Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy: Fostering Advocacy and Policy Engagement in Special Education

• In Event: 18.073 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 18.073-12 - Special Education Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

For decades, scholars have noted a disconnect between educational research and policy making, undermining the potential for effective implementation of reform initiatives (Darling-Hammond, 2010; Honig, 2006; Honig & Hatch, 2004). To help leverage scholarship in the policy making process, we argue that the special education community must adopt multiple strategies for policy engagement. This paper presents results of a study conducted to assess the effectiveness of an opportunity established to introduce emerging scholars to the policy making process through an applied experience in Washington, D.C. Survey and interview data gathered with two cohorts of participants suggest the potential for this type of an approach to increase advocay and policy engagement among special education researchers, faculty and leaders.

Authors

• Katharine Shepherd, The University of Vermont

• Sarah Nagro, George Mason University

• Jane Ellen West, The University of Maryland - College Park; Janewestconsulting

• Kimberly Marie Knackstedt, The University of Kansas

• Steven Nagy, George Mason University