Risk Communication in Rural Special Education

Abstract

Risk communication, a methodology adapted from environmental science, is proposed as a method of communication which has a rich history of use and research in other disciplines. This methodology is recommended for those in rural special education programs who communicate with parents and teachers in the more remote districts. Coming from risk decision making literature, risk communication is part of that process described as: (a) hazard identification, (b) hazard assessment, (c) risk assessment, (d) risk management, (e) risk analysis, and (f) risk communication. Each of these processes is described using rural special education examples. Additionally, risk communication factors, psychological and socioeconomic/cultural factors, are explored. Processes for improving risk communication from presentation style, trust development, reliability, outrage prevention, evaluation of communication and personal/cultural factors are also explored.