ERIC Number: EJ1468677
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Apr
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1555-5062
Available Date: 0000-00-00
"A Blurred Line": The Role of District-Level Special Education Leaders in Interpreting Special Education Policy and Inclusion
James Coviello; Reva Mathieu-Sher
International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, v21 n1 2025
The U.S. law governing special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), requires that students with disabilities be provided a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). However, given the interpretive latitude within the law and the wide discrepancy in how this law is applied, individuals making this determination within schools and district play a critical role in fostering inclusive educational systems for students with disabilities. This qualitative case study explores the role of local district-level special education leaders (DSELs) in interpreting LRE policy when attempting to create more inclusive environments. Findings reveal how LRE is implemented on the local level and highlight the unexplored role of DSELs. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are also discussed.
Descriptors: Special Education, Leadership Role, Inclusion, Educational Policy, School Districts, Equal Education, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Students with Disabilities, State Policy, Accountability, Student Placement, Individualized Education Programs
PDK International, Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University, and College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Web site: http://journals.sfu.ca/ijepl/index.php/ijepl
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Jersey
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A