This brief introduces the Global Research Agenda for Children with Disabilities that sets out critical challenges: widespread data gaps, research underfunding, and limited visibility of children with disabilities in research. It sets out not only what needs to be studied, but how--emphasising ethical, participatory approaches and cross-cutting…

Before creating and implementing a new program of research, it is necessary to consider a theoretical or conceptual framework to guide this planning process. Considering there are many models and frameworks available in terms of directing the development of research programs (e.g., the program development model, the logic model), researchers want…

In this dialogue with Phillip A. Boda's "Conceptualizing the margins into science education praxis:disability as case in point," I would like to continue the conversation on an equity-focused graduate course meant to prepare pre-service educators to value and leverage diversity in the classroom. While Boda's analysis revealed that…

A hallmark of business and professional communication is an emphasis on pragmatic but theoretically grounded work. Thus, business and professional communication scholars are ideally suited to turn the theories found in disability studies into practice. In this article, I do just that by creating a theory--orienting access--that draws on concepts…

In recent years, researchers have worked closely with parents, teachers, other school staff, and external stakeholders to increase knowledge on ways to effectively teach children and adolescents with disabilities in mainstream school settings. State, national, and global directives have encouraged the implementation of research-based practices and…

Anyone who has attended an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting for a student with special needs knows that this gathering of individuals has the potential to be extremely contentious and adversarial if not handled effectively. Often parents become overwhelmed by terminology that is foreign to them and may feel as though the only…

Students who are deaf with a disability or disabilities (DWD) constitute nearly half of the population of K-12 learners who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, there is a dearth of information on theory, research, and practice related to these learners. The authors present an overview of (a) how the field of education of students who are D/deaf…

This report was commissioned by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) Board of Directors and a workgroup comprising seven special education researchers (Bryan Cook, Chair; Virginia Buysse; Janette Klingner; Tim Landrum; Robin McWilliam; Melody Tankersley; and Dave Test) who developed, vetted, and piloted the new standards for determining…

Disabled children are among the most marginalised in our society. Their influence has been negligible on policies and service practices that directly affect their lives. Empirical research using innovative methodologies can at least enable their voices to be heard. Based on the contributions of leading researchers and practitioners to a seminar…

Catherine Nehring is a passionate advocate for inclusion and presents a rationale for creating an inclusive Montessori school and details the considerations and guidelines for creating such a school. Beginning with the United Nations Resolution (Article 24) and carefully explaining Montessori's history with "abnormal children," Catherine…

In the postmodern conceptual framework that informs this commentary, both teacher and student are seen as scholar-practitioners. To meet the scholar-practitioner's goal of connecting theory and practice, teaching and learning are considered to be necessary and inseparable acts. Teacher and student are mutually engaged as "bricoleurs"…

"The Changing Face of Special Educational Needs" shows teachers, SENCOs and students in teacher training how to respond to the rapidly changing context of special education. This highly practical and accessible text unlocks the often confusing field of special education provision in schools today by: (1) Summarising and clarifying new policy…

This article invites all educators to consider the implementation of the tenets of Invitational Education (IE) as a firm foundation and precursor upon which can be built an Inclusive Education climate and mindset which encourages success for all students. This eighteen month study of two professors from Ohio's Muskingum University shares from…

There are many resources that describe high-quality inclusive practices in early education as well as the necessary competencies for early-childhood practitioners working in inclusive settings. Yet, despite important initiatives in the field, a discrepancy between research and practice remains. In an effort to narrow this research-to-practice gap…

Legislation such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and its reauthorization, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, mandate that evidence-based practices be used in schools. In fact, NCLB requires that "scientifically-based research" be the basis for classroom practices…