Empirical and Essay Studies

Parental Involvement in the Schooling of Children with Special Educational Needs

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2025-12-22
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Bacskai Katinka, Dr. Varga Nagy Anikó

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Bacskai, K., & Varga Nagy , A. (2025). Parental Involvement in the Schooling of Children with Special Educational Needs. Special Treatment - Interdisciplinary Journal, 11(4), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.18458/KB.2025.4.17
Abstract

This study explores the association between special educational needs (SEN) and the level, mode, and intensity of parental involvement in Hungarian schools. Anchored in the principles of child-centered education and inclusive collaboration, the research investigates whether families of SEN students engage differently compared to their non-SEN counterparts, particularly when additional socio-economic disadvantages are present. A literature review revealed limited comparative analysis between SEN and non-SEN groups, prompting a focus on existing studies that examine parent-school relationships, primarily from the adult perspective. The empirical component utilizes a secondary analysis of the National Assessment of Basic Competences (NABC) database, drawing on longitudinal student-level data from the 2015 (Grade 6), 2017 (Grade 8), and 2019 (Grade 10) cohorts. A refined dataset tracks students on an uninterrupted educational path, allowing analysis of parental involvement indicators derived from five items in the background questionnaire. Findings suggest that while parental involvement generally declines over time, the decline is steeper among students with multiple disadvantages than those with SEN alone. Support with homework stands out as the most sustained form of involvement, although it remains limited for families with lower educational capital. Contrary to assumptions, SEN students receive substantial parental attention through secondary school, highlighting the potential for constructive alliances between teachers and families. However, PTA meeting attendance is markedly lower among parents of disadvantaged learners. The data also emphasize that students classified as both SEN and socioeconomically disadvantaged (LOW SES) exhibit the highest dropout risk, stressing the need for targeted interventions.