Although there have been several advances in the development of evidence-based practices (EBPs) to support students with disabilities, many rural schools struggle to use EBPs. Rural schools may experience challenges that constrain their potential to provide support for the implementation of EBPs. Furthermore, there may be a mismatch between EBPs…

Although there have been several advances in the development of evidence-based practices (EBPs) to support students with disabilities, many rural schools struggle to use EBPs. Rural schools may experience challenges that constrain their potential to provide support for the implementation of EBPs. Further, there may be a mismatch between EBPs and…

Prototype work can support the creation of data visualizations throughout the research and development process through paper prototypes with sketching, designed prototypes with graphic design tools, and functional prototypes to explore how the implementation will work. One challenging aspect of data visualization work is coordinating the expertise…

This paper addresses issues in the utilization of research by special educators. It urges researchers to do better research and policymakers to make better choices. Criteria for good research-based procedures are offered. Discussion is organized around common frustrations of special educators, strategies for improving the link of research to…

Research as a means to advocacy is discussed in this commentary on the research articles published in volume 16, issue 3 of "Remedial and Special Education." The role of quantitative and qualitative methods is considered, along with the researcher's ideological perspectives on research, and the importance of generating knowledge that promotes…

Offers a six-step campaign to improve education by applying research findings to practice. The steps are: (1) target important visible problems; (2) build a powerful, dedicated coalition with a prominent, credible leader; (3) staff the campaign; (4) assemble the right information; (5) launch the campaign; and (6) implement solutions. (DB)

This article provides guidance to special education teachers who need to assess proposals involving their collaboration in research. Recommended considerations include the conceptual soundness of the research, feasibility, and ethics. (DB)

The article examines how theoretical perspectives or model-views affect the delivery of special education services and influence the course of applied research with handicapped individuals. Underlying principles of major model orientations are discussed. Adoption of a model orientation that can document efficacy of interventions and ensure equal…

The article examines the efficacy of educational consultation through a review of research studies in the following categories: field-based survey research, outcome studies, and process investigations. It is suggested that future research maintain a broader-based ecological perspective which includes such factors as staffing patterns, cost…

A questionnaire was completed by 510 special education teachers in 3 school districts, revealing that teachers' attitudes toward both research and instructional analysis were positive. Significant relationships were found between teachers' attitudes and the research methods courses they had taken, their involvement in research, and their earned…

This document contains 4 issues (spring 2002-winter 2002-2003) of "WCER Highlights," a publication of the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER). Topics covered by the articles include: new tools for educational data management; the practice of science; the FAST (Families and Schools Together) program; South African students meet…

This response to an article by Jeanne Schumm and Sharon Vaughn on professional development programs to help teachers accommodate students with disabilities in the regular classroom considers the process of connecting personal knowledge to the external knowledge base gained through theoretical, empirical, or practical information sources. (SW)

The report of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education followed 13 hearings and meetings throughout the nation on ways to strengthen the education of students with disabilities. An executive summary summarizes nine findings and the resulting three major recommendations: first, focus on results, not process; second, embrace a…

Proposed federal fiscal 1998 budget allocations are presented, including general changes in Education Department and other agency appropriations from the previous year and dollar amounts of appropriations for student assistance, graduate support, institutional assistance, aid to the disadvantaged, educational research and statistics, aid to…

The 16 reviews of vocational education research are organized under these topics: (1) Human Potential and Human Resources, which reports a teacher institute to develop human potential, a leadership development study, and the labor market experience of men aged 45-59, (2) Reports of Voc-Tec Centers, including the Center for Occupational Education…