NONSCHOOL FACTORS (TABLE 2)

Nonschool factors (Table 2)

Two sources of data are likely to be accessed regarding nonschool factors.

Parent interviews are planned for years 1, 3, and 5 of a 5-year data collection cycle. Students will be 8 to 12 years old in the first wave and 12 to 17 at the last wave.

A school staff member who can best describe the student’s overall school program will complete questions about the student’s broader school performance, participation in group activities at school, involvement of parents in the educational process, and knowledge of nonschool supports.

Table 2
RESEARCH QUESTIONS — Nonschool Factors
	High Priority	Lower Priority
Presence and Participation
k To what extent do students in special education participate in organized group activities:
At school, as reported by parents.	P
At school, as reported by teacher.	P
In the community, as reported by parents.	P
In ways that include the students with peers without disabilities, as reported by parents.	P
In ways that include the students and/or parents with other children with disabilities (e.g., Special Olympics) and families (e.g., family support groups), as reported by parents.	P
k Are students with disabilities supervised after school? What are their after-school care experiences and needs? (Parent report)	P
Use of Accommodations, Adaptations, Enrichments, or Compensations to Achieve Outcomes
k What services and supports do families provide for their children outside of their school programs, in terms of:
Providing computers at home for educational/recreation purposes.	P
Arranging for additional related services beyond the special education program (e.g., tutoring, therapies).	P
Providing a quiet place at home to do school work.	P
k What medical or other disability-related assistive devices do students use, including:
Parent reports of students "regularly taking prescription medicine for disability."	P
Parent reports of whether students take Ritalin specifically.	P
Parent reports of who recommended medication for students (parent, medical professional, school personnel).	P
Parent reports of whether students use medical devices (e.g. oxygen mask), mobility device (e.g., wheelchair), sensory aid (e.g., hearing aid), communication aid (e.g., communication board).
k Do students have a case manager through some other organization than the school?	P

Table 2
RESEARCH QUESTIONS — Nonschool Factors (Concluded)
	High Priority	Lower Priority
Family Involvement*
k To what extent do parents/guardians of students with disabilities engage in activities at home that support the educational and social development of their children, in terms of parent report of:
Reading to students.	P
Checking students’ homework.	P
Taking students to the library.	P
Talking to students about school.	P
k What are parents’ expectations for students regarding:
Educational attainment (finish high school, postsecondary education).	P
Independent living after high school.	P
Employment.	P

*Note: Questions related to direct parent-school interactions are included in the school programs domain.

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