Indiana Department of Education

WEPC has partnered with Indiana to study the policies and practices that influence English learners (ELs) and students with disabilities (SWDs). This partnership began with a comprehensive landscape analysis of the learning experiences and outcomes of ELs and SWDs throughout the state. Building on these foundational descriptive insights, WEPC researchers are currently engaged in several research projects that aim to contribute to state and national knowledge about how best to support these special populations of students.

 

The Effects of Different Service Delivery Models on Students with Disabilities 

Students with disabilities may receive instruction in a variety of different settings, including general education classrooms, pull-out environments, and separate classrooms comprised of other students with disabilities. This study aims to provide causal evidence of how these different classroom models affect the learning outcomes of students with and without disabilities, expanding on prior research from Massachusetts that focused on the effects of co-teaching on students.

Researchers: Nathan Jones, Lindsey Kaler, Jessica Markham, Josefina Senese, Marcus Winters

The Effects of English Learner Reclassification on Later Outcomes

Most students who are identified as English learners (ELs) eventually demonstrate enough English proficiency to be reclassified and begin receiving general instruction without supplemental language supports in place. The timing and process of EL reclassification hold major implications for school systems, families, and students. This study examines the causal effects of EL reclassification on students’ later outcomes, including their test scores and attendance rates.  

Researchers: Mingyan Ma, Marcus Winters

Understanding Special Education Services at Scale Using IEP Data

Indiana requires schools to submit student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) into a centralized database, making it possible to analyze IEPs on a statewide scale and uncover novel insights about their content. Using rigorous quantitative methods, WEPC researchers are identifying patterns related to IEP goals, services, placements, and more.

Researchers: Christopher Cleveland, Jessica Markham

Learn more about the research findings