A Review of Web-Based Special Education Resources Provided to Parents by State Departments of Education. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farley, Jennifer; Huscroft-D'Angelo, Jacqueline; Trout, Alexandra L.; Duppong Hurley, Kristin
• Is Part Of: Journal of special education. Volume 54:Number 3(2020:Nov.)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 190
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: state agencies -- parents -- informational resources; Special education -- Periodicals; Children with disabilities -- Education -- Periodicals; 371.905
• DOI: 10.1177/0022466920903114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4669

Abstract

Parents who are knowledgeable of special education are more likely to engage in their child's education. Parents seek information about special education from a number of sources including State Departments of Education (SDEs). However, little is known about the web-based special education resources SDEs provide to parents. We sought to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of SDE websites and special education resources. Two-thirds of SDEs provided special education resources in a parent-designated section of their website. The number of resources provided varied greatly by state and the majority of resources were specific to conflict/dispute resolution. Future research should explore how information provided can best support increased parental knowledge to improve parental engagement. Limitations and implications are discussed.