Special Ed. Research Paper
You will choose a specific pediatric IDEA disability to be researched
Choose a very specific diagnosis- the more narrow, the easier it will be for you to complete this project
(For example, if you choose Spina Bifida or Cerebral Palsy, there are several types of each; therefore choose one specific type to research)
***For this paper, we will be excluding mental health/emotional disturbances as a topic option
This is an academic research paper.
Make sure you use your own words when writing this paper. If you need to use the same words found in a book, then use the APA style for citations.
Your paper should be organized as follows:
Introduction section headings:
History of the disability/syndrome (when it was discovered, how, by whom, where?)
Cause of the disability (genetic, environmental, trauma, etc..) Explain and be specific.
Diagnosis: How can the disability/syndrome be diagnosed?
Development: What periods of development are especially crucial?
Research section: summarize the research findings and state how the research relates to the questions below:
What are the characteristics and symptoms of this disability?
Prevention: Is this a syndrome/disability that can be prevented? If, yes, How?
If you answer no,- Are there any research studies, clinical studies addressing possible causes or cures?
What is the prognosis? (is there a cure, can it be improved, does it get worse, short life?, etc..)
What types of services could children benefit from receiving?
What does the research demonstrate has been done to minimize the impact of that disability?
Mainstreaming and special education: What evidence is there that mainstreaming helps children with this disability? What evidence is there that it does not?
Opinion:
Connect the findings to your questions (remember to use quotations or if using author’s idea cite source in parenthesis). Indicate which sources you agree with and which you don’t and why.
What important questions related to your topic still remain unanswered?
***Remember to use your sources as support to your claims & cite those sources.
-All questions must be addressed in the format of a research paper. (i.e. using headings, complete sentences & paragraphs)
Works Cited: All the books and journals used for your paper should be listed alphabetically in a Reference page.
Please use APA format to list your sources- make sure you list URLs according to appropriate format
i.e. References: Allen, D., Cowdery, G. (2005), The Exceptional Child. Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, New York, Delmar Learning
**You should consult a minimum of 4 sources
