Research Networks Focused on Critical Problems of Policy and Practice in Special Education

The Research Networks Focused on Critical Problems of Policy and Practice in Special Education program aims to focus resources and attention on high-priority issues in special education and to create both a structure and process for researchers who are working on these issues to share ideas, build new knowledge, and strengthen their research and dissemination capacity. Research Networks consist of multiple research teams working together on the same issue, coordinated by a Network Lead. The long-term outcomes of this program are to advance the field's understanding of an issue beyond what an individual research project or team is able to do on its own and to assist policymakers and practitioners in using this information to strengthen education policies and programs and improve student education outcomes for students with or at risk for disabilities.

There is currently one Research Network:

• The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Network

MTSS are frameworks that provide multiple levels of support through coordinated, evidence-based practices, strategies, and structures to meet the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all learners. This Network is examining MTSS at the elementary school level, integrating both academic and behavioral supports and addressing the needs of children with or at risk for disabilities. The following projects are part of the MTSS Network:

• Cohesive Integration of Behavior Support within a Process of Data-Based Intervention Intensification
• Enhancing Ci3T: Building Professional Capacity for High Fidelity Implementation to Support Students' Educational Outcomes (Project ENHANCE)
• Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Behavior and Reading Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Elementary Schools
• Measuring Implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Integrated MTSS Fidelity Rubric (IMFR)
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Research Network Leadership Team

Related Links

• Cohesive Integration of Behavior Support within a Process of Data-Based Intervention Intensification
• Supporting Early Learning from Preschool Through Early Elementary School Grades Network
• Scalable Strategies to Support College Completion Network
• Expanding the Evidence Base for Career and Technical Education Network

Special Education Research Programs

• Special Education Research
• Special Education Research and Development Centers
• Research Training Programs in Special Education
• Low-Cost, Short-Duration Evaluations
• Research Networks Focused on Critical Problems of Policy and Practice in Special Education
• Small Business Innovation Research
• NCER Education Research