Ensuring effective use of evidence-based practice (EBP) for autism in schools is imperative due to the significantly increasing number of autistic students receiving school services each year. High-quality EBP use has proven challenging in schools. Research indicates implementation climate, or how EBP are supported, rewarded, and valued, and EBP…

Professionals and communication partners report experiencing challenges with regard to developing the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with complex communication needs who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). These challenges can be exacerbated in rural and remote areas where access to resources and training may…

Teachers' training in and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)--specific evidence-based practices (EBPs) vary widely. While researchers continue to develop and disseminate evidence-based interventions, the research-to-practice gap between these interventions and implementation within school settings remains an ongoing challenge. This study…

The quality of a person's life, their success in school, and their options after they exit school for employment, recreation, and independence are impacted by the person's ability to read; therefore, it is of paramount importance that all students receive reading instruction from a teacher who feels prepared to teach reading. Access to equitable…

Secondary students with disabilities (SWDs) require evidence-based practices that promote their academic success. However, secondary teachers may feel unprepared to support secondary SWDs, which may reduce their likelihood of implementing evidence-based practices. Therefore, the authors investigated the influence of several preservice and…

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen significantly in the past two decades. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of mental health providers who have specialized training in delivering evidenced-based services to this population. Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is an evidenced-based treatment recommended for…

Students with chronic and complex medical conditions often require assistive technologies in order to accommodate both physical and cognitive needs. Survivors of childhood cancer who are eligible for special education offer a lens through which to examine barriers to assistive technology assessment, acquisition, use, and support for students with…

Inclusion of students with autism in general education classrooms is increasing. However, barriers to inclusion, such as limited teacher training and limited knowledge of autism, are often compounded in districts where large percentages of students live in poverty. This study examines general education teachers' perceptions, training needs, and…

The nationwide shortage of special educators is well documented. Preparedness is a key component of building self-efficacy and longevity in the PK-12 teaching field (Clark & Newberry, 2019; Darling-Hammond et al., 2002; Ingersol et al., 2012; Ondrasek et al., 2020). This qualitative study examined the preparedness of novice special education…

Students with Disabilities (SWD) are underperforming in reading when compared to their neurotypical peers. Although reading research has made significant progress over the past 30 years, including recent developments regarding the science of reading, the findings from the extensive body of research are not consistently grounding instructional…

The state of Texas has been cited through the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as failing to identify students under the Child Find component of the law using Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Support (RtI/MTSS). The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify…

Paraprofessionals are often hired to conduct one-on-one or small group support to students with disabilities within the K-12 school system. Existing literature illustrates a limited expectation that paraprofessionals in school districts receive training surrounding their job requirements. With the rise of students being identified for special…

Effective collaboration among team members is a fundamental responsibility for all Early Intervention (EI) professionals. EI can be described as a particular type of service and support for infants and toddlers with delays/disabilities under three and their families provided through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.…

Special educators are the primary implementers of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for school-aged students with autism. Twenty-eight strategies and interventions have been categorized as "evidence-based" with demonstrated efficacy for children and youth with autism (Steinbrenner et al., 2020). However, the research-to-practice gap…

Although the accurate diagnosis and effective instruction for reading disorders through multi-tiered systems of support is one of the most foundational components of school psychology training and practice, there are significant opportunities for innovation, renewed excitement, and social justice. In this article, we identify reading assessments,…