The Essentials of Special Education Research

Researchers in special education have been developing a knowledge base of evidence-based practices that improves the outcomes of students with disabilities. Unfortunately, filtering that knowledge into classrooms implemented by special education teachers has been a challenge. The Essentials of Special Education Research directly addresses the persistent research-to-practice gap by systematically presenting the essential components of research that every special education teacher must know. This accessible text is written with undergraduates in mind, however, is applicable to graduate level studies or inservice teachers regardless of years of experience.

Each chapter in The Essentials of Special Education Research is structured to answer common questions about special education research and how teachers can find, read, and implement best practices to positively affect their students’ outcomes and become scientific practitioners. By the end of this book, readers will be able to answer questions such as:

• How has research impacted the field of special education?
• Where do I access research articles?
• How do I read research articles?
• Why do researchers conduct single-case design studies?
• What are the critical components of group design research?
• What is mixed-methods design research?
• How can I use research to address literacy instruction issues?
• Where can I find additional resources about literature review research?