Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Prenatal exposure to depression linked to neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2026

New global study maps how spe­cial­ist mu­sic pro­grams sup­port mu­si­cally gifted chil­dren

A global study of 68 specialist music programs across 25 countries reveals a spectrum of approaches to supporting musically gifted children. The research highlights the need for balancing artistic excellence with genuine care for children, with some programs prioritizing institutional prestige over child well-being.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·JournalGifted Education International·TypeCase study·DateAug 11, 2026

Wayne State University, University of Kansas and University of Arizona launch landmark collaborative approach to prepare leaders in special education backed by federal funding

A new four-year doctoral program will prepare scholars for special education leadership roles through rigorous coursework, interdisciplinary collaboration, and field experiences. The tri-university collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of special education leaders who can enact meaningful local and systemic change.

The Universitat Jaume I expands the internationalization of research with four joint actions within the framework of the EDUC-WIDE project

The Universitat Jaume I is participating in four joint research actions under the EDUC-WIDE project, focusing on materials science, psychology, communication, and education. The projects aim to advance sustainable water purification methods, explore social perception mechanisms, bridge communication gaps, and build an international net...

Using ChatGPT to support Chinese and English writing for students with dyslexia: Opportunities, challenges, and insights

A study found that a ChatGPT-assisted writing system improved emotional engagement and intrinsic motivation for students with dyslexia, but negatively impacted writing performance. The system's effectiveness depends on teacher-guided integration to avoid undermining writing skills.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2025

Providing educational support for children with severe illnesses: insights from the new Sunshine Hospital School program

The New Sunshine Hospital School Program provides flexible, adaptive education to hospitalized children, addressing the unique needs of those with severe illnesses. The program's innovative models and strategies have contributed valuable insights to global efforts in healthcare and education.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 7, 2025

Segregated placements can have positive psychological transformative effects on people with visual impairment

Research found that segregated placements serve as social hubs for individuals with similar challenges, facilitating connection and cooperation. Additionally, these environments enable impairment-specific educational activities to address unique needs, boosting confidence among those with deteriorating vision.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBritish Journal of Visual Impairment·DateOct 24, 2024

Citizens’ panels help young people with SEND to make their voices heard on the policies that affect their lives, study shows

A new study shows participating in a citizens' panel can produce new policy ideas about school inclusion for young people with special educational needs/disabilities. The project also demonstrates how public dialogue processes can be modified to ensure young people at risk of marginalization fully participate.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2024

Pupils with SEND continue to fall behind their peers

A study by Durham University reveals that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are consistently outperforming their peers in reading, writing, and maths skills, with the gap widening over time. Increased professional development and targeted support are called for to address this issue.

SourceDurham University·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

Study finds when self-determination model provided to schools with support, teachers and all students benefit

Researchers found that providing robust supports to teachers enables better educational outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. The study showed that students who set goals under the SDLMI demonstrated improved motivation and academic achievement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTeacher Education and Special Education The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2024

Are English teachers in Japan ready to teach students with disabilities?

A novel study in Japan identifies key training needs among English teachers to provide more inclusive education for students with disabilities. Most participants felt unprepared and needed targeted training, especially in differentiation and specific considerations for teaching students with diverse needs.

SourceSophia University·JournalAsian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Inclusive care: Strategies to support infant feeding for parents with disabilities through WIC

A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 19, 2024

Participation in Vermont’s linking learning to careers program increases engagement with a wider array of vocational services and boosts earnings

The study found that participants in the LLC program used more preemployment transition services and vocational rehabilitation services, resulting in higher earnings. Demographic variation was minimal, with no significant differences in service uptake among groups.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

Study shows simulator, combined with app, helps teachers correct mistakes before entering classroom

A new study co-written by a researcher from the University of Kansas examined TeachLivE, a simulator that allows pre-service teachers to deliver lessons in front of a virtual classroom of avatars. The results showed that the simulation experience combined with personalized feedback data can support teachers' practice of skills of their...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Professors call for further study of potential uses of AI in special education, avoiding bans

A group of educators is urging caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) in special education, highlighting its potential to benefit students with disabilities. The authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of AI's uses and limitations, including information literacy, consent, and critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2023

Researchers call for systemic changes to improve career prospects of young people with disabilities

A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation presents strategies to challenge the status quo that young people with disabilities face in employment. Research highlights the need for verification of evidence-based practices, competitive integrated employment, and increased utilization of vocational rehabilitation services.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Emergency remote teaching during COVID-19 lockdown brought families closer together, but also required a lot from parents

A study among 120 parents in Finland found that most felt competent in supporting their child's learning, but faced challenges in maintaining routines, relationships, and teacher support. Despite these difficulties, many reported increased freedom and autonomy, as well as improved parent-child interaction.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·DateJan 10, 2023

Culturally-informed mental health screenings improve school and community successes

A UCR-led analysis recommends culturally sensitive mental health screenings for schools, focusing on identifying social determinants of health and strengths. These screenings can help schools build resilience, address needs like food insecurity, and combat disproportionate referrals for special education or exclusionary discipline.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Is classroom inclusion or segregation best for children with special needs?

A recent systematic review found that inclusion neither increases nor decreases learning and psychosocial adjustment in children with multiple disabilities. Individual assessments are crucial to determine each child's specific needs. The study highlights the importance of personalized approaches to support children with special needs.

SourceWiley·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2022

High school students with disabilities achieve better outcomes in inclusive academic settings

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that high school students with disabilities who spend 80% of their time in general education classrooms score higher on state reading and math assessments. This is the second phase of a previous study that showed similar results for younger students with disabilities, highlighting ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Special Education·DateSep 15, 2022

Students without disabilities achieve the same academic results with or without classmates with disabilities in Poland, with implications for the future development of inclusive education

A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2022

Study shows program improves teaching skills, students' word problem solving

A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Developing student learning in the ever-changing landscape of higher education

The special issue of the ECNU Review of Education examines how digital shift, international student mobility, and assessment methods impact student learning in higher education. Research reveals that offline interaction generates more desirable academic outcomes, while online education fosters student autonomy and thesis completion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2022

Study performs cost analysis of popular autism interventions

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas has analyzed the cost of two commonly used interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that implementing emerging or ineffective interventions can consume valuable resources without promising positive outcomes. The study's goal was to p...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalExceptional Children·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

CEHD researchers receive funding for traineeship for special education personnel: A dynamic coaching outreach program in SPED: General Curriculum (DCOP)

Researchers at George Mason University are refining a dynamic coaching outreach program to improve the preparation of special education personnel. The project, funded by the US Department of Education, aims to enhance university supervisors' coaching skills and prepare inservice teacher candidates for active reflection and mentorship.

Jewish autistic pupils thrive as bilingual learners, after communities reject advice “not to teach Hebrew”

A University of Cambridge study found that Jewish autistic children who learn Hebrew as a second language benefit from their cultural identity and community involvement. Parents and teachers rejected outdated professional advice, instead teaching pupils Hebrew to enhance their spiritual and family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 27, 2021

Atmosphere and caring teachers at special schools more important to parents of children with SEN than educational standards, study shows

A study found that parents prioritize atmosphere and teacher approach over academic standards when selecting a special school for their child. High-quality inclusive education provision means a sense of belonging, social acceptance, and individualized curriculum. Only a minority reported experiencing 'hard choice' due to limited options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2021