Research Studies >> Overview | Study 1 | Study 2 | Study 3 | Study 4

This project will gather general information about alternative school policies, structure and educational practices. In addition, information about special education procedures and processes that are in place, the impact of IDEA (1997) requirements on these schools, and implications for students with disabilities will be collected, analyzed and disseminated.

The research being conducted at the University of Minnesota consists of four studies examining the extent to which and how students with disabilities are served in these programs.

• Study 1. An examination of alternative schools nationwide to provide a broad understanding of alternative schools and of the extent to which they serve students with disabilities.
• Study 2. An in-depth state-level examination of alternative schools yielding at least five state-level case studies describing alternative school policies and practices for students with disabilities.
• Study 3. A series of visits to alternative schools/programs (within at least five states) by field researchers to collect information directly from students with and without disabilities, parents, educators, and administrators.
• Study 4. A synthesis of the information gathered across the studies and recommendations to guide policy, practice and further study.

For background information on this research project, go to the Project Overview.