The Turbulence of Special Education Policy: Juvenile Detention, Funding Models, and Group-Centered Effects

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has failed to live up to its emancipatory promise. Over time, the law has been interpreted and operationalized to emphasize compliance with diagnostic and service-delivery mandates at the expense of its civil rights and social justice potential. This symposium examines how special education policy is enacted in varied contexts and the consequences for students, teachers, and administrators. Topics include, the revolving door of juvenile justice, education funding models and equity, and evaluating IDEA with a group centered effects framework (Pedriana & Stryker, 2017). Each paper describes problems with current IDEA implementation and offers directions for improving policy.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Special and Inclusive Education Research

Chair

• Zach A. McCall, University of Kansas

Papers

• The Revolving Door: Stories From the Juvenile Justice System - Christie Scanlin Dobson, StormDoor Productions

• Special Education Funding Models and the Impacts on Students With Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Policy - Kylene Cosand, University of Kansas

• Evaluating the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Using the Groups Centered Effects Framework - Julia Leigh Taylor, University of Kansas