Articles
DOI DOI: 10.52380/ijcer.2024.11.3.638

Experiences of Parents of Children with Special Needs in the Process of Receiving Reports from Guidance and Research Centers

Abstract

This qualitative study, using a phenomenological approach, explores parents' experiences in Turkey of obtaining reports from Guidance and Research Centers for their children with special needs. Through semi-structured interviews with 25 parents, findings reveal concerns over the adequacy of assessment tools and the assessment duration. While many parents are satisfied with the outcomes, discrepancies in the accuracy of assessments and placement decisions raise questions. The study underscores the need for improved communication between sectors and informed parental involvement, suggesting enhancements in assessment tool diversity and evaluation periods.

How to Cite

Gülay, A., Cumalı, E., & Cumalı, D. (2024). Experiences of Parents of Children with Special Needs in the Process of Receiving Reports from Guidance and Research Centers. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 11(3), 337–353. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijcer.2024.11.3.638

References

  1. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
  2. Dayı, E., Ataman, S., & Kösretaş, B. (2022). Collaboration in The Educational Diagnosis and Assessment Process of Individuals With Special Needs: Family Experiences. Gazi Üniversitesi Gazi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 42(3), 2663–2693. https://doi.org/10.17152/gefad.1150770
  3. Driessen, G., Smit, F., & Sleegers, P. (2005). Parental Involvement and Educational Achievement. British Educational Research Journal, 31(4), 509–532. https://doi.org/10.1080/01411920500148713
  4. Epstein, A. S., Schweinhart, L. J., DeBruin-Parecki, A., & Robin, K. B. (2004). Preschool assessment: A guide to developing a balanced approach. Preschool Policy Matters, 7, 1-2.
  5. Espe‐Sherwindt, M. (2008). Family‐centred practice: collaboration, competency and evidence. Support for Learning, 23(3), 136–143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9604.2008.00384.x
  6. Fish, W. W. (2008). The IEP Meeting: Perceptions of Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 53(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.3200/psfl.53.1.8-14
  7. Goldman, S. E., & Burke, M. M. (2017). The Effectiveness of Interventions to Increase Parent Involvement in Special Education: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Exceptionality, 25(2), 97–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/09362835.2016.1196444
  8. Griffiths, A. J., Alsip, J., Kennedy, K., Diamond, E. L., Palma, C., Abdou, A. S., Wiegand, R., & Brady, J. (2021). Families and Schools Together: Designing a Model for University-Community Partnerships to Support Home-School Collaborations. Contemporary School Psychology, 26(3), 422–434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-021-00358-5
  9. Hallam, R. A., Lyons, A. N., Pretti-Frontczak, K., & Grisham-Brown, J. (2014). Comparing Apples and Oranges. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 34(2), 106–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121414524283
  10. Harry, B. (2008). Collaboration with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families: Ideal versus Reality. Exceptional Children, 74(3), 372–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290807400306
  11. Heiskanen, N., Alasuutari, M., & Vehkakoski, T. (2021). Intertextual Voices of Children, Parents, and Specialists in Individual Education Plans. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 65(1), 36–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2019.1650825
  12. Henderson, A. T., and K. L. Mapp. (2002). A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact Of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement. National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools. Annual Synthesis, 2002. Accessed April 1, 2024, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED474521.pdf.
  13. Hirano, K. A., & Rowe, D. A. (2016). A Conceptual Model for Parent Involvement in Secondary Special Education. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 27(1), 43–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044207315583901
  14. Karaaslan, Ö., & Karaaslan, D. (2016). Otizmli çocukların tıbbi tanılama sürecinde yer alan uzman doktorların tanılamaya ilişkin görüşlerinin incelenmesi [Investigation of diagnostic process through the opinions of the medical doctors who diagnose children with autism]. Trakya Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 18(2), 271-293. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/321253
  15. Karaca, T. A., & Tekmen, B. (2023). A Research on The Education of Child Observation and Assessment. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 13(2), 326–344. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1301435
  16. Karal, M. A., & Unluol Unal, N. (2022). The showcase of special education in Turkey: Guidance and research centres. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 47(4), 318–328. https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2021.2011173
  17. Karasu, N. (2014). Guidance and research centers of Turkey: from the perspective of parents. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 29(3), 358–369. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2014.909176
  18. King, G., & Chiarello, L. (2014). Family-Centered Care for Children With Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Child Neurology, 29(8), 1046–1054. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073814533009
  19. Lalvani, P. (2015). Disability, Stigma and Otherness: Perspectives of Parents and Teachers. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 62(4), 379–393. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912x.2015.1029877
  20. Lebeer, J., Birta-Székely, N., Demeter, K., Bohács, K., Candeias, A. A., Sønnesyn, G., Partanen, P., & Dawson, L. (2012). Re-assessing the current assessment practice of children with special education needs in Europe. School Psychology International, 33(1), 69–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034311409975
  21. McCarthy, E., & Guerin, S. (2022). Family‐centred care in early intervention: A systematic review of the processes and outcomes of family‐centred care and impacting factors. Child: Care, Health and Development, 48(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12901
  22. Miles-Bonart S. (2002) A look at variables affecting parent satisfaction with IEP meetings. In No child left behind: the vital role of rural schools. 22nd annual national conference proceedings of the American council on rural special education, 7–9 March.
  23. Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı. (2023). Millî Eğitim İstatistikleri Örgün Eğitim 2022/2023. Strateji Geliştirme Başkanlığı. https://sgb.meb.gov.tr/www/icerik_goruntule.php?KNO=508
  24. Nazlı, S., Semra, K. İ. Y. E., Yoncalik, O., ÖNAL, A. A., Nesime, C. A. N., & Ateş, E. G. Ç. (2021). Rehberlik ve Araştırma Merkezi Rehberlik Hizmetleri Bölümünün İşlevselliğinin İncelenmesi: Bir Karma Yöntem Araştırması. Ankara Universitesi Egitim Bilimleri Fakultesi Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.30964/auebfd.645542
  25. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Sage publications
  26. Rehberlik ve Araştırma Merkezi Yönergesi, Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı. (2020). https://orgm.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2020_08/31230315_RAM_YONERGESY.pdf
  27. Sarı, H., Karakoç, B., & Karamuklu, E. S. (2023). Rehberlik araştırma merkezlerinde (RAM) kaynaştırma tanısı almış öğrencilerin belirlenmesine yönelik öğretmen görüşlerinin incelenmesi. RumeliDE Dil ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi, 32, 196–211. https://doi.org/10.29000/rumelide.1252803
  28. Spann, S. J., Kohler, F. W., & Soenksen, D. (2003). Examining Parents’ Involvement in and Perceptions of Special Education Services. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18(4), 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576030180040401
  29. Šukys, S., Dumčienė, A., & Lapėnienė, D. (2015). Parental Involvement in Inclusive Education of Children with Special Educational Needs. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 43(2), 327–338. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2015.43.2.327
  30. Şimşek, H., ve Yıldırım, A. (2011). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin yayıncılık.
  31. Tan, H. (2000). Psikolojik danışma ve rehberlik. Ankara: Alkım Yayınevi.
  32. Tok, A. İ., & Doğan, Ö. (2022). Evaluation of the Diagnostic Process of Children with Learning Disabilities in the Context of Regulation and Decree. Ankara Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Fakültesi Özel Eğitim Dergisi, 23(2), 319–343. https://doi.org/10.21565/ozelegitimdergisi.800586
  33. Trainor, A. A. (2010). Diverse Approaches to Parent Advocacy During Special Education Home—School Interactions. Remedial and Special Education, 31(1), 34–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932508324401
  34. Turnbull, A., Turnbull, H. R., Erwin, E. J., & Shogren, K. A. (2015). Families, professionals, and exceptionality: Positive outcomes through partnerships and trust. Pearson.
  35. Visser, L., Ruiter, S. A. J., Meulen, B. F. V. D., Ruijssenaars, W. A. J. J. M., & Timmerman, M. E. (2012). A Review of Standardized Developmental Assessment Instruments for Young Children and Their Applicability for Children With Special Needs. Journal of Cognitive Education and Psychology, 11(2), 102–127. https://doi.org/10.1891/1945-8959.11.2.102
  36. Wachtel, J., Rodrigue, J. R., Geffken, G. R., Graham-Pole, J., & Turner, C. (1994). Children Awaiting Invasive Medical Procedures: Do Children and Their Mothers Agree on Child’s Level of Anxiety? Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 19(6), 723–735. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/19.6.723
  37. Zeitlin, V. M., & Curcic, S. (2014). Parental voices on Individualized Education Programs: ‘Oh, IEP meeting tomorrow? Rum tonight!’ Disability & Society, 29(3), 373–387. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2013.776493