Federal legislation such as IDEA (1997) and NCLB (2001) have led to an increase in the number of students with significant disabilities receiving instruction in the general education classroom. This inclusionary movement has established a more diverse student population in which general and special education teachers are responsible for providing…

Project-based learning is popular among educators and has been touted as an educationally viable option for all learners, yet limited empirical research exists to demonstrate its effectiveness with students with disabilities. In this paper, the authors investigate the alignment of project-based learning elements with high leverage practices in…

The current study investigated the effects of an integrative exercise intervention on the behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and if they were influenced by ASD symptom severity. Sixty-six children (7.56 ± 2.03 yrs.) with ASD were enrolled and categorised as having mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 18) or severe (n = 26)…

Although supportive work-life initiatives have advanced in recent years, existing literature shows inconsistent outcomes regarding the adoption and effectiveness of these initiatives. In this conceptual paper, we aim to highlight that an individual's ability to freely negotiate and decide how to manage the relationships between their paid work and…

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based practice that promotes positive academic and behavioral outcomes for all students and is intended to support the needs of all students across three tiers of support. However, research suggests students with complex support needs have limited access to Tier 1 PBIS. Teachers'…

We used structure equation models to examine the career intent of special education teachers serving students with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD). Known factors of special educator attrition, including race and characteristic of students served, were considered in analyzing career intent. A total of 841 special education teachers across…

Each year, increasingly more children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being served in schools. Many children with ASD are included in elementary music classrooms, but little is known about the experiences of these students and their teachers. For this study, we purposefully selected two elementary music teachers from participants in a…

Despite decades of tenacious advocacy and improvement efforts to expand and enshrine rights for students with disabilities, many students with individualized education programs (IEPs) still lack access to high-quality, effective learning opportunities. This can be due to a range of factors, including low expectations, exclusion from general…

Background: Social inclusion focussed on belonging is increasingly emphasised by disability advocates and policymakers, yet belonging often remains absent for adults labelled with intellectual disabilities. People labelled with intellectual disabilities often rely on service providers to support their belonging. Methods: In this critically…

Sociology of education scholars have positioned punitive discipline practices as factors that work to "push" unwanted students to drop out of school before graduating. However, limited research examines how punitive discipline practices may push students to transfer to another schools--potentially acting as a critical step in the process…

Background: Adolescence is a period of profound developmental change during which the prevalence of mental health problems starts to increase. It also typically coincides with a school transition. Understanding mental health trajectories through school transition is important to inform interventions to support young people's mental health during…

Recent calls and general interest have increased to strengthen preschool and special education's inclusivity to empower early childhood teachers' professional development. In response, this study explores the mediating role of early childhood teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education in the relationship between perceived organizational…

Background: Language interventions are complex behavioural interventions, making it difficult to distinguish the specific factors contributing to efficacy. The efficacy of oral language comprehension interventions varies greatly, but the reasons for this have received little attention. Aims: The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine which…

Background: An emerging body of literature explores the impact of living with developmental language disorder (DLD) on children, individuals and families. This work has identified a range of challenges and strengths. However, there is limited evidence from the DLD community about the impacts of living with DLD in relation to parenting. Aims: We…

In a 1-credit evolving STEM Community and Identity course, low-income and neurodivergent students participate in cohort activities to build community and develop their professional STEM portfolios. The strengths-based Birkman Method personality survey is used to enhance STEM identity and clarify communication and work styles. This course involves…