Homework Communication Problems: Perspectives of Special and General Education Parents

Abstract

M adhavi J ayanthi Independent Research Consultant J anet N elson U niversity of S outhern M ississippi Edward A. Polloway Lynchburg CollegeThe practice of including students with disabilities in general education classes has spawned interest in academic interventions, such as homework , that allow these students to be successful . Previous studies have revealed a number of communication problems that can limit the effectiveness of homework as an intervention. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with and without disabilities regarding homework load and problems related to communication with teachers. A national survey of 265 general education parents and 83 special education parents was conducted to determine (1) whether these two groups have different experiences with homework, and (2) the extent to which they agree with each other and with teachers regarding communication problems. Results revealed that both sets of parents have had similar experiences with homework, and that both groups perceive teachers to be at fault for not initiating timely and useful communication and for lacking information about their child's needs. Results

‘It should be teamwork’: a critical investigation of school practices and parent advocacy in special education

“…Researchers have noted that positive relationships between parents and schools have not been adequately forged (Lovitt and Cushing 1999;Turnbull and Turnbull 1997;Vaughn et al 1988). Various studies have found that communication between schools and parents is dissatisfying (Harniss et al 2001;Kohler 1999;Munk et al 2001) and centred on conflict (Spann, Kohler, and Soenksen 2003). Other findings indicate that even when meetings are attended, parents have little influence in actual decision-making (Able-Boone et al 1992;Goldstein et al 1980).…”

A Qualitative Study of Caregivers' and Teachers' Perceptions of Behavior Problems in Head Start Children

“…Research on communication in the elementary years focuses on issues of homework and parent-teacher conferences (Munk et al, 2001). Research on communication in the elementary years focuses on issues of homework and parent-teacher conferences (Munk et al, 2001).…”

Bringing Parents to School: The Effect of Invitations from School, Teacher, and Child on Parental Involvement in Middle Schools

“…They identified some major areas of concerns, including lack of initiation of communication; delayed, inconsistent, and infrequent communication; lack of responsiveness to communication; and problems with clarity and usefulness of communication. In addition to these shared concerns, parents reported as a problem not being able to contact teachers when they (i.e., parents) were available (Munk et al, 2001). Many parents wished to receive more communication about their child's attendance, good news about the child, and the content that the child was learning in school (Leitch & Tangri, 1988).…”