A Survey Comparing Special Education Services for Students with Disabilities in Rural Faith-Based and Public School Settings

Abstract

This descriptive study examined the provision of special education services in faith-based schools, especially as compared to public schools. A survey was used to collect information about the special education services typically provided to students with mild disabilities in faith-based schools. Information was also gathered about teacher qualifications and instructional activities of special education teachers in faith-based schools. The same information was gathered on a matched sample of public schools. The results indicated that for this sample, most faith-based schools provided some level of special education services to students with mild disabilities and used some special education services provided by public schools. There were clear differences between the public and faith-based schools in this study, including (a) fewer students with identified disabilities in faith-based schools, (b) less special education training for the special education teachers in faith-based schools, and (c) less use of certain related services, such as physical therapy.