Toward Better Collaboration in the Education of Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Integrating the Voices of Teachers, Administrators, Caregivers, and Allied Professionals

Abstract

This exploratory study addresses the call for an increased presence of key stakeholders’perspectives in educational research involving students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) (Duquette, Stodel, Fullarton, & Hagglund, 2006a). Specifically, greater understandings are necessary to support the educational success of students with FASDs. The analysis of 11 focus groups and 3 interviews with teachers, administrators, caregivers, and allied professionals (total n = 60) revealed three themes: fostering relationships, reframing practices, and accessing supports. These findings have important implications for the use of a qualitaitve approach in generating evidenced-based educational practices for stakeholders reflective of enhanced communication and collaboration that better meet the needs of students with FASDs.