Developing a Framework for Reducing the Cultural Clash Between African American Parents and the Special Education System

Abstract

A conceptual framework was developed to provide proactive relationship building strategies for professionals in special education and the African American families they serve. Cultural clashes have occurred between the respective groups because of the dissimilar cultural and personal experiences that shape one group's perceptions of the other. Yet, collaborative parent-provider relationships can be established through deconstructing the disparate factors that influence both the perceptions of African American parents and those of professionals. Through utilizing a family- and culture-centered planning approach to services, professionals may begin to more fully understand the factors that shape their own experiences and those of the families they serve. This will serve to reduce the cultural clash between the respective groups and create more positive outcomes for parents and providers.