Federal mandates require special education teachers to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) to support student learning to the extent practical. There are 28 identified EBPs specifically designed for teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Preparing special education teachers to implement EBPs with fidelity remains a challenge.…

Federal mandates require special education teachers to use instructional practices grounded in scientific research. Accordingly, the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC) identified 27 evidence-based practices specific to teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Wong et al., 2014). Though these…

The importance of self-determination and best practices in secondary transition serve as the basis for assertions that guardianship and the aims of special education are inherently conflicted. Few studies have explored the perspectives and experiences of special education administrators on the support of students with disabilities and their…

The number of students with disabilities educated in general education classrooms is increasing due to legislative mandates and the appreciation for the importance and positive impact of inclusion for all students (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019). In order to provide meaningful services to students…

As part of ongoing evaluation activities and continuous improvement, the Exceptional Children (EC) Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regularly reviews its efforts. This study was interested in documenting responsibilities, working conditions, and satisfaction of special education administrators as a basis for future…

The purpose of this study was to conduct an initial investigation to examine the perceptions of a sample of special education administrators from a western state to identify the challenges they encounter that may negatively affect their ability to do their jobs well. It was anticipated that the results of the study would be of interest to faculty…

Little is known about how current special education administration preparation standards are perceived by special education personnel. This survey examined the perceived importance of the Council for Exceptional Children's most current standards for special education administration competencies from the perspectives of current special education…

The purpose of this investigation was to better understand how administrators of special education prioritize leadership statements that are part of professional standards related to leading special education programs. The article begins by examining professional identities and professionalization of special education leadership and administration…

In this article, the author interviewed five former colleagues who were retired special education administrators about their careers and perspectives during the spring of 2012. They all worked for a regional education agency in Pennsylvania. The interviews revealed many challenges, from physical exhaustion to a changing organizational culture.…

In the state of Virginia, special education leadership within schools is provided by persons with supervision and administration endorsements. To obtain this endorsement in Virginia, an individual must have a master's degree from an accredited college or university, completed 3 years of full-time and successful teaching, satisfied the requirements…

Mediation was required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education (IDEA) 1997, and resolution sessions were added to the IDEA 2004. This study examines the perceptions of 260 special education directors in Georgia, Massachusetts, Washington, and Wisconsin to determine their perceptions regarding alternative dispute resolutions in which they…

A national survey was conducted to provide information on the preparedness and conditions necessary for schools to implement the response to intervention model (RtI). Because of the key role of administrators in determining the success of policy implementation, the present study was designed to assess special education administrators'…

Over the years, the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) has searched for mechanisms to share information that is important and helpful to the CASE membership. During the past year, CASE initiated the use of "Survey Monkey" as a mechanism to obtain information and opinions from the membership. This article shares some of the input…

Section 504 is a civil rights statute mandating that persons with disabilities have equal access to all programs receiving federal financial assistance. Many initially interpreted Section 504 as a prohibition against employment discrimination in the schools because the overall act was concerned primarily with discrimination in employment settings.…

A statewide survey of special education directors revealed that director of special education preparation programs should be time limited and offered in convenient locations to recruit the best possible pool of students and future directors. Current directors have come to their positions through numerous and diverse career paths. The lack of…