This study examined reading, math, writing, social, behavioral, and communication learning goals for a large, national sample of elementary students with complex support needs served in one of four types of educational placements. Each goal was coded for three quality characteristics: (1) strengths-focus; (2) inclusion of self-determination…

Benefits of inclusive education for students with extensive and pervasive support needs (ESN) have been documented over the past several decades. However, simply placing students with ESN in general education settings does not constitute inclusion, nor does this necessarily result in positive outcomes for students. This study utilizes…

Family-school partnerships between family members and school personnel can be successful as well as unproductive for parents who have children and youth with developmental disabilities (DD). This qualitative study sought to capture parents' identities as they negotiated family-school partnerships when making inclusive education decisions and…

Grounded in research and federal law, inclusive education is a right and preferred placement for all learners with disabilities receiving special education services. However, most students in the U.S. education system do not have access to inclusive education and few models are available to demonstrate how schools can develop and implement…

Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 established procedural mandates and accountability requirements ensuring all students with disabilities participate and progress in general education curriculum. Broadly speaking, improvements toward greater access have been found for many students with disabilities;…

Families should be an active part of educational decision making for their children, and they can be particularly influential in advocating for inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Yet, significant research has shown that parents do not feel schools effectively collaborate with them. We interviewed 19 parents of…

The trend of educating students with disabilities in inclusive general education settings is expanding. Consequently, teacher preparation for inclusive practices is a necessary consideration for teacher educators. An important component of shaping preservice teacher dispositions comes from school experiences and interactions with mentor teachers.…