Federal regulations indicate that the achievement gap must be closed between subgroups, including the gap between special education and non-special education students. We explored the ways in which achievement trends are influenced by three methods of reporting (cross-sectional, cohort-static, and cohort-dynamic). We also investigated (a) the ways…

The federal mandate for use of evidence-based practice in schools focuses attention on the frequently discussed research-to-practice gap in education. The current study examined the frequency with which evidence-based practices are engaged in the education of pupils with disabilities. In sum, 174 special education teachers and 333 school…

Using a large longitudinal database, this study examined the effect that transitions between regular education and special education across grades had on performance trends for the special education population. The study also examined the effect that changes in exemption rates across grades for students with disabilities had on performance trends.…

This study, involving 87 special-education directors, examined the number of referred students assessed for special-education services over the last 10 years and the number of assessed students declared eligible and served. Results indicated 90 to 92% of referrals were tested and 70 to 74% of tested students were declared eligible. (Author/CR)

Reviews research on implications of school choice for students with disabilities using multiple methodologies in 12 quantitative and qualitative studies. Participation rates, reasons for transfers, and impacts on students and school districts were evaluated. The study found students with disabilities participating in school choice options often…

Most conceptualizations of learning disabilities are based on discrepancies between ability and achievement, but the dimensions of this parameter have not been documented. Discrepancies for 83 third graders, 48 fifth graders, and 50 twelfth graders were compared. The use of ability achievement discrepancies to determine the need for special…

The psychoeducational processes school diagnosticians use in decisions about students were studied. Bogus referral problem information for one of 16 "cases" was provided: assessment data indicated average performance. Fifty-two percent of the subjects recommended special education for the average child; these decisions were a function of referral…

This study was designed to observe the decision-making processes of a special education team and to record the extent and nature of regular classroom teachers' participation. Classroom teachers were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. (Author/DB)

Describes an observational analysis of 34 special education team meetings, in which characteristics of effective team meetings were evaluated. In general, the meetings tended to be unstructured, nongoal-oriented, and limited to the extent in which individuals participated in decision making. Offers recommendations for improved practice.…

Examined the interventions used by 105 elementary classroom teachers before referring students for psychoeducational evaluation. Most interventions appeared to be teacher-directed actions, sometimes were influenced by consultation, and implemented for an unspecified time period with few measures of observed success or failure. Most teachers used…

A survey of 62 Minnesota directors of special education examined 20 issues of school choice pertinent to school districts. Issues listed as important by the most respondents were excess program costs, the effects of enrollment options on the planning process, and the billing of resident districts for special education services. (JDD)

Ecological case study methods were used in four early childhood special education (ECSE) screening programs to identify factors influencing outcomes of screening. Observations, interviews, file searches, and parent surveys were used to obtain multidimensional descriptions of ECSE programs, including outreach, screening, and referral practices. Two…

The school day of a total of 122 learning disabled, emotionally/behaviorally disturbed, educable mentally retarded, and nonhandicapped elementary students was observed. Findings were noted concerning time allocated to instruction in specific content areas, time spent in different school settings, and time allocated to instruction as a function of…

This study examined the extent to which categorical differences exist in the instructional environment for students with mild handicaps. Subjects were 30 learning-disabled, 32 emotionally/behaviorally disturbed, 30 educable mentally retarded, and 30 nonhandicapped students in grades 2-4. Twenty-four special education teachers and 54 regular…

This report discusses the findings of a study that analyzed 115 public reports from state accountability offices and state special education offices to investigate how students with disabilities are doing academically and nonacademically. A framework developed by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) was used to organize results.…