KEAN UNIVERSITY
UNION, NEW JERSEY
Spring, 2010
COURSE TITLE
Problems and Issues in Special Education Research
Course Number: SPED 5197
Semester Hours: three
Prerequisite: Completion of 18 credits in MA in High or Low Incidence Disabilities
Limitation on Enrollment: 18
Required Course for M.A. Special Education
Catalog Description
Students design research proposals with an emphasis placed upon action research. Evaluation of special education research emphasizes historical and current perspectives.
Note: In order to ensure full class participation, any student with a disabling condition requiring special accommodations (e.g. tape recorders, special adaptive equipment,
special note-taking or test-taking procedures) will be strongly encouraged to contact
the professor at the beginning of the course. For the student’s convenience, the
professor’s office hours, telephone number and e-mail address will be listed on the
syllabus.
KEAN UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
UNION, NEW JERSEY
COURSE TITLE
Problems and Issues in Special Education Research
I. Course Objectives
Students will achieve growth toward being informed, dynamic, professionals, as
evidenced by demonstration of proficiencies in knowledge and comprehension (K),
disposition/value development (D) and skill development (S).
The student will:
A. identify and utilize a variety of resources for research (K, S)
B. synthesize historical and current problems and issues in special education
research (S, D)
C. demonstrate skills for developing a formal research proposal (S)
D. compare commonly used research designs (K, S)
E. calculate basic statistics (K, S)
F. evaluate special education research (S, D)
II. Course Content
A. Resources to use in research
B. 1. ERIC, CIJE (Current Index of Journals in Education), RIE (Research
in Education), APA (American Psychological Association)
2. Identifying special education databases
3. Computer-based searches
4. Conducting Internet searches
a. Evaluation of Internet sources and sites
5. Professional journals in special education
6. Accessing interlibrary loan
B. Problems and Issues
1. Aptitude - treatment interaction
2. Accuracy and bias in observation
3. Sample size and how it affects research
4. Sampling bias
5. Multicultural considerations
6. Qualitative vs. quantitative research techniques
7. Efficacy studies
8. Defining the population to participate in research
C. Formal Proposal
1. Identify a research problem
2. Synthesize relevant research
3. Develop research questions
4. Formulate research hypothesis
D. Research designs and methods
1. Historical research
2. Use of the survey or the questionnaire
3. Descriptive research approach
4. Implementing case study approach as form of qualitative research
5. Using ethnographic techniques in qualitative research
6. Conducting research on single-subjects
7. Setting up quasi-experimental design
E. Using Statistical tests to document results
1. Determining measures of central tendency
2. Using tests of significance
3. Examining correlations
4. Using regression formulas
5. Computation using the ANOVA
6. Using software application packages to compute statistics
F. Evaluation of Existing Research
1. Determining the problems and issues in research
2. Analysis of research design
3. Technical adequacy of research
III. Methods of Instruction
A. Lecture
B. Discussion
C. Student presentations
D. Small cooperative groups
E. Individual conferences
F. Visitation to media research facilities
G. Peer Reviews
IV. Methods of Evaluation
A. Journal abstracts (K, S)
B. Computer searches (K, S)
C. Paper comparing research methods (K, S, D)
D. Review of literature (K, S)
E. Mini-research Proposal (K, S, D)
V Required Text
Gay, L.R., Mills, G.E., & Airasian, P.W. (2009). Educational research: Competencies
For analysis and applications (with my Educational Lab). (9th ed.). New York: Pearson.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, G.I., Herr, K., & Mihlen, A.S. (2007). Studying your own school: An educator’s
guide to practitioner action research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Bay, M., & Parker-Katz, M. (2009). Perspectives on induction of beginning special educators:
Key program features and the state of state-level policies. Teacher Education and
Special Education, 32(1), 17-32.
Bogdan, R., & Biklen, S.K. (2007). Qualitative research for education: A introduction to
theories and methods. (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Boudah, D.J. (2010). Conducting educational research: Guide to completing a major project.
Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Brighton, C.M. (2009). Embarking on action research. Educational Leadership, 66(5),
40-45.
Brydon-Miller, M., & Maguire, P. (2009, March). Participatory action
research: Contributions to the development of practitioner inquiry in
education. Educational Action Research, 17(1), 79-93. Retrieved from ERIC
datebase.
Burke, K. (2006). From standards to rubrics in six steps: Tools for assessing
Student learning, K-8. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Calabrese, R.L. The elements of an effective dissertation and thesis: A step-by-
step guide to getting it right the first time. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield
Caro-Bruce, C., Flessner, R., Klehr, M., & Zeichner, K. (Eds). (2007). Creating
equitable classrooms through action research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin
Press.
Cook, B.G., Tankersley, M., & Landrum, T.J. (2009). Determining evidence-based practices in
Special education. Exceptional Children, 75(3), 365-383.
Cox, J., & Cox, K.B. (2008). Your opinion, please! How to build the best questionnaires in the
field of education (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Creswell, J.W. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating
quantitative and qualitative research (3rd. ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Dahlberg, L. (2010). Practical research and evaluation. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Edmonson, S., & Irby, B. (2008). Ten tips for producing a top qualitative research study.
Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Galvin, J.L. (2009). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social
and behavioral sciences. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak.
Glesne, C. (2011). Becoming a qualitative research: An introduction. (4th ed.). Boston:
Allyn & Bacon.
Hendricks, C.C. (2009). Improving schools through action research: A comprehensive
guide for educators (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Holly, J.H. & Kasten, W.C. (2009). Action research for teachers: Travelling the yellow
brick road. (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Huck, S.W. (2008). Reading statistics and research.(5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Johnson, A.P. (2009). What every teacher should know about action research. Boston:
Allyn & Bacon.
Jones, M.L. (2009). A study of notice special educators’ views of evidence-based
practices. Teacher Education and Special Education, 32(2), 101-120.
Lin Pan, M. (2008). Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative
Approaches. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak.
Luneburg, F.C., & Irby, BJ. (2008). Writing a successful thesis or dissertation: Tips and
Strategies for students in the social and behavioral sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Corwin Press.
Machi, L.A., & McEvoy, B.T. (2009). The literature review: Six steps to success. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Mills, (2011). Action research: A guide for the teacher research (with My Education Lab).
(4th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Paul, J., Kleinhammer-Tramill, J., & Fowler, K. (2009). Qualitative research methods in
special education. Denver, CO: Love Publishing.
Pyrczak, F. (2005). Evaluating research in academic journals (3rd ed.). Glendale, CA:
Pryczak Publishing.
Pyrczak, F., & Bruce, R.R. (2007). Writing empirical research reports: A basic guide
for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Pub.
Salkind, N. (2010). Excel statistics: A quick guide. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Schmuck, R.A. (2006). Practical action research for change (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Corwin Press.
Schram, T. (2006). Conceptualizing and proposing qualitative research (2nd ed.). Boston:
Allyn & Bacon.
Shank, G.D. (2006). Qualitative research: A personal skills approach. (2nd ed.). Boston:
Allyn & Bacon.
Stringer, E. (2008). Action research in education.(2nd ed). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Thomas, R.M., & Brubaker, D.L. (2008). Theses and dissertations: A guide to planning
Research and writing (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Vogt, W.D. (2007). Quantative research methods for professionals in education and other
fields Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
SEMINAL WORKS
Burnaford, G.E., Fischer, J., & Hobson, D. (2001). Teachers doing research: The power of
action through inquiry (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Espin, C.A., & Deno, S.L. (2000). Research to practice: Views from researchers and
practitioners. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 15(2), 67-69.
Gersten, R., Baker, S., & Lloyd, J.W. (2000). Designing high quality research in
special education: Group experimental design. Journal of Special Education, 34(1),
22-18.
Gersten, R., & Smith-Jones, J. (2001). Reflections on the research to practice gap.
Teacher Education and Special Education, 24(4), 3356-361.
Gersten, R. (2001). Sorting out the roles of research in the improvement of practice.
Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 16(1), 45-50.
Gersten, R., Vaughn, S., Deshler, D., & Schiller, E. (1997). What we know about using
research findings: Implications for improving special education practice. Journal of
Learning Disabilities, 30(5), 466-476.
Greenwood, C.R., & Abbot, M. (2001). The research to practice gap in special education.
Teacher Education and Special Education, 24(4), 276-289.
Hagan-Burke, S., Gersten, R., & Baker, S. (1999). Trends in special education research:
An analysis of trends in the use of experimental designs in funded projects. Technical
Report 99-2. Eugene, OR: Eugene Research Institute.
Kennedy, M.M. (1997). The connection between research and practice. Educational Researcher, 26(7),
4-12.
Krathwohl (1998). Methods of educational and social science research: An integrated approach.
Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
McLaughlin, J.A. (1995). Research as a tool for advocacy: A commentary. Remedial and
Special Education, 16 (4), 195-198.
Peterson, A. (1995). Teacher-researcher compatibility: A view from both sides. Remedial
and special education, 16 (6), 364-367.
Pugach, M.C. (2001). The stories we choose to tell: Fulfilling the promise of qualitative
research for special education. Exceptional Children, 67(4). 439-454.
Vaughn, S., Klingner, J., & Hughes, M. (2000). Sustainability of research-based practices.
Exceptional Children, 66(1), 163-172.
Ysseldyke, J. (2001). Reflections on a career: 25 years of research on assessment and
instructional decision making. Exceptional Children, 67(3), 295-310.
WORLD WIDE WEB SOURCES
Action Learning and Action Resources (ALAR)
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arp/arfaq.html
Action Research International
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/ari/arihome.html is a refereed on-line
journal of action research.
Action Research Resources http://www.uq.net.au/action_research/arhome.html
CARPP http://www.bath.ac.uk/carpp The Centre for Action Research in
Professional Practice, associated with Judi Marshall, Peter Reason and Jack
Whitehead at the University of Bath, UK.
Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education. http://www.csie.org.uk/
Educating as Inquiry: A Teacher/Action Research Site
http://www.lupinworks.com/jn is maintained by Judith
Newman, a Canadian educator and writer.
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education. Council for
Exceptional Children,Reston, VA 20190. http://www.cec.sped.org/ericec.htm.
Excel in the Classroom. http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/excel/print.htm
GraphPad Software. http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/ttest1.cfm
JP Das Developmental Disabilities Center.
http://www.ualberta.ca/~jpdasddc/INDEX.html
Learning Disabilities Association of America. http://www.ldanatl.org/
National Center for Special Education Research. http://ies.ed.gov/ncser/
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.
http://www.nichcy.org/Pages/Home.aspx
OSEP Ideas that Work. http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/
Special Education Research for Better Schools.
http://www.rbs.org/Resources/National/Special-Education/85/
Special Education Resources.
http://www.theteachersguide.com/Specialeducation.html
Successful Writing Tips—www.successfulwritingtips.com
The Educator’s Reference Desk. http://www.eduref.org/
NON PRINT SOURCES
How to Read and Understand a Research Study (2008). (DVD). #UAU5746. www.insight-media.com.
Reading Between the Lines: Understanding Culture in Qualitative Research (2009) (DVD). www.insight-media.com.
Research Design: The Survey (2008). (DVD). #UAU5539. www.insight-media.com.
Research Ethics (2008). (DVD). UAU5745. www.insight-media.com.
Truth be Told: Research and Methodology (2005) (DVD). www.insight-media.
Writing a Great Research Paper: Plagiarism & Other Pitfalls. (DVD). Kean U. Library
Writing a Great Research Paper: Quoting, Citing and Paraphrasing (DVD). Kean U.
Library.
.