The Essentials of Special Education Research

Researchers in special education have been developing a knowledge base of evidence-based practices that improves the outcomes of students with disabilities. Unfortunately, filtering that knowledge into classrooms implemented by special education teachers has been a challenge. The Essentials of Special Education Research directly addresses the persistent research-to-practice gap by systematically presenting the essential components of research that every special education teacher must know. This accessible text is written with undergraduates in mind, however, is applicable to graduate level studies or inservice teachers regardless of years of experience.

Each chapter in The Essentials of Special Education Research is structured to answer common questions about special education research and how teachers can find, read, and implement best practices to positively affect their students’ outcomes and become scientific practitioners. By the end of this book, readers will be able to answer questions such as:

• How has research impacted the field of special education?
• Where do I access research articles?
• How do I read research articles?
• Why do researchers conduct single-case design studies?
• What are the critical components of group design research?
• What is mixed-methods design research?
• How can I use research to address literacy instruction issues?
• Where can I find additional resources about literature review research?

Andrew M. Markelz, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Chair of Special Education at Ball State University. As director of Ball State’s graduate licensure programs, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education law, administrative and organizational theory, and family collaboration. Dr. Markelz is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has served on the executive board of the Teacher Education Division as the Publications & Communications Committee chair. He has recently co-authored The Essentials of Special Education Law and The Essentials of Special Education Advocacy. Dr. Markelz was a classroom teacher of students with high incidence disabilities in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Markelz earned his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University.

Benjamin S. Riden, PhD., BCBA-D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at James Madison University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the special education and behavior specialist programs. Dr. Riden’s research interests include using the principles of applied behavior analysis to support students with challenging behavior, preparing teachers to effectively manage their classrooms, and single case research design. Dr. Riden was a classroom teacher of students with disabilities in resource classrooms in Eagle County, CO and in self-contained settings in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition to classroom teaching experience, Dr. Riden has provided one-on-one behavior supports using applied behavior analytic techniques to students with significant disabilities in home and community settings. Dr. Riden earned his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level.