Does Money Matter? Examining the Relationships of Enrollment and Economics in Graduation Rates of Special Education Students

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-11 - Tinkering Toward Success: Critical Considerations on the Intersection of Disability Studies and Educational Policy

Abstract

Children with disabilities have always been a part of mankind, yet are often excluded from considerations of society. Having a history of being excluded from public school settings, it was not until federal legislation of the 1970’s that students with disabilities gained needed protections ensuring access. Since that time, special education remains the highest federally regulated area of schooling in the nation, guaranteeing every student with a disability, “a free and appropriate education.” Despite stringent legislation, inequalities and barriers to educational access and attainment continue. This quantitative study found a specific factor that promotes higher rates of graduation for students receiving special education services yielding the potential to decrease barriers of educational attainment, and effect current special education policy.

Authors

• Laura Gavornik Browning, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Justin Browning, University of Missouri - Columbia