Work

Principals as Co-Advocates for Caregivers of Children With Disabilities: Possibilities and Realizations Beyond IDEA’s Collaborative Ideal

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Although special education and its legal provisions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were designed to support all children with disabilities, it has created a litigious and bureaucratic environment that further marginalizes disabled and labeled children of color and their families. Falling short of a collaborative ideal, school principals who can serve pivotal roles are often siloed from the rest of the school team, often lack special education knowledge and training beyond procedural matters, and can perpetuate inequities through their actions or inactions. We present a scenario illustrating the challenges and possibilities for school principals to promote equitable transformation through (a) an equitable, active leadership role, (b) embodying systemic equity commitments using intersectionality as praxis, (c) moving beyond school and district compliance, and (d) a co-advocacy role with families.

Source: Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership

DOI: 10.1177/15554589241288885

Authors: Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Juanita Davis, Maria Lewis

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Educational Leadership and Practices

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200