ERIC Number: EJ964292
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0731-9487
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Pluralizing Methodologies in the Field of LD: From "What Works" to What Matters
Ferri, Beth A.; Gallagher, Deborah; Connor, David J.
Learning Disability Quarterly, v34 n3 p222-231 Aug 2011
The field of learning disabilities (LD) has a complex and complicated history. Tensions over definitions, eligibility criteria, service delivery models, and best practices, as well as epistemological debates, have been a part of that history from its inception. Given our collective struggles, as well as the current realities facing the field, there could not be a more critical moment for a conversation about how it is that we go about knowing what we know. In this concluding essay, we consider how, by focusing so intently on "what works," we, as a field, may inadvertently lose sight of "what matters." In other words, contrary to the push for narrowing what counts as evidence or knowledge, we examine the potential value in opening up the field to a more diverse range of methods for students who struggle academically. We also challenge taken-for-granted assumptions in the push toward evidence- or research-based practice. Finally, we highlight several compelling themes that we take away from the contributors of this special double issue. (Contains 8 notes.)
Descriptors: Evidence, Learning Disabilities, Research Methodology, Special Education, Disabilities, Educational Change, Intervention
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
