ICARE Schools: A Research Study of Meaningful Parent Involvement in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Process

In the four-year ICARE Schools study, EDC is identifying and documenting middle-grades schools that use innovative approaches to engage all families in the education of students with disabilities, particularly the creation and implementation of students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs). After a systematic nomination, application, and review process, researchers selected three middle-grades schools that demonstrate successful parent involvement and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. Focusing on families from culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds—who often feel isolated—researchers are currently exploring the attitudes and activities of families and educators that foster meaningful parent involvement at these schools. They will disseminate study findings, including information about successful strategies, to a variety of audiences, including schools, families, policymakers, and researchers.