Teacher–parent partnership: an authentic teacher education model to improve student outcomes

Abstract

This manuscript describes a statewide initiative to implement a training model for educators and parents of children with disabilities in more than 90 public school districts and 20 higher education institutions. The proposed model was designed to facilitate positive changes among families, teachers and administrators by increasing their knowledge, improving their attitudes and dispositions, and improving their ability to develop effective partnerships. Through this statewide initiative, teachers and families will be trained together in learning communities whose members share a vision and a mission to serve children with disabilities and improve student outcomes. This article describes (a) the theoretical and research basis that provides the foundation of this training model, (b) the core components of the training model, and (c) the procedures for implementing the model throughout the state.

Keywords:

• collaboration
• professional development
• special education
• communication
• state-wide
• respect
• parents