On Special Education
Explored the opportunities and obstacles educators encounter while serving students with special needs, including children with disabilities, gifted students, and those who are homeless or incarcerated. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: students with disabilities, gifted education, and homeless.
Education Funding
Special Education Bill Offers Flexibility on 'Maintenance of Effort'
The legislation introduced by Republican Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan would allow states to reduce their special education spending in more circumstances than currently allowed.
States
More States Meet Requirements Under Federal Special Education Rating System
The office of special education programs released its latest annual ratings of states and how well they are meeting the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
School & District Management
ADHD Driving Use of Antipsychotic Drug Prescriptions in Children
Many school-age youth are being prescribed antipsychotic medicine without any record of a mental health diagnosis other than ADHD, according to a recent study.
School & District Management
Study on Minorities in Special Education Proves Provocative
A recent study challenges the belief that minorities are overrepresented in special education, but some researchers question the methodology.
School & District Management
Minorities Less Likely to Be Identified for Special Education, Study Finds
Black and Hispanic students may be facing bias that keeps them from getting the special education services they need, according to a new analysis.
Special Education
Supporting Self-Advocacy for Young Adults With Disabilities
A study finds that families of people with disabilities are frequently told they should consider guardianship once their family member reaches adulthood, but less-restrictive alternatives are available.
Teaching Profession
Co-Teaching and Specially Designed Instruction: Is It Happening?
My recent article on co-teaching offers a perspective on whether special educators feel they are getting an opportunity to fully use their professional skills.
Equity & Diversity
Jailed Youth With Disabilities Face Poor Treatment and Support, Report Says
The National Disability Rights Network is shining a spotlight on poor prospects for incarcerated youth, many of whom have disabilities.
Families & the Community
Accessible Playgrounds, Laundromats Focus of Early-Literacy Effort
The Too Small to Fail organization announced that a builder of inclusive playgrounds will add signs encouraging adults to engage in playful conversation with their children.
College & Workforce Readiness
Diplomas and Special Education: Different State Policies, Different Results
This year's issue of Diplomas Count focuses on postsecondary transition, including the different diploma options that are given to students with individualized education programs.
Special Education
Postsecondary Transition for Students in Special Education: The Road Ahead
The 10th annual Diplomas Count report explores the different experiences of students with disabilities, as they leave high school and head to college or to work.
Special Education
Autism Screens by Preschool Teachers an Option for Early Detection, Study Finds
Child-care workers were able to flag for evaluation several children who had not been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before, according to a new research report.
Assessment
Achievement Gaps on State Tests Remain Wide for Students with Disabilities
Students in special education perform 32 to 40 percentage points behind their peers, and those gaps have remained fairly steady for at least six school years, according to a recent analysis.
Special Education
Study Finds No Connection Between Eye Problems and Dyslexia
Therapies to improve eye function, though common, have little research-based evidence, according to researchers at the University of Bristol.