ERIC Number: EJ1491680
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-8705
EISSN: EISSN-2168-8605
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Mixed-Methods Approaches to Enhance Rural Special Education Research
Courtney B. Dewhirst1; Brittany L. Hott1; Kathleen M. Randolph2
Rural Special Education Quarterly, v44 n4 p192-201 2025
Rural special education research is necessary to demonstrate effective practices for rural students, teachers, schools, and communities. However, the majority of educational research is conducted in urban and suburban U.S. schools, which may not generalize adequately to rural locales. Rural special education teacher and student experiences are distinct, and the body of research highlighting their experiences is lacking in multiple ways (e.g., description, rigor). Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches when conducting rural special education research allows for a greater understanding of what works, and for whom, in rural communities. This article shares three mixed-methods approaches (i.e., convergent mixed methods, explanatory sequential mixed methods, and exploratory sequential mixed methods) that are useful for conducting special education research in collaboration with rural constituents. Exemplars, recommendations, and resources are provided.
Descriptors: Rural Education, Educational Research, Special Education, Mixed Methods Research, Best Practices
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: S411C230049
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: 1The University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA; 2Texas State University, San Marcos, USA

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