A Look At Rural Families Weighing Educational Options:
Identifying the Factors that Influence Parents as They Make Educational Placement Decisions for Their Children Who Are Deaf

Abstract

The goal of this work is to increase understanding among educators, other professional service providers, and families about the concerns of parents and the information they need in making educational placement decisions for children who are deaf. Research addressing the factors that contribute to the placement choices made by parents, and describing the resources they utilize, remains extremely limited. Educators and professional service providers as well as other parents can greatly benefit from information that focuses on the personal experiences and concerns of parents facing the task of making choices about their child's education.

Introduction

This document describes some of the factors influencing the educational placement choices made by parents for their children who are deaf. It shares both the personal responses of parents and the overall conclusions that were drawn from a study that sought to discover the specific kinds of information and support that parents need.

Section I: : Parent Responses and Summary of the Study Results

The Initial "Shock"
Resources Parents Used

Themselves
Family and Friends
Medical Professionals
Educational Professionals

Issues in the Transition into Elementary School

Multidisciplinary Teams
Socio-Political Issues
Academic Settings

Issues in the Transition into Middle School

Teachers and Academics
Behavior

Styles of Parenting

Trusting Self
Trusting Others/Trusting Self
Trusting Others

Advice to Other Parents

Research and Explore All Options
Be Realistic
Become an Advocate
Practice Patience

Section II: Conclusion

Section III: Background

Educational Placement Options for Children Who Are Deaf
Federal Legislation
Rural Special Education
About the Author

Section IV: More Information About the Study

Research Design
Questions
The Population Sample
Participating School Systems
Defining Deafness
Data Analysis

Appendix

Glossary
References