Research and Policy Issues in Special Education
This session presented the perspectives of two leading federal officials about challenges and opportunities in special education in the United States. Alexa Posney, U.S. assistant secretary of education, who has years of experience in special education at the local, state, and federal levels, initiated the discussion by addressing issues associated with the definition, magnitude, and changing nature of the nation’s special education needs. Deborah Speece, U.S. commissioner of education, discussed the new research initiatives of the Institute of Education Sciences for addressing critical areas. Alfredo Artiles and Camilla Benbow highlighted additional issues of resources, gifted education, and access of minorities to special education programs in their responses to the presentations.
Time: Monday, April 16, 10:35 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Building/Room: Vancouver Convention Centre, Second Level - West Room 202&203
Session Participants:
Chair: Camilla P. Benbow (Vanderbilt University)
Participant: Deborah L. Speece (University of Maryland)
Participant: Alexa Posney (U.S. Department of Education)
Discussant: Alfredo J. Artiles (Arizona State University)