Gregory J. Benner, Keith Smolkowski, Jill Allor, Stephanie Al Otaiba, June L. Preast, Jason W. Small, Stephanie B. Hermecz, Lisa A. Strycker
{"title":"Impact of a Comprehensive and Flexible Intervention for Students With Disabilities Experiencing Intensive Literacy Needs","authors":"Gregory J. Benner, Keith Smolkowski, Jill Allor, Stephanie Al Otaiba, June L. Preast, Jason W. Small, Stephanie B. Hermecz, Lisa A. Strycker","doi":"10.1177/07419325261420807","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325261420807","url":null,"abstract":"Students with disabilities who experience significant early literacy challenges need structured reading instruction. This study documents the initial efficacy of <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Friends on the Block</jats:italic> ( <jats:ext-link xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\" ext-link-type=\"uri\" xlink:href=\"www.friendsontheblock.com\">www.friendsontheblock.com</jats:ext-link> ), a comprehensive and flexible program designed for students with intensive early literacy needs. Elementary-age students with disabilities and intensive early literacy needs, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, were randomly assigned to either the <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Friends on the Block</jats:italic> intervention group ( <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">n</jats:italic> = 31) or the standard business-as-usual instruction group ( <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">n</jats:italic> = 31). The analysis revealed statistically and educationally significant differences favoring <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Friends on the Block</jats:italic> on two out of five measures of phonological awareness and all measures of decoding, word reading fluency, and comprehension. Except for one measure of listening comprehension, no differences were found on measures of language or vocabulary. Findings support increased literacy expectations for students with disabilities who require intensive literacy support, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147641397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Han Bum Lee, John Davis, Sharon L. Nichols, Jasmine Victor
{"title":"AI Support for Special Education Students Navigating College Pathways in Texas","authors":"Han Bum Lee, John Davis, Sharon L. Nichols, Jasmine Victor","doi":"10.1177/07419325261422377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325261422377","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Students with disabilities face unique challenges when transitioning to higher education, emphasizing the need for tailored support during the college application process. Advances in AI, particularly in personalized assistance, offer promising opportunities to improve accessibility in education. This study explored the role of AI in supporting students with disabilities by focusing on ADVi, an AI chatbot that provided college admissions guidance via text messaging. Methods: We employed a multilevel-negative-binomial model to determine whether students with disabilities demonstrated a distinct need for AI-based support in their transition to college. Results: The findings revealed that students with disabilities used ADVi significantly more than their typically developing peers, with the highest utilization observed among students with autism and emotional disabilities. Conclusions: These results highlight the growing use of ADVi among students with disabilities, emphasizing the critical role of AI-driven tools in enhancing accessibility during their transition to postsecondary education.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"275 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147586604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David James Royer, Katherine Simeroth Austin, Kathleen Lynne Lane, Paloma Pérez
{"title":"A Systematic Review of Second Step Social-Emotional Learning in Elementary Schools","authors":"David James Royer, Katherine Simeroth Austin, Kathleen Lynne Lane, Paloma Pérez","doi":"10.1177/07419325251413247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251413247","url":null,"abstract":"In this systematic literature review we examined evidence for <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Second Step</jats:italic> , a social-emotional learning curriculum implemented as a Tier 1 practice with elementary students. We applied Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education</jats:italic> to evaluate if <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Second Step</jats:italic> elementary could be considered an evidence-based practice. We found 37 studies meeting inclusion criteria, of which 13 met our weighted CEC quality indicator coding criterion (80%) to be considered methodologically sound. Following CEC guidelines, we classified three of 13 studies as having <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">positive effects</jats:italic> , while eight had <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">neutral/mixed effects</jats:italic> , and two were missing data preventing effect size calculation needed for classification. With three non-randomized group studies demonstrating <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">positive effects</jats:italic> and eight studies with <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">neutral/mixed effects</jats:italic> , the ratio of positive to neutral/mixed did not meet the minimum criterion of 3:1 or greater, so we placed <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Second Step</jats:italic> elementary into CEC’s <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">mixed evidence</jats:italic> category of evidence-based classifications. We then discuss educational implications of these findings and future research directions.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"116 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147524133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Person-Centered Planning for Transition-Aged Youth in Singapore: Lessons in Cultural Adaptation and Implementation","authors":"Nataly Lim, Delia Kan Dang Dang","doi":"10.1177/07419325261418602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325261418602","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores how the Family Envisioning Meeting (FEM), a person-centered planning (PCP) process for transition-aged students in Singapore, can be adapted to better meet the needs of stakeholders. Using the Cultural Adaptation Checklist, qualitative data from 17 individuals (i.e., four parents, eight school personnel, and five transition planning coordinators) across four special education schools were analyzed across six domains: language, persons, content, goals, methods, and context. While participants valued FEM for promoting collaboration and amplifying student and family voices, both cultural and practical barriers were identified. Culturally, these included unfamiliar terminology, discomfort with abstract goal setting, and norms around parental authority. Practically, challenges included limited staffing, unclear roles, and facilitation skills. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive and contextually feasible adaptations of FEM and highlight the importance of systemic investment in training, infrastructure, and sustainable models of delivery.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147393409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Emily Wilson, Jesse I. Fleming, Olivia S. Jamieson, William J. Therrien
{"title":"A Meta-Analysis of Peer-Mediated Social Interventions for Secondary Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities","authors":"Sarah Emily Wilson, Jesse I. Fleming, Olivia S. Jamieson, William J. Therrien","doi":"10.1177/07419325251409318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251409318","url":null,"abstract":"Peer relationships and social interactions in the classroom can facilitate learning, and peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) are frequently used to support the development and quality of social interactions between students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) and their peers. This meta-analysis examined extant literature on PMI for secondary students with I/DD. We identified 37 studies and dissertations for inclusion in this review. Effect size (ES) estimates demonstrate significant positive effects in both group design (ES = 1.38) and single-case design (ES = 1.96). Across intervention types, peer networks (ES = 2.20) and peer support arrangements (ES = 2.25) produced larger effects than peer initiation/response interventions (ES = 1.53). Overall findings suggest that PMIs are efficacious in supporting social interactions between secondary students with I/DD and their peers and can be feasibly and successfully implemented by educators in school settings.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145908101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara E. C. Cook, Lauren W. Collins, Lysandra Cook, Bryan G. Cook
{"title":"A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Targeted Evidence-Based Reviews in Special Education","authors":"Sara E. C. Cook, Lauren W. Collins, Lysandra Cook, Bryan G. Cook","doi":"10.1177/07419325251388491","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251388491","url":null,"abstract":"Scholars in special education and related fields have developed and applied standards for classifying evidence-based practices (EBPs). Although many EBPs in special education have been identified by researchers applying one or more sets of EBP standards in systematic reviews published in peer-reviewed journal articles, this literature has yet to be synthesized. The purpose of this paper is to examine the classification of instructional practices in targeted EBP reviews published in peer-reviewed journals. A systematic review of literature identified 117 targeted EBP reviews published between 2005 and 2021, in which we identified 32 practices that were solely classified as EBPs. The findings of this review underscore the importance of conducting and reporting methodologically sound research to expand and clarify the evidence base for practices in special education. Implications for practitioners include the need to prioritize practices using the best available evidence while remaining critical consumers of emerging research.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah Morris Mathews, Audrey N. Milam, Florence Bason, María Virginia Giani
{"title":"“It’s Like She’s Researching My Brain”: Exploring Children’s Perspectives on Special Education Teaching Quality","authors":"Hannah Morris Mathews, Audrey N. Milam, Florence Bason, María Virginia Giani","doi":"10.1177/07419325251395215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251395215","url":null,"abstract":"Drawing on focus groups with 55 students taught by five special education teachers rated as highly effective by school and district leaders, we used interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith & Nizza, 2022) to explore how elementary school students make sense of special education teaching quality. Findings revealed three interlaced domains of special education teaching quality: (1) Fostering strong relationships, (2) Constructing responsive learning environments, and (3) Engaging students in challenging learning. Within each domain, we identified and elaborated on practices students identified as important for their learning and development. Students highlighted how these practices resulted in two affective outcomes: a sense of belonging and self-efficacy. We discuss implications for special education research, policy, and practice, as well as the preparation and development of all teachers in support of inclusive schools.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145759700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seohyeon Choi, Moon Young Savana Bak, Kristen L. McMaster
{"title":"Reading Development by Language and Disability Status: The Role of Response to Intervention","authors":"Seohyeon Choi, Moon Young Savana Bak, Kristen L. McMaster","doi":"10.1177/07419325251393184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251393184","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding reading development requires attention to both student characteristics and school contexts. Using ECLS-K:2011 data, we investigated how language and disability status—and their interaction—relate to reading outcomes from kindergarten through fifth grade; how school-level Response to Intervention (RTI) implementation relates to reading growth; and whether RTI implementation moderates the associations between student characteristics and reading growth. Results showed that multilingual students and students with disabilities began with lower reading scores and exhibited slower growth compared to English-monolingual students and students without disabilities. A significant interaction between language and disability status emerged for linear growth, suggesting a more complex pattern for multilingual students with disabilities. Although RTI alone was not linked to reading growth, it moderated the relations of student characteristics with reading trajectories. These findings highlight the need to consider both student- and school-level factors and to strengthen educational practices that effectively support the diverse and evolving needs of learners.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"152 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145651533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah K. Cox, Courtenay A. Barrett, Goretty Chavez, Lamia Bagasrawala, Rebecca Saur
{"title":"Examining the IEP Goals and Mathematical Outcomes of Autistic Students Across 2 Years","authors":"Sarah K. Cox, Courtenay A. Barrett, Goretty Chavez, Lamia Bagasrawala, Rebecca Saur","doi":"10.1177/07419325251388083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251388083","url":null,"abstract":"Autistic students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) outline annual goals to address identified needs, such as mathematics. Prior research has suggested that autistic students may need additional support in mathematics, especially in later grades. Thus, the current study examined (a) the relationship between autistic students’ grade-levels and mathematics scores, (b) the content (e.g., focus, repeated) of autistic students’ IEP goals, and (c) the association between mathematics scores on standardized assessments and math-focused IEP goals. The current study analyzed secondary data from 182 autistic students (K-12) from 28 schools, across two school years. Results suggested that as students’ grade-level increased, their mathematics performance decreased. Further, results suggested that on average autistic students had 7 IEP goals, although 50.3% of these goals were repeated from one year to the next. Finally, as mathematics scores decreased, the number of math-focused IEP goals increased. Implications for practice, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth Bettini, Nelson Brunsting, Kristen O’Brien, Michelle M. Cumming, Corinne Huggins-Manley, Neslihan Ünlüol Ünal, Kamil Celoch, Katherine Szocik
{"title":"What Are Special Educators’ Working Conditions?","authors":"Elizabeth Bettini, Nelson Brunsting, Kristen O’Brien, Michelle M. Cumming, Corinne Huggins-Manley, Neslihan Ünlüol Ünal, Kamil Celoch, Katherine Szocik","doi":"10.1177/07419325251388479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325251388479","url":null,"abstract":"Improving special education teachers’ (SETs’) working conditions will require a shared definition of working conditions. Thus, we aimed to develop a definition of SETs’ working conditions and relevant subconstructs, as a foundation for future efforts to assess and improve SETs’ working conditions. We developed a definition based on prior research, which we iteratively revised through feedback from focus groups and interviews with SETs. Based on these data, we developed the following definition: Working conditions are the job responsibilities special educators fulfill and the resources special educators experience, as a result of how their school is organized to structure and coordinate teachers’ work. We explain key dimensions of this definition, what working conditions are not, and working conditions subconstructs. This definition, and the constructs and subconstructs within it, provide a strong foundation for the field to pursue coordinated lines of inquiry on SETs’ working conditions.","PeriodicalId":48042,"journal":{"name":"Remedial and Special Education","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}