After conducting an analysis of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act based on the Family Impact Checklist, I found that families are being extensively supported by the federal law’s implications. IDEA is classified as strongly reaching the goals of many of the family impact analysis principles, however, the law could improve and/or touch on some of the foundations more actively. The checklist draws from the five principles of the family impact analysis including family responsibility, stability, relationships, diversity, and engagement (Bogenschneider et, al., 2012). Based on my own calculations carried out through the checklist process, I have determined that the law’s largest strength is within the lines of family engagement.
Family
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The points outlined under IDEA do not surface to discriminate families on the basis of these factors. This is supported by evidence for the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS). The study’s data indicates that the programs of IDEA under Part C include single parent, two parent, and multi-adult households (Wirt, et.al., 2002). Based on the phrasing of the law, there is no deposition that there is a preferable family structure to receive service. Thus, the policy is not specific as to what aspect of Part C may serve to stir cultural conflict between service providers and …show more content…
The first pillar discusses the terms of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents are present on the IEP team once the child qualifies as having a disability to help develop a plan. Parents are considered to be equal members of the IEP team along with the school staff. The outlined plan designates supplementary services that should be provided, lists the student’s performance, and describes how the student’s disabilities may affect their academics. This aspect of IDEA allows families to be involved in ways that explicitly provide choices and input into decisions. Participatory activities such as those with the IEP, have been proven to “strengthen self-efficacy, which can directly and indirectly impact family functioning” (Bogenschneider, et al.,