The best-known authors in the field of family and professional collaboration, this practical text instructs teachers, education professionals, and families on how to empower, collaborate, and advocate for children with special needs and how everyone involved can form lasting partnerships for the betterment of the children they live for and serve.

The book has always been strong in its depiction of family systems theory, the history and current status of policy, and the principles of partnership and their application by teachers and other professionals, as well as the plethora of practical advice given to help educators find true ways to apply these principles on the job. The inclusion of authentic stories and genuine depictions of special needs people and their families only deepens the authenticity and richness of the narrative, and adds a unique and touching human element to the subject at hand. Backed by the most recent research and evidence-based practices, the authors have brought all citations and references in this edition up to date (2009).

This new edition features: more families and their unique stories, including a Marine Corps family, and a single-parent family; more coverage of secondary students, and an overall broader range of disabilities; more cultural diversity and examples of families from different ethnic backgrounds; and the book now portrays a family’s entire lifespan.

Ann Turnbull is co-author of Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today’s Schools, Fifth Edition, and of more than 200 other publications about disability, professional-parent partnerships, and family quality of life.

Rud Turnbull is also a co-author of Exceptional Lives, and of more than 200 other publications about disability policy, special education law, and the effect on policy on families and individuals affected by disability.

Elizabeth Erwin is a co-author of books and articles about parent-professional partnerships and evidence-based implementation of special education policies, especially related to families and individualized, inclusive education of students with disabilities.

Leslie Soodak is a co-author of books and articles about parent-professional partnerships and evidence-based implementation of special education policies, especially related to families and individualized, inclusive education of students with disabilities.

Karrie Shogren recently graduated from The University of Kansas, and until taking her present position as assistant professor at The University of Illinois, was assistant professor of special education at The University of Texas at Austin.

Table of Contents

Part I — The Family Systems Perspective

Chapter 1 — Family Characteristics

Chapter 2 — Family Interaction

Chapter 3 — Family Functions

Chapter 4 — Family Life Cycle

Part II

Chapter 5 — Historical and Current Roles of Parents and Families

Chapter 6 — Policies and Family and Professional Partnerships

Part III

Chapter 7 — Six Principles of Partnerships and Trust

Chapter 8 — Families as Partners in Communication and Collaboration

Chapter 9 — Families as Partners in Evaluation a Student

Chapter 10 — Families as Partners in Developing Individualized Plans

Chapter 11 — Meeting Families’ Basic Needs

Chapter 12 — Professionals and Families as Partners for Student Outcomes