Working with adoptive families in educational settings : creating positive attitudes and developing inclusive practices

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Tracey A. Capuano-Deese (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Advisor
Karen Wetherill

Abstract: Diversity in educational settings exists beyond racial and cultural definitions. Family diversity is also an important concept in education. However, the needs of adoptive families have rarely been addressed in schools, and considerable research suggests that adoptive family members experience social stigma. Accordingly, this review of the literature examines attitudes toward adoption, including research revealing the perceptions of adoptive family members, as well as research on community attitudes, attitudes of students, and attitudes of professional educators. The review continues by addressing the foundations for these attitudes in American family ideology, theory and research on adoption, practices in social work, and media representations of adoption. Research on positive outcomes in adoption is also presented for a balanced view of adoptive children and families, and the plausible effects of social stigma in educational settings are explored. The study culminates with a discussion of effective educational practices for teachers and administrators to implement to effectively counter social stigma in educational settings, as well as suggestions for educator preparation programs and future research.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Arts
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Adopted children--Education--Social aspects--United States, Adoption--United States, Educational equalization--United States
Subjects
Adopted children -- Education -- Social aspects -- United States
Educational equalization -- United States
Adoption -- United States

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