The Academic Trajectories of Students Receiving Special Education Services in Elementary School

• In Event: Issues in Disability

Abstract

Federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have ensured access to special education for millions of students with disabilities. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of services. This national study contributes to research and practice by using multilevel modeling to examine the academic trajectories of students who receive special education. In addition to analyzing whether the effect of special education differs over time, this study addresses the cumulative effect of services. Results indicate that students receiving special education have lower academic trajectories than their regular education peers, even after controlling for pre-kindergarten measures of cognitive ability, while the cumulative effect of services differs over time. The results provide evidence that services early on are more beneficial for students.

Author

• North Cooc, The University of Texas - Austin