The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive, multi-site case study was to determine the criteria individualized education program (IEP) teams used to find the least restrictive environment (LRE) placement for a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the elementary school level. The theoretical framework of this study was Maslow's theory…

Research has demonstrated the positive effects on reading achievement measures when content is conditioned as a reinforcer for prolonged reading. While previous research has focused on conditioning narrative texts on the relation to increased comprehension, there is no current research on the effects of conditioning informational texts. Experiment…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how public-school IEP team members describe decision-making influences and thresholds in least restrictive environment (LRE) placement for K-5 students with significant support needs in the Midwest. Decision-Making Ecology served as a framework for two research questions which…

The COVID-19 pandemic radically altered the educational landscape for parents, teachers, and school-aged children. During the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years, restrictions transformed tools of communication, delivery of instruction, and traditional roles within brick- and-mortar schools. Rather than being relegated to a passive role in their…

This qualitative phenomenological design study explored the parental role in special education advocacy and support of early childhood learning needs of pre-K to 2nd grade elementary students receiving special education services, based on parental perceptions of whether they have adequate know-how and resources to advocate and support the early…

Students who have a disability are at risk for criminal justice involvement. Such involvement can lead to negative outcomes during their elementary, middle, and high school years. Furthermore, the negative consequences associated with criminal justice involvement for students with disabilities can extend well into adulthood. The aim of this…

This study examines the relationship between Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal content and quality and the education outcomes for students in elementary school with complex support needs (CSN) in Utah, focusing on grades three through six. The investigation explores whether the alignment of IEP goals with alternate state standards and…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how parents of students with intellectual disabilities (ID) perceive the significance of LRE in IEPs and inclusion models at the elementary level in six school districts in northern Colorado. The sample included 13 parents of children with ID in grades K-5. The theory of…

Parental involvement has long been researched and discussed as a positive influence on the educational and social outcomes for students across grade levels. Within our school communities, students who are identified with educational disabilities face increased challenges to decrease the learning gap compared to students without educational…

New York State public school students in grades 3-8 are required to take the Common Core assessments, now based on Next Generation Learning Standards, in English language arts and mathematics. Students are also required to take English and Algebra Regents exams in high school. Elementary students who often perform on-grade level in the classroom…

A 2017 landmark case with the United States Supreme Court, Endrew vs. Douglas, would fundamentally change the provisions for a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. Under Endrew vs. Douglas, special education services must confer academic and functional benefit. Emotional Impairment (EI) is one of 13…

This study examined the contribution of adult directed lessons to student social engagement as part of a multicomponent procedure of adult directed lessons and child specific prompting with peer support delivered to four elementary-aged students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to intervention, each participant exhibited deficits in social…

The purpose of this qualitative case study based upon the theories of technology adoption and technology integration planning (TIP) with the focus on design and development was to understand design features that encourage effectiveness and efficiency for using online individual education plans (IEP) along with the online IEP lived experiences of…

To best support students with special needs in their educational endeavors, research shows collaboration between the school and home greatly increases success. However, there is a gap in the literature that generalizes this concept, as most studies focus on one particular school or demographic group of students, such as those with autism. This…

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of general education teachers and capture how they differentiate instruction for students with special needs. The study ascertained teachers' understanding and implementation of differentiated instruction for elementary level students in first through third grade. The study will add to the…