6A Debbie Berni - Response to Jessica Tomic

Jessica, I enjoyed reading your paper on family systems and the role of families in the special education process.  As a general education teacher that has worked in a co-teach setting, I have seen the difference a supportive family can make for a student.  A competent educator works to ensure that families play an active role in their student’s educational process.

1.  What is the role of family systems and families in the educational process of
     students with exceptional learning needs?

Families play a very important role in the educational process.  They can serve as a cheerleader for the student by providing encouragement.  They can serve as advocate if the student’s needs are not being met according to the law.  They can provide valuable communication to teachers about what is happening in the life of the student outside of school, as what happens outside of school often has an impact on what happens in school.

2.  How can family systems and families support development for students with
    exceptional learning needs?

Families can show support by becoming involved in the school.  They can become involved by working with teachers to ensure their student can be as successful as possible.  One of the ways mentioned in your paper was, working to develop trust and respect between the family and the school.

3.  What barriers exist among families, educators and the family-school
     relationship/partnership?

A barrier that I have encountered at a teacher is lack of training on how to sustain a positive relationship with a family.  Teachers are expected to know how to effectively communicate with families, but may not be equipped with good communication strategies. 

I have also encountered family situations where the parents also seem to have exceptional learning needs and do not know the best way to help their students be successful.

4.  What strategies are beneficial to families in supporting their children
     educationally?

Families bring many good qualities to the table when in comes to supporting their children educationally.  They spend countless hours helping their children study.  Families also assist their children with their homework.  They work to assist their children with organization.  Families play an important role in supporting their children.

5.  What strategies are beneficial to educators and schools in supporting students with exceptional learning needs and their families?

Educators and schools must work to help families feel welcomed and valued. One of the ways that you mentioned in your power point is that they need to communicate effectively and frequently with the families of students with exceptional learning needs.  Another key strategy that you mentioned is to listen to families.  Because families spend so much time with the students, they have many valuable observations about the needs of the students with exceptional learning needs.

One quote that caught my eye as I was reading your paper was, “Family participation is paramount to student achievement”.  Student who are most successful have families that support encourage them.  Successful students also have families that value education and pass that passion on to their students.

Your paper touches on a very critical issue for students, families and educators.  Thank you for all of your research.