Study Limitations

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This study has several limitations in terms of methodologies, the researcher's role, and data collection. The mixed methods explanatory sequential design methodology has limitations in terms of sample representation and obtaining feedback on the impacts of family engagement. While participants were invited from all states, the study did not specifically aim to include a demographically representative sample from each state. The voluntary nature of focus group participation also limited the number of participants to only ten survey respondents. Although interviewing all survey participants would provide more perspectives, it may not facilitate in-depth discussions among participants.

The researchers' limitations include time constraints and potential biases. To ensure timely data analysis before fall 2022, the survey timeframe was limited to six weeks, and focus groups were conducted within two weeks. As parents of students with disabilities and advocates for family engagement, researchers may have unintentional biases favoring family perspectives. To address this limitation, researchers from the CITES team co-facilitated focus groups and coded data to ensure interrater reliability.

The study also has data collection limitations. The online survey was only available in English and Spanish, which excluded potential participants who were not fluent in either language unless they had a translator. Families without internet access or transportation to locations with internet access were unable to participate. Focus group participation was constrained by participant availability and the challenge of scheduling across different time zones. Lastly, limited Spanish-speaking participants prevented meaningful discussions between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families.

Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into family engagement in education. Researchers should consider these limitations when interpreting the findings and plan future studies to address these areas of concern.