Each of the panels of the symposium presents data that explores the landscape of inclusive education for students with significant disabilities at the macro (national), meso (state), and micro (local schools) levels. The first panel examines longitudinal national trends in placements for students with significant disabilities. The second panel explores district-to-district variation in one state and potential demographic and socioeconomic predictors of such variation. The third panel investigates levels of engagement for students in self-contained and general education settings and the implications of these for access to the general education curriculum. The fourth panel examines the intersection between opportunity to learn and the adoption of boxed curricula developed specifically for students with significant disabilities. Through an analysis of national-, district-, and school- and student-level data, this symposium presents challenges of access to the gateway to equity, but through an analysis of these data, the researchers will engage in a discussion of the implications of using these data for changing systems that increases access to more equitable schooling.
Objectives:After this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe trends in access to inclusive settings across and within states.
- Explain the importance of inclusive education and how it confers lifespan benefits to students with disabilities
Research Background:
The purpose of this research symposium is to describe current trends, practices, and outcomes associated with inclusive education.
There is a need to increase inclusive practices for students with significant disabilities and to disrupt widespread segregation practices. This panel will provide input from diverse researchers on present trends and offer recommendations based on these findings.
The research panel will synthesize current practices and research, offering specific implications and recommendations for practitioners, advocates, researchers, and families.
