Special Needs in Education (E241): Research and Progress in Special Education, Unit 15.

Overview & Synopsis

One of 16 units designed for use in an Open University course on the education of handicapped students in the United Kingdom, this booklet analyzes the contribution of research to progress in special education and examines the relationship between empirical knowledge and moral principles in making educational decisions. An introductory section recounts efforts to evade individual responsibility for educational reform by basing educational change on the tenets of history, law, science, efficiency, and psychological development. The next section analyzes six topics in special education research (evaluating a reading scheme, evaluating research support of common theories about incidental learning and structured teaching, determining whether or not schools make a difference, comparing approaches to the history of special education, choosing an approach to remedial education, and examining parents' views of special education) and illustrates a range of approaches to research. Formal research is then considered in a discussion of the effect of research on special educational practice. Questions of research problem selection, research achievements, and research usefulness are addressed. The conclusion emphasizes the value of research in special education and encourages individuals to do their own basic research. (CL)