Contemporary Issues in Special Education or Exceptionalities.?

Question

I have to write a research paper which must relate to contemporary issues in special education or exceptionalities. I am having problems coming up with ideas. I must have 20-25 references, so the issue cant be too complicated where I wont be able to find A LOT of info. Any ideas welcome. Thanks!

Answer 1

One issue that should have numerous references is dealing with discipline issues relating to students in special education, especially where there is a zero-tolerance policy in the school or school district.

Below are a few sites to check out - they may even give you a great topic for your research paper.

Answer 2

There are several hot issues in Special Education right now.

Probably the most contentious topic is inclusion of students with special needs in the regular classroom. Though regular educators as a group would invite special needs children into their classrooms, the children are being put into the classroom with very little support. Most principals see "inclusion" as an opportunity to cut staff, but inclusion actually takes more staff because the students aren't all in one place.

With advent of testing to determine the efficacy of teachers and schools, the regular education teacher will often feel overburdened by having to adapt instruction to children who may be far below their other students, while still trying to get regular kids to pass standardized test.

Another huge issue is No Child Left Behind and the impact it has on special education children who will fail subjects even if they have met their IEP goals. This is more complex subject, but you will find a ton of info on it.

Finally there significant controversy in the autism community about how children should be taught to communicate. There are several schools of thought, including behavior analytical teaching methods, sign language and the Picture Exchange System.

I think your best bet would be inclusion.