(Re)Considering Special Education Resources, Funding, and Outcomes: Setting an Agenda for Research and Policy

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The purpose of this session is to (re)consider how the field currently approaches research and policy related to special education costs and funding. Specifically, the panel will present findings from recent studies, with an eye toward how the field might apply: 1) contemporary, and complementary, methods in education finance research to estimate the cost of and assess spending on special education policies, programs and practices; and 2) develop new strategies for linking information on special education resources and costs to student outcomes.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Fiscal Issues, Policy, and Education Finance

Chair

• Tammy Kolbe, The University of Vermont

Papers

• Using Cost Function Analysis in Studies of Special Education Costs - Jason Willis, WestEd; Jesse D. Levin, American Institutes for Research

• Developing Alternative Outcome Measures for Students With Disabilities - Sara Doutre, WestED

• (Re)Considering How States and Districts Allocate Funding for Students With Disabilities - Tammy Kolbe, The University of Vermont; Jesse D. Levin, American Institutes for Research

Discussant

• Jenifer Harr-Robins, American Institutes for Research