Behind Every Great Child is a Parent: Impact of Parental Involvement in the Academic Performance of Students with Severe Cognitive Disabilities

• Felixberto Lazaro

  Special Education Teacher, Maryland, USA

1. Felixberto Lazaro (Special Education Teacher, Maryland, USA)
   This study aimed to determine the impact of parental involvement in the academic performance of the students with severe cognitive disabilities as perceived by the special education teachers. This study was quantitative in nature and used a descriptive correlational design. The respondents were 30 special education teachers in Prince George’s County, State of Maryland, who handled students with severe cognitive disabilities. Data were collected using standardized survey questionnaires - the Academic Performance in Special Education Questionnaire adopted from Kushwaha and Ahmad (2024), and the Epstein Parental Involvement Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and the chi-square test. The study found that students with severe cognitive disabilities can achieve academic progress through individualized instruction. Parental involvement, especially communication and home support, significantly enhances outcomes. However, gaps in home-school collaboration exist. A strong, coordinated effort between teachers and parents is essential to improve engagement and sustain student success.

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