According to Laura Woods, in her article “Social Issues That Special Education Teachers Face” she reports that in the special education world, lack of parental involvement is common, because parents sometimes do not want to admit there is a problem, or they do not want to get involved.
From personal experience, I know how hard it can be to have open communication with some of the parents of our special education students. Although I find myself relatively lucky this year, as I have some great parents, there are a few who refuse to become involved in their child’s education, and it is very disheartening.
At the beginning of each year, I begin to attempt to build a rapport with my parents by calling to introduce myself. If they do not answer, I often leave a detailed message, letting them know they can call back. I also send home a welcome letter with my email, which I always check after hours, and send each child home with a communication book each night. I make sure that the lines of communication are always open on my end. However, some parents do not put in the effort to communicate back until it is too late.
Often, including this year, I do not hear from parents at all, unless there is a problem or there is something that they do not agree with, which can be very frustrating for teachers. It is very hard to work collaboratively, when it is hard to get in contact with the “other half of the team”.
One of the difficulties in special education today is definitely instances of lack of parent communication and involvement from some of our student’s parents, whether they do not communicate regularly or their lack of involvement with their student’s homework and other home needs.
It is important to work as a team so that their students have the best chance at success possible.
Amanda's Blog 