Special Education and Students At Risk: Findings From a National Study

Abstract

This article addresses the relationship between students with and without special education who are considered at risk. Data were analyzed from the national Phi Delta Kappa study of 22,018 students, 9,652 teachers, and 276 principals in 39 states and a Canadian province. Approximately 64% of the students eligible for special education services were categorized as having learning disabilities. It would appear that these students with special education needs, all of whom were enrolled in classes, are at greater risk than other students who do not possess a special categorical label. This was true for all special categories identified as well as for all grade levels assessed. The data also indicated that principals and teachers view special education as one of the more appropriate and effective intervention strategies for use with at-risk students. This finding poses more questions than answers, as a greater number of students with special education needs are being placed in general classrooms for instructional purposes.

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