School Psych Master's Thesis - is this a good topic?

Question

want to research what happens when parents of children with special needs are given a SpEd 101 course. I want to do more than just hand them the Parent's Rights Brochure. I want to teach them about their FERPA/IEP rights and somehow see if that improves their commitment to their child's education or improves their involvement in school or the schooling process for their child.

The problem is that my advisors tell me its a project more suited for a doctoral dissertation than a master's thesis. <>

So, how should I tackle this problem?

Answer 1

Could you narrow your topic? Maybe you could see if the course impacts how they PLAN to change how they interact with education providers. Then you could expand the topic to see how the parents actually changed for your doctorate.

Answer 2

Suggestion: Do a relatively good search for dissertations in school psychology on the same subject matter and the same scope which you envision, and if there is a dearth, which I would suspect, then present a report of same to your advisors. Nature abhors a vacuum, and your work would fill that vacuum, or relative vacuum. It is a worthy topic and serves an important societal right bridging the districts, the parents, the students. It would probably aid many parents and educators and students from the "git-go" in their relationship with one another and prevent getting off on the wrong foot, thereby including in the necessary process awkward and provoking communications.
If there is not a dearth, then part of the above, of course, is not relevant. But, I would still encourage you to persevere, for the need of the people still exists.
You did not mention the criteria stated, if any, by your advisors upon which they based their disinclination. Notwithstanding any of the above, the "sigh" sounds as if you have not been clearly told good clear reasons why a thesis would be inappropriate, as opposed to a dissertation. If I am right, then you may try assertion with your advisors to get the clear answers. Then with those clear criteria, you may judge your continued response with your advisors. I can not think of any reason why a thesis of the scope and subject that you mention would be inappropriate, and I can think that because of the requisites of a dissertation, that the latter would be more engorged with statistics and bell curves and bibliography and other minutiae that may dissolve the usefulness to the intended recipients.

Answer 3

I faced a similar problem with my Master's thesis (sociology) and so did my roomate. Both of us persisted--and despite the challlenging nature of the research, had the support of our advisors. And were successful--both of us have presented at major conferences and are preparing versions for submission.

So I'd say go for it. I see two problems that need to be resolved to make the project feasible. The first is pretty straightforward--you need a classroom fulll of parents taking the course! That may mean find a funding source--but will also include working with your department to offer a special section of the course (perhaps through your universities's continuing education program and in a cut-down form (less acdemics and more focus on parental rights?). the second problem may be time--you'll need to work out a realistic timetable--this isn't a survey project where the data can be gathered in a few days or weeks.

BTW--as a person with a disability, I have a suggestion--drop the "special needs" PC language. It's offensive to many people with disabilities (including myself). I realize no offense is intended--but the term has become associated with a paternalistic and rather degrading attitude on the part of schools and educators. Bear in mind that, ultimately, an impairment is simply a physical fact that has to be dealt with--but for most children with disabilities, the real probem is how or society defines and treats them in ways that impose barriers. And ultimately, your job as an educator is to help them overcome and dismantle those barriers. Far too many special educators--and school systems--are not doing that; often, they become part of the defining process that is what reallly disables people. And if you pursue this project--and I sincerely hope you do--this is GOOD--remember to teach these parents that theere is more to the disability experience than rules and regulations--tthat dimension of social status is equally, if not more important: the child who grows up with a sense of empowerment will do well. And the ones who don't have that will not succeed in life.

Addendum re "TP"s comment--technically she is right about the need for a longtitudinal dimension to the project--but i'd say the project is doable at the Master's level using short-term follow-up. But you will need oto allow a semester after the course is givento do that. The long term study, however, could well form the basis for your doctoral work!

The other suggestion she has would be a good way to gather data for comparision to your "classroom" subjects, and add to the value of your project.

Answer 4

I think its a good topic, but I have to agree with your adviser. That type of research would take more than a semester or two, to measure. After the parents receive the course, you'd want to see the follow up at different intervals (including 4-5 years from now), not just how they respond at that moment.

Maybe you could come up with an alternative way to this. Maybe find out how many parents, who have received the Parents rights brochure, have actually read it & have understand their rights...

Good Luck to you!

Answer 5

perchance an elementary modification. Do a extra well-known topic on parents dedication to and delight with the youngster's coaching and notice how many parents are attentive to the FERPA/IEP regulations. via sorting out their understanding you additionally can enhance it my exhibiting the innovations attainable in the event that they do no longer seem to be chuffed with the present point of faculty involvement. And in case you prefer to pursue a doctorate, you have a large segue into dissertation your advert visor reported.

Answer 6

YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE SCHOOLS TIED HANDS WHEN YOU WANT TO ROLL UP HILL ON WHAT IS STANDARD-TEACHING IS ALL ABOUT ACCEPTING THE LOCK~STEP~METHODOLOGIES:WHEN IN THE RANKS IS TO SERVE AND PROTECT THE TEACHERS AROUND YOU SO YOU CAN ONLY PROVIDE WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM OF THEIR AGENDA- FIRST RULE OF SURVIVAL IS TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT~THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TEACHERS ~THOSE WHO CAN REALLY TEACH AND THOSE WHO KNOW BEST HOW TO GET THE JOB~KIDS CAN SPOT THIS DEFERENCE IN A HEART BEAT~FACULTIES CAN HID BAD TEACHERS FOR A WAY OF LIFE THAT LEAD TO ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES