The goal of the Special Education Research Special Interest Group (SER-SIG) is to promote the study of issues and practices related to the education of persons with disabilities.

The SER-SIG sponsors sessions, holds a business meeting and hosts a social hour every year at AERA's international conference. In addition, each year the SER-SIG presents the Distinguished Research Award and Student Research Award in order to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of special education research. Members include university faculty and students, school psychologists, district and government personnel and other service providers