ABSTRACT
Families have long been considered the backbone of American society. Over a century ago, Progressive era reformer Jane Addams asserted, “America’s future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what it is taught, hence we must watch what we teach it, how we live before it” (Ryan, Cooper, & Bolick, 2016, p. 95). Today, US educational policy and research in general, and special education in particular, reflect the notion that family professional partnerships are essential in meeting the needs of all students. We base this chapter on the premise that when professionals establish trusting partnerships with families, the benefits to students, families, and professionals are greater than when families and professionals work in isolation.
