Special Education Eligibility Research Articles

Fifth year persisters: High school, college, and early career outcomes for persisting non-graduates

There is limited extant knowledge regarding academic and workforce experiences of students who remain engaged in high school, but do not graduate in the traditional four years. The current study used Multilevel modeling and descriptive statistics with statewide linked longitudinal administrative data (N = 2917) to (1) examine the student- and school-level factors related to earning a diploma during the fifth year of high school and (2) describe proximate academic and career outcomes for non-graduates and fifth year graduates. Multiple student-level factors were associated with increased likelihood of earning a diploma in the fifth year (e.g. special education eligibility, passing exit exams, higher attendance). Returning dropouts were less likely than persisters to earn a diploma in year five. In addition, the type and composition of the school a student attended affected the likelihood that a student would earn a diploma in year five. We also report population-level rates of participation in the workforce and postsecondary enrollment for fifth-year graduates and non-graduates. Fifth-year graduates outperformed non-graduates in both categories. Our findings provide insight into near term outcomes for students in a fifth-year of high school and suggest key factors that can be used for early identification and targeting services towards this under-researched and under-served population.

Disparities in Documented Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on Demographic, Individual, and Service Factors.

The objectives of our study were to (a) report how many children met an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) surveillance definition but had no clinical diagnosis of ASD in health or education records and (b) evaluate differences in demographic, individual, and service factors between children with and without a documented ASD diagnosis. ASD surveillance was conducted in selected areas of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Children were defined as having ASD if sufficient social and behavioral deficits and/or an ASD diagnosis were noted in health and/or education records. Among 4,498 children, 1,135 (25%) had ASD indicators without having an ASD diagnosis. Of those 1,135 children without a documented ASD diagnosis, 628 (55%) were not known to receive ASD services in public school. Factors associated with not having a clinical diagnosis of ASD were non-White race, no intellectual disability, older age at first developmental concern, older age at first developmental evaluation, special education eligibility other than ASD, and need for fewer supports. These results highlight the importance of reducing disparities in the diagnosis of children with ASD characteristics so that appropriate interventions can be promoted across communities. Autism Res 2020, 13: 464-473. © 2019 International Society for AutismResearch,Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Children who did not have a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) documented in health or education records were more likely to be non-White and have fewer developmental problems than children with a clinical diagnosis of ASD. They were brought to the attention of healthcare providers at older ages and needed fewer supports than children with a clinical diagnosis of ASD. All children with ASD symptoms who meet diagnostic criteria should be given a clinical diagnosis so they can receive treatment specific to their needs.

Under-Identification of Students with Long Term Disability from Moderate to Severe TBI:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a special education eligibility category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Unlike other special education categories (e.g., autism, specific learning disabilities), relatively few students with TBI are identified for special education nationwide compared to the known prevalence of TBI. Discrepanies between TBI hospitalization data, estimates of long-term disability due to TBI, and the number of students identified under the TBI category were analyzed. Only 33% of students projected to have moderate to severe TBI were represented in state child counts using the IDEA TBI category. Possible explanations for these discrepancies were explored, including that students with TBI are not referred for special education services, students are served under other special education categories, communications between medical systems-school systems are limited, and that students may not manifest difficulty until years after injury. Potential solutions to improve TBI identification for special education services are presented.

Response to intervention: Empirical demonstration of a dual-discrepancy population via random effects mixture models

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a commonly used framework to identify students in need of additional or specialized instruction. Special education eligibility decisions within RtI rely on the assumption that there are subpopulations of students: those who demonstrate appropriate growth and those who do not demonstrate appropriate growth, when provided specialized instruction. The purpose of the present study was to illustrate the use of random-effects mixture models (RMMs) to estimate the likely number of (unobserved) subpopulations within one curriculum-based measurement of oral reading (CBM-R) progress monitoring dataset. The dataset comprised second grade students' CBM-R data collected weekly over 20 weeks. RMMs were fit with several numbers of classes, and a two-class model best fit the data. Results suggest that RMMs are useful to understand subpopulations of students who need specialized instruction. Results also provide empirical support to some extent for the use of a dual-discrepancy model of learning disability identification within RtI.

Concordance between a U.S. Educational Autism Classification and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

States in the United States differ in how they determine special education eligibility for autism services. Few states include an autism-specific diagnostic tool in their evaluation. In research, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS for first edition, ADOS-2 for second edition) is considered the gold-standard autism assessment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of children with an educational classification of autism who exceed the ADOS/ADOS-2 threshold for autism spectrum (concordance rate). Data were drawn from 4 school-based studies across 2 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and San Diego, California). Participants comprised 627 children (2–12 years of age; 83% male) with an autism educational classification. Analyses included (a) calculating the concordance rate between educational and ADOS/ADOS-2 classifications and (b) estimating the associations between concordance and child’s cognitive ability, study site, and ADOS/ADOS-2 administration year using logistic regression. More San Diego participants (97.5%, all assessed with the ADOS-2) met ADOS/ADOS-2 classification than did Philadelphia participants assessed with the ADOS-2 (92.2%) or ADOS (82.9%). Children assessed more recently were assessed with the ADOS-2; this group was more likely to meet ADOS/ADOS-2 classification than the group assessed longer ago with the ADOS. Children with higher IQ were less likely to meet ADOS/ADOS-2 classification. Most children with an educational classification of autism meet ADOS/ADOS-2 criteria, but results differ by site and by ADOS version and/or recency of assessment. Educational classification may be a reasonable but imperfect measure to include children in community-based trials.

The Relationship of Collaboration and Job Satisfaction Between Speech-Language Pathologists and School Psychologists

Purpose The professions of speech-language pathology and school psychology appear to be moving in similar directions in the 21st century. Legal mandates suggest the importance of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and school psychologists (SPs) adopting more of a collaborative role in the school setting as opposed to past roles resembling separate deliveries of service. Moreover, both professions are encouraged to address service provision in a more comprehensive manner to reach all students, regardless of special education eligibility. However, the changing roles of SLPs and SPs may result in higher workload demands and eventually lead to a decrease in job satisfaction. A collaborative model may alleviate their growing workloads and thus increase their job satisfaction. This study examined collaboration among SLPs with SPs and the relationship of collaboration to job satisfaction. Factors that increased the likelihood of the SLPs engaging in collaborative practices were also investigated. Data were collected from 363 SLPs through a web-based survey. Conclusions The results revealed a significant correlation between job satisfaction and collaboration. A multiple regression analysis identified attitude toward collaboration and perception of the other professional's competency level to be significant predictors of collaboration for the SLPs. The results add to the emerging body of research describing the influence of collaboration on job satisfaction and strengthen the notion that collaboration increases job satisfaction.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012

Eligibility for Special Education in Elementary School: The Role of Diverse Language Experiences.

We examined the association between language experience and elementary students' eligibility for special education in Massachusetts. A secondary descriptive data analysis was conducted on the anonymized demographic data obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Third, 4th, and 5th grade students were categorized into native English speakers, English-proficient bilinguals, and emerging bilinguals. Eligibility for free or reduced lunch was also considered. Proportions of students eligible for autism, communication disorders, and specific learning disabilities (including those with dyslexia) were calculated. A strong association was observed between students' language background and whether they were eligible for free/reduced lunch. Children eligible for free/reduced lunch were more likely to be eligible for special education. Relative to native English speakers, English-proficient bilingual students were less likely to be considered eligible for special education. However, for emerging bilinguals, eligibility was lowest in 3rd grade and highest in 5th grade. This observation was most apparent in the category of specific learning disabilities. Students from diverse language and low-income backgrounds were disproportionately represented in special education. More substantial research-practice partnerships are warranted to understand how bilingual experience and socioeconomic status interact with eligibility for special education services in public school settings.

Special Education Placement Trends: Least Restrictive Environment Across Five Years in California

The least restrictive environment (LRE) is the legal right for students with disabilities to be included and educated with their non-disabled peers. However, at a fundamental level, LRE can be misinterpreted and measured inconsistently, creating a contentious environment for some schools and families of students with special needs. In the current study, using descriptive content analysis, special education due process hearings in the State of California over a five-year period available through the Office of Administrative Hearings were examined in order to identify characteristics of the students involved in LRE litigation and trends of LRE cases across the years. Results revealed that students involved in LRE-related hearings were mostly male, English-speaking, and classified as having a special education eligibility category of autism. An increase in general education placement was shown, and a decrease in home-hospital instruction. Future directions and implications for the implementation of LRE for school psychologists and special education teams are discussed.

Od orzeczenia o potrzebie kształcenia specjalnego do indywidualnego programu edukacyjno-terapeutycznego

Mariusz Wielebski, Od orzeczenia o potrzebie kształcenia specjalnego do indywidualnego programu edukacyjno-terapeutycznego [From the decision on special education eligibility to an individual educational and therapeutic plan]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 339-354. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.19
 In my article I would like to show the complicated way from the decision about special education to individual educational and therapeutic plan. I am going to show how government statements are sometimes hard and complicated for parents, teachers and other specialists, who are looking after the children with special educational needs. I try to show everyday life in my job – teacher, specialist of pedagogical therapy. I hope my article will help and change our reality.

Autism spectrum disorder assessment and evaluation research in 10 school psychology journals from 2007 to 2017

AbstractSchool psychologists are increasingly engaged in service provisions for students eligible for special education services under the eligibility category of autism, including conducting school‐based assessments and evaluations. Evaluations occur for a variety of reasons such as special education eligibility decision‐making, treatment and intervention planning, and progress monitoring. Publications in school psychology journals emphasizing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment and evaluation are vital to quality training and practitioner utilization of quality practices. In the current study, researchers conducted a systematic review of publicaftions in 10 school psychology journals from 2007 to 2017 to assess the current state of ASD assessment and evaluation research in the field of school psychology. Implications for researchers, trainers, and practitioners are discussed.

Implementing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Special Education Eligibility Assessment in Rural County Elementary Schools: Pilot Project

Consideration of cultural and linguistic features is mandated by law and one of the most important contributors to the appropriate placement of diverse learners for special education services. This article describes the results of a pilot project designed to assist rural educators to deliver an equitable and unbiased assessment process for English learners (ELs) in Grades K–5. Project setting was a remote rural county district in a mountain Western state with a significant percentage of ELs in special education. Project findings illuminate the importance of incorporating cultural and linguistic features into the special education assessment process for ELs. Results also include a process for examining an assessment body of evidence from competing perspectives to increase objectivity. Recommendations for rural educator preparation and district assessment processes are provided.

A Team Approach to Response to Intervention for Speech Sound Errors in the School Setting

Purpose Response to intervention (RTI) has been used within the school setting to support students at risk for a variety of communication disorders. Through RTI, these students can receive services prior to determining eligibility for special education, allowing students with speech sound errors (SSEs) to receive support from a speech-language pathologist speech-language pathologist support while still in the stage of speech sound development. Method This article discusses the implementation of a team-based RTI model spanning 6 years, which targeted three hundred eighty-nine 7- to 8.5-year-old students with SSEs. Results One hundred seventy-two students completed treatment through the RTI process, requiring an average of 6 therapy hours. One hundred eight RTI students needed an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to complete their treatment. Of these students, a subset of 32 who started treatment through RTI and finished through an IEP required an average of 53 therapy hours. This is significantly less than the average of 82 hours found through chart reviews of our own district IEPs. Conclusion An RTI process using individual therapy has the potential to reduce the overall treatment time needed for speech sound remediation. Advantages and drawbacks in using an RTI team model for SSEs and providing therapy through individual sessions are discussed.

Trends in Special Education Eligibility Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2002-2010

Although data on publicly available special education are informative and offer a glimpse of trends in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and use of educational services, using these data for population-based public health monitoring has drawbacks. Our objective was to evaluate trends in special education eligibility among 8-year-old children with ASD identified in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. We used data from 5 Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network sites (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina) during 4 surveillance years (2002, 2006, 2008, and 2010) and compared trends in 12 categories of special education eligibility by sex and race/ethnicity. We used multivariable linear risk regressions to evaluate how the proportion of children with a given eligibility changed over time. Of 6010 children with ASD, more than 36% did not receive an autism eligibility in special education in each surveillance year. From surveillance year 2002 to surveillance year 2010, autism eligibility increased by 3.6 percentage points ( P = .09), and intellectual disability eligibility decreased by 4.6 percentage points ( P < .001). A greater proportion of boys than girls had an autism eligibility in 2002 (56.3% vs 48.8%). Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanic children had the largest increase in proportion with autism eligibility from 2002 to 2010 (15.4%, P = .005) and the largest decrease in proportion with intellectual disability (-14.3%, P = .004). Although most children with ASD had autism eligibility, many received special education services under other categories, and racial/ethnic disparities persisted. To monitor trends in ASD prevalence, public health officials need access to comprehensive data collected systematically, not just special education eligibility.

A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis of Psychometric Intelligence and Achievement in Reading and Math.

A cross-lagged panel analysis of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) intelligence test scores and reading and math achievement test scores of 337 students twice assessed for special education eligibility across a test-retest interval of 2.85 years was conducted. General intelligence (g) was loaded by the four WISC-IV factor index scores whereas reading and math were composite scores. After confirming measurement invariance, it was found that g, reading, and math were stable across time and synchronously correlated. The cross-lagged paths from g at time 1 to reading and math at time 2 (0.26 and 0.39, respectively) were both significantly greater than zero whereas the paths from reading and math at time 1 to g at time 2 (0.03 and 0.23, respectively) were not statistically significant. Given this pattern of relationships and extant research on the correlates of general intelligence, it was tentatively inferred that general intelligence was the temporal precursor to reading and math achievement.

Education Policy's Critical Role in Improving the Futures of Individuals With Disabilities

Abstract The author, former director of the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S. Department of Education, describes policy changes that are needed to move the nation toward the positive life outcomes Congress articulated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Five policy recommendations are each supported by experiences spanning over thirty years of service in special education at the local, state, and federal levels. The recommendations reflect fundamental changes in determining eligibility for special education, the continuum of alternative placements, responsibility for enforcement, teacher preparation, and federal monitoring.

Are Leaders Influenced by Advocates in the Special Education Eligibility Decision?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of private practitioner and educational advocate opinions on instructional leaders’ decision-making thought processes when making a recommendation for special education eligibility. School-based administrators (N = 56) with varying years of experience as a special education administrator participated in this study. Using data from a series of vignettes and from structured interviews, results indicated that private practitioners and educational advocates significantly influence administrators’ recommendations for special education eligibility.

Intellectual assessment of children and youth in the United States of America: Past, present, and future

This article briefly reviews the history of intellectual assessment of children and youth in the United States of America, as well as current practices and future directions. Although administration of intelligence tests in the schools has been a longstanding practice in the United States, their use has also elicited sharp controversy over time. At present, intelligence tests are primarily used in school settings for determining eligibility for special education and related services. In clinical settings, intelligence tests are used for diagnostic, predictive, and treatment planning purposes. Over the past decade, the use of contemporary theory, particularly the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory (CHC), has increasingly been used for test development and interpretation.

Intellectual assessment of children and adolescents: The case of Greece

The article reviews the history of intellectual assessment of children and adolescents in Greece, as well as procedures, current practices, and future directions. Although the history of special education is long in Greece, there has been very sporadic and incoherent legislation and decision making on the subject. Currently, intelligence tests are used by Greece's Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis, and Support Centers for individuals with special needs to assess eligibility for special education, as school psychologist positions are sparse. Since the tests used in Greece are standardizations of those developed in the United States, the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory appears to be the main basis of test interpretation.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years--Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years--Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012.