Andrew Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor of special education, recently was featured in the Washington Post in a perspective piece reinforcing the purpose and function of special education.
Dr. Wiley’s research focuses on controversial issues in special education, special education policy and supporting teacher use of highly effective, research-based academic and behavioral interventions. During his time at 91²Ö¿â, Dr. Wiley has provided technical assistance and training related to evidence-based special education practices, multi-tiered systems of support and models for effective problem solving.
The Washington Post story details the work of Dr. Wiley, and his colleagues, Dimitris Anastasiou, Ph.D., an associate professor of special education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and Jim Kauffman, Ph.D., professor emeritus in special education at the University of Virginia. The team contrasts the views on special education that are featured in another academic piece, which maintains that special education in U.S. schools is an example of a lack of diversity.
Dr. Wiley and his team claim this is used to unjustly attack special education and note that, “disability has unique implications for education that, if ignored, guarantee unjust treatment of students with disabilities.†The trio of researchers contend that “the main purpose and function of special education is to maximize learning for students with disabilities.â€
To read more from The Washington Post about Dr. Wiley’s views on special education, visit
The College of Education, Health and Human Services is hosting the Badar Kauffman Conference on Special Topics in Special Education April 11-13. Registration ends March 31, details and registration can be found at: www.kent.edu/ehhs/sped/badar-kauffman-conference
To read more about Dr. Wiley, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes/sped/profile/dr-andrew-wiley