Special education: A population-based investigation of the K-12 educational trajectories of children across multiple categories of needs
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch
Co-Investigator: Dr. Jennifer E.V. Lloyd
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Study Overview:
This state-of-the-art project will begin to address a significant gap in knowledge by investigating population-based education trajectories of students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) across multiple categories of need. We will also engage in an innovative, integrated Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) study with educational leaders so this new knowledge can help inform local and provincial educational policy, programs and practices.
In Study 1 we will analyze population-based educational trajectories for children with SEND across multiple categories of need. This analysis includes (i) a description of the characteristics of children with SEND, (ii) investigation of the educational trajectories of children with SEND, including factors such as grade-to-grade advancement, foundational skills assessments, provincial exams, and high school graduation. We will also disaggregate data to explore differences among categories of SEND and also across sociodemographic variables (e.g. gender, Aboriginal status, and English as a Second Language) as previous cross-sectional studies have found differences based on group characteristics.
In Study 2 we will mobilization knowledge generated in Study 1 using an innovative, integrated approach with policy-makers and educational leaders. We will survey participants in order to create customized reports for each district. We will also hold Congresses across the province to bring participants together for dialogue sessions about how the results from Study 1 can help inform policies, programs and practices to support children with SEND throughout their educational trajectories. This project will also generate new understandings of KMb in the field of education.
If you have any questions about our study, we welcome you to contact us via email at: spice@nursing.ubc.ca