Resolution Statement: Centering Families as Essential Partners of Special Education Success

WHEREAS, the ultimate success of children and youth with disabilities is contingent upon authentic, powerful partnerships between special educators and the families they serve; and 

WHEREAS, families are the primary experts in their children’s lives, possessing irreplaceable personal and cultural knowledge that is vital to tailoring effective, culturally sustaining educational plans and opportunities; and 

WHEREAS, across shifting conditions and challenges, the need remains constant for education professionals and families to advocate collaboratively to secure equitable resources toward meeting students' multiple needs; and 

WHEREAS, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has demonstrated a proactive commitment to supporting families through our mission to engage in and support work that is culturally affirming, collaborative, and respectful of students and families’ assets, voices, and lived experiences. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) strongly affirms the importance of partnering with families in shaping all special education policies and practices, guided by the following commitments: 
 

1. Commitment to Partnership: We resolve that families must be treated as partners of information, ensuring their knowledge shapes professional development, policy statements, and service delivery models. 
2. Commitment to Valuing Experience: We commit to recognizing families for the time and specialized knowledge they contribute, establishing them as respected partners whose expertise is fully acknowledged. 
3. Commitment to Reimagining Accessible Systems: We commit to building socially just systems, proactively addressing the systemic barriers that impede partnering with families and building trustworthiness, especially with families from historically underserved communities. 
4. Commitment to Unified Advocacy: We resolve to stand alongside families, leveraging our collective power to advocate for systemic change and appropriate resources, ensuring the home-school partnership results in equitable outcomes for every child. 
    

This resolution affirms the necessity of partnering with families, a rightful directive of IDEA, and a bedrock of CEC's mission to support children with disabilities.