Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, produces personalized and contextually relevant content based on user prompts (inputs provided by users). These prompts act as the primary form of interaction between users and AI models, making their quality essential for generating the most relevant outputs. The process of writing, refining, and optimizing…

Over the last decade, there has been ample evidence reporting the lack of high-quality and compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the United States. This problem has many consequences, including poor student outcomes and failure to follow legal due process. Despite these consequences, research has not thoroughly examined the…

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center has created a list of resources on the role of special educators in school safety efforts. The list includes the following categories: (1) Access and/or Functional Needs (AFN) and Emergencies; (2) Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development; (3) Hazard- and…

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have complex and unique needs that can impact their success. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been identified that are effective with this population, yet educators may not be adequately prepared to implement such EBPs. Special education administrators are frequently responsible for developing and…

Public schools located within urban environments are a critical component of a larger social network in their communities, with important reciprocal interactions occurring across settings. This is especially important for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), as integration and alignment of home, community, and school…

Students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) endure adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other traumatic experiences at higher rates than their non-disabled peers. Staff who work with these students can experience compassion fatigue, contributing to staff attrition and burnout. Trauma-informed care practices show promise in…

The placement of children with disabilities in schools has been a long-standing discussion in education and human rights forums, including the United Nations (UNESCO, 1994, 2023). Education for all children is a key goal highlighted in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In support of ensuring pupils can learn alongside their…

Across the globe, a critical skill for 21st century special educators is the ability to work effectively with students with special needs from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. International exposure to other cultures through academic immersion experiences fosters those skills by helping teachers cultivate a global perspective. This…

Reported percentages of young children who engage in challenging behavior is estimated between 10% and 20%. This percentage is even greater for children with disabilities. Not surprisingly, when young children with challenging behavior do not receive services and supports early on, they can experience negative social and emotional outcomes long…

This Special Issues Brief from the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform (CEEDAR) Center in partnership with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education summarizes the experiences in leadership of six current and former deans who have been identified as engaging in successful collaborative…

While the student population in public education is becoming more diverse, the representation of teachers of color remains low. With over half the student population in the United States considered as non-white, and only 20% of teachers identifying as teachers of color, it is imperative to examine the ways in which education professionals are…

The purpose of this paper is to review and assess the Jordanian educational system and its provision of programs for students with learning disabilities (LD) in public schools. The author will document how these programs developed and how they currently address student needs. Issues related to current assessment practices, the role of resource…

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and behavior interventions have been effective in the management of challenging behavior among children with developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. Research suggests the need for valid measurement instruments for verifying, calibrating and scoring competence in FBA and behavior…

Strong family--school partnerships are crucial throughout K--12 education as they enable the development and implementation of meaningful educational programs for students with disabilities. This is especially true during transition planning. In many families, youth with disabilities have siblings that are a core part of the family unit, are…

Principals in the United States are responsible for creating educational environments that enable students, including those with disabilities, to achieve both academic and postschool goals. Unfortunately, many principals lack the preparation necessary to effectively lead special education programs. To support principals and ensure that students…