Parent and Caregiver Impressions of Different Educational Models

Parental support for educational innovation has been described as essential in school change. This study examines parent and caregiver perceptions of educational opportunities for students with severe disabilities. Parents and caregivers from two high schools were interviewed. One high school uses an inclusive service delivery model, while the other uses a special day class model with limited mainstreaming. The data suggest that interviewees support inclusive schools and believe that their children are acquiring new skills. Questions remain regarding the balance of community-based Instruction and the amount of teacher training provided.