Inclusive Education Practices Research Brief

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the research brief on inclusive educational environments?

To investigate high leverage practices that improve inclusive educational environments for students with IEPs.

Which of the following practices has the highest leverage for improving inclusive education?

School personnel use research-based universal core math curricula.

Grade level and specialized educators monitor student progress.

Paraeducator responsibilities support grade level classrooms. (correct)

Principal and leadership team create a supportive working environment.

The proportion of students with IEPs spent at or more than _____ of instructional time in the general education environment serves as a dependent variable.

80%

The SWIFT-FIT item scores can predict increases in meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following practices to their respective SWIFT features:

<p>Research-based universal core math curricula = Inclusive Academic Instruction Paraeducator responsibilities = Fully Integrated Organizational Structure Open communication among school members = Strong Site Leadership Monitoring student progress by educators = Inclusive Behavior Instruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of the Research

Meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in general education enhances academic and social outcomes for all students.
The study investigates the relationship between SWIFT-Fidelity of Implementation Tool (SWIFT-FIT) items and inclusive education environments for students with IEPs.
Improved SWIFT-FIT scores correlate with increased engagement of students with IEPs in general education settings.

Methodology Overview

Data analyzed from 54 schools across 17 districts in 5 states during the school years 2013-2016.
The dependent variable: proportion of students with IEPs spending 80% or more instructional time in general education.
Used mixed-effect repeated measure modeling to identify effects of SWIFT-FIT items on inclusive education.

Key Results

A total of 26 out of 51 SWIFT-FIT items showed a positive association with inclusive education environments.
Eight high-leverage practices indicated a coefficient value above 0.02, representing their significant impact on inclusion rates.
For each 1-point increase in the SWIFT-FIT item score, the predicted percentage of students included in general education settings increases.

Highest Leverage Practices for Improving Inclusive Education

Responsibilities of paraeducators are designed to support inclusive education in grade-level classrooms (Coefficient: 0.039).
Use of research-based universal core math curricula with fidelity (Coefficient: 0.034).
Implementation of the Universal Design for Learning framework to enhance engagement and representation (Coefficient: 0.034).
Leadership teams promote open communication and idea exchange among all school community members (Coefficient: 0.033).
Educators collaborate to monitor student progress and plan behavioral interventions (Coefficient: 0.030).
Local education agencies create plans linking initiatives to prevent silos and duplication of efforts (Coefficient: 0.029).
Ensure all students, including those with IEPs, engage in grade-level curriculum alongside peers (Coefficient: 0.028).
Leadership teams support comprehensive focus on transforming teaching and learning systems, inclusive of family involvement (Coefficient: 0.024).

Conclusion

Schools aiming to boost participation of students with IEPs in general education should prioritize implementing the identified high-leverage practices.

Description

This research brief discusses the importance of high leverage practices in creating inclusive educational environments for students with IEPs. It highlights how meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms positively affects academic and social outcomes for all students. Insights from recent studies underscore the need for effective strategies to support these practices.