Policy-to-Practice—A Portraiture Study of Special Education Implementations to Improve Student Outcomes through Mediation
- 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- 2 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- 3 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
Abstract
Improving student outcomes for students with disabilities is the primary goal of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA charges school districts to collaborate closely with parents to design and execute an individualized education program (IEP) that allows students to make appropriate academic progress. However, when there is disagreement regarding the actual implementation of an IEP in the classroom, conflict can lead to a communication breakdown that results in adversarial litigation. This paper analyzes multiple portraitures of special education students to identify policy-to-practice exemplars that improve special education student outcomes. The study concludes that using mediation at the first onset of conflict greatly benefits the special education student, helps districts accept the educational responsibility of improving the academic progress of students with disabilities, and creates a positive parent-school climate.
- Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483, 493 (1954).
- Chamoun, H., & Hazlett, R. (2009). The Psychology of Giving and Its Effect on Negotiation. In C. Honeyman, J. Coben, & G. De Palo (Eds.), Rethinking Negotiation Teaching: Innovations for Context and Culture (pp. 151-166). St. Paul, MN: DRI Press.
- Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, 137 U.S. 988 (2017). https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/16pdf/15-827_0pm1.pdf
- Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301 (2015).
- Hinnant-Crawford, B. N. (2020). Improvement Science in Education: A Primer. Gorham, ME: Myers Education Press.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP), 34 CFR § 300.320-324; § 1414(d)(1)(B)(i).
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990, 20 U.S.C. §1400 (1990).
- Lawrence-Lightfoot, S. (2016). Commentary: Portraiture Methodology: Blending Art and Science. LEARNing Landscapes, 9, 19-27. https://doi.org/10.36510/learnland.v9i2.760
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-110, § 101, Stat. 1425 (2002).
- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) (2000). A Guide to the Individualized Education Program. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (1973). Pub. L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 355, H.R. 8070, Enacted September 26, 1973. Section 504 Federal Regulations, 34 C.F.R §104.33.
- Skrla, L., McKenzie, K. B., & Scheurich, J. J. (2009). Using Equity Audits to Create Equitable and Excellent Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press,
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) (2021). Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook. Austin, TX: Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/se-dispute-resolution-handbook-english.pdf
- U.S. Congress (1975). Public Law 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act.