Research Library
What is the Impact of NCLB on the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities?
Subtitle: Closing the Achievement Gap Series: Part III
Author: Cole, C.
Publisher: CEEP - Center for Evaluation & Education Policy
Publication Date: 2006, Fall
Summary or Abstract: In this Education Policy Brief, the Center for Evaluation & Education Policy and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University provide information that focuses on the impact that NCLB is having on students with disabilities: What are the benefits of the law? What are the unintended consequences? Does NCLB conflict with the federal IDEIA? In addition, they conducted an online survey of superintendents, principals and directors of special education. Results of the survey are summarized and recommendations are included. Benefits of NCLB for students with disabilities include educational, social and economic benefits. Unintended consequences may include a narrowed curriculum, and the use of special education students as "scapegoats" for why a district fails to make AYP. The brief includes multiple research references for each point, and provides a side-by-side comparison of some of the tenets of both NCLB and IDEIA.