services, Thematic analysis |
| Abstract: | How do special education-related professionals parenting children with disabilities experience the special education system? This qualitative exploratory study delves into the experiences of 25 mother-educators who are special education-related professionals navigating the special education system for their children with disabilities. Through thematic analysis, our findings elucidate how the special education system perpetuates inequitable practices. The study describes four central themes: (1) the nuanced role of mother-educators' expertise, (2) the capacity and willingness of school staff to serve children with disabilities, (3) the inherent inequalities within the special education system, and (4) the role of advocacy. Most of these mother-educators could occasionally leverage social, cultural, and economic capital to advocate and secure services for their children. However, despite their ability to leverage such resources and extensive knowledge about their children and the special education system, these mother-educators encountered numerous challenges in advocating for and securing services for their children. We discuss the implications of our findings for federal mandates on family engagement and caution against the deficit-based nature of special education. Furthermore, we propose recommendations for fostering more equitable approaches within the system. This study underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure that all children with disabilities receive the support and services they deserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Exceptional Children is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | How do special education-related professionals parenting children with disabilities experience the special education system? This qualitative exploratory study delves into the experiences of 25 mother-educators who are special education-related professionals navigating the special education system for their children with disabilities. Through thematic analysis, our findings elucidate how the special education system perpetuates inequitable practices. The study describes four central themes: (1) the nuanced role of mother-educators' expertise, (2) the capacity and willingness of school staff to serve children with disabilities, (3) the inherent inequalities within the special education system, and (4) the role of advocacy. Most of these mother-educators could occasionally leverage social, cultural, and economic capital to advocate and secure services for their children. However, despite their ability to leverage such resources and extensive knowledge about their children and the special education system, these mother-educators encountered numerous challenges in advocating for and securing services for their children. We discuss the implications of our findings for federal mandates on family engagement and caution against the deficit-based nature of special education. Furthermore, we propose recommendations for fostering more equitable approaches within the system. This study underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure that all children with disabilities receive the support and services they deserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 00144029 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00144029241298240 |
