Accountability-Driven School Reform Model for Special Education

This research study provides educational leaders with an integrated model of accountability-driven school reform for enacting effective and meaningful educational change. The model was derived using a consensus-gathering technique among 105 peer-nominated leading researchers and practitioners from various disability categories in special education. These field experts weigh in as to which program activities, resources, constraints, and outcomes should be given priority in school reforms impacting students with disabilities. Findings of this Delphi study support the need for highly-qualified teams of general education teachers and special educators serving students with disabilities, a re-definition and expansion of research-based practice for special education, the valuing of special education expertise in accountability-driven school reforms, an informed school leadership to support special education, and for further consensus building to operationally define No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates. Implications for the re-authorization of NCLB, comprehensive school reforms for all students, and educational leadership responsive to special education are also discussed.