Parental Knowledge, Involvement, and Satisfaction with Their Child's Special Education Services

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine levels of parental knowledge of PL 94-142, participation in special education-related activities, and satisfaction with special education services. A three-page questionnaire was sent to 200 parents with children receiving special education services in a Midwestern metropolitan school district. The questionnaire contained items concerning parents' knowledge of PL 94-142 rights and procedures, parental participation and involvement in special education-related activities, and parental satisfaction with special education services. One hundred twelve parents responded to the questionnaire (56%). The sample primarily consisted of Caucasian mothers. Respondents were knowledgeable about procedures and provisions of PL 94-142, highly involved in their child's special education services, and generally satisfied with services their child was receiving. Parent participation was correlated with parent satisfaction with their child's IEP, school personnel, and speci...