BIMONTHLY FAMILY ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES
October-November 2025
Monica Wack for Parent Resource Center
“Raising a child with special needs requires access to the right resources, tools, and support systems.…In this blog, we will explore ten of the best apps and tools that can help improve daily life, enhance learning, and promote independence for children with special needs.”
Go Beyond Grades
“If your child is struggling in school or at home, you may wonder why — and what you can do to help. One in five kids in the U.S. have learning and thinking differences like dyslexia and ADHD. Learn what can lead kids to struggle with reading, writing, math, focus, and more. Explore key resources that can help you support your child, and discover tools that can help you understand your child’s challenges.” Includes videos and links.
Lusa Lo for Edutopia
"These no-cost resources provide tools that help students with disabilities achieve academic success." Offers suggestions to assist English learners, as well, and a reminder that schools should also provide tools for home use.
R. Hoysala, E. M. Morris, A. Hayes, P. Camino, & C. Cipriano for the Brookings Institution
Based on a convening, "we share some of the lessons on family, school, and community engagement from our collective work, and a workshop plan for school educators, education leaders, and organizations striving to identify barriers to and opportunities for stronger family, school, and community partnerships."
Susan Graham-Clay
“This essay and discussion article focuses on a range of strategies teachers can use to promote effective communication with parents of children with special needs.…The importance of understanding the parent experience is discussed, as well as viewing parents of children with disabilities as experts on their child, which complements the professional knowledge and practice of teachers. Specific strategies discussed include building trust with parents and the use of effective communication skills, including a thoughtful approach to the content, mode, and frequency of communication.”
Vol 35, No 1 - Spring/Summer 2025
Matthew T. Marino, Eleazar “Trey” Vasquez III, Tahnee Wilder, and James D. Basham
“This article presents an exploratory case study of the Washington Education Association (WEA) Teacher Residency Program, the first teacher union-sponsored alternative pathway for special education teacher certification in the United States. The program was co-designed with families and other members of the education community throughout Washington State with the purpose of increasing the number of certified special educators.…The WEA case study will provide other collaborative community partnerships and alternate certification programs with a blueprint for integrating strategies to diversify the special education teacher workforce while maintaining high standards.”
Vol 35, No 1 - Spring/Summer 2025