The study investigates educators' perceptions of Restorative Justice Practices (RJPs) in inclusive classrooms, focusing on students with dis/Abilities, within the frameworks of Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, and Disability Studies (DisCrit). It aims to address a gap in the literature on equity in education, particularly the effects of RJPs…

The education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment is mandated by law and supported by empirical research. Yet systems of segregation persist and, in Arkansas, at rates higher than the national average. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine the practices of successful inclusion-focused…

While there is vast research on teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education, few studies have targeted the attitudes and self-efficacy toward inclusive education in charter schools in the United States. The purpose of this study is to explore teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy toward inclusive education based on having attended a teacher…

This dissertation addresses a significant gap in existing research by exploring lived experiences of cisgender female adolescents (Grades 7-12) diagnosed with emotional disturbance (ED) in the U.S. Current statistics indicate that 28% of students in special education with an ED diagnosis are girls; yet, their perspectives remain largely absent…

In 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reauthorized a previous legislation for students with disabilities to place more focus on the individual needs of the student, rather than the disability the student may have. In 2004, IDEA was reauthorized to align with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which held schools and…

This research study involved qualitative and quantitative research methodology to explore inservice and pre-service teacher attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs on including cultural and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with mild/moderate (MM) disabilities into the general education classroom setting. Data analysis from the U.S. Department of…

This study aimed to investigate and improve collaborative educational leadership to eliminate the barriers created by the lack of inclusive pedagogy and the deficit approaches to instructing students with disabilities, which together limit access to the general education curriculum and classroom in school districts in the Northeast. The Cycle 1…

Bullying continues to be a concern in the field of education among school aged students, including individuals with disabilities. The areas of exploration in this basic qualitative study were the characterizations used by students, the ways in which they perceive and experience bullying, and ways in which they react to social situations. Social…

This basic qualitative study was an exploration of the successful approaches that a sample of elementary school principals used to support collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers to ensure an inclusive educational (IE) environment for students with disabilities (SWD). This study may help to close the gap in…

As societal priorities and norms shift towards establishing healthy and reciprocal relationships with the natural world, there is an increased need for environmental learning (EL) to be more inclusive of students with disabilities. Nationwide, students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities at unique outdoor…

Social-emotional learning has become a vital element for fostering holistic education and student development over the past few years in education. However, of all students, students with disabilities face barriers in accessing effective SEL. This gap highlights the more considerable systemic challenges of leadership development, a lack of…

Social-emotional learning has become a vital element for fostering holistic education and student development over the past few years in education. However, of all students, students with disabilities face barriers in accessing effective SEL. This gap highlights the more considerable systemic challenges of leadership development, a lack of…

This grounded theory study uses a semi-structured interview process, as well as a differentiated information acquisition approach to explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals who identify as neurodivergent in the postsecondary setting. The aim of this study is to gain firsthand knowledge about the lived experiences of former and…

Inclusion involves the placement of students with disabilities in the general education setting, learning alongside their nondisabled peers. Unfortunately, many inclusion teachers are often faced with challenges that impact their ability to successfully meet the academic needs of students with disabilities. The purpose of this basic qualitative…

This theoretical multi-article dissertation is a broad examination of education, including trends in our school system, juvenile justice system, and cultural/media system to address the disproportionate targeted failure of students with disabilities from a neurodiversity standpoint. Research shows how our current education system is not the…