Literature reviews allow education professionals to identify effective interventions and assess trends in research and practice. However, issues with transparency and the specific methods used in conducting literature searches have the potential to limit the utility of reviews. This study evaluated the description of article search procedures and selection processes appearing in literature reviews and meta-analyses published in special education journals from 2004 to 2016. Findings reveal a considerable increase in the number of published meta-analyses and systematic reviews over this time period. Nonetheless, the validity of reviews is potentially undermined by incomplete descriptions of methods. Reports of inclusion criteria further suggests the results of many reviews may be biased. A discussion of implications follows a description of findings.

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Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) exhibit problem behaviors that potentially result in lower performance in reading and related content areas. Researchers and policy makers have increasingly emphasized the need for evidence-based practices (EBPs) in reading. However, conclusions made regarding the effectiveness of the interventions strongly depend on the rigor of systematic reviews and meta-analyses used to identify intervention research. This article applied a set of established quality indicators to literature reviews of reading instruction for children with EBD. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in refereed journals between 1996 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Identified reviews ( n = 17) generally exhibited a range of methodological strengths; however, authors did not consistently describe coding procedures or assess the quality of primary studies. Implications for the identification of EBP follow a discussion of findings.

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A component analysis is an approach where two or more independent variables are evaluated as a package and independently. The approach is used to assess and identify which component of a treatment package is the most effective. The purpose of this review is to document the application of component analyses to improve or mitigate non-academic behaviors with individuals with disabilities. We identified 21 research articles that used a component analysis to evaluate treatment packages with students who were identified as having or at-risk for a disability in classroom and/or alternative settings. Results from reviewing 21 articles (22 cases) indicate that 11 intervention packages had a single component that was critical for successful behavior change. Two articles suggested the entire intervention package was necessary while nine articles did not report a critical component or had variable results pertaining to critical components. The benefits and drawbacks of using component analyses for single case research are discussed. Implications for future research are also presented.

Children with special education needs possess unique learning characteristics which may inhibit their effective learning in mainstream, general education classes. Special education practices are therefore designed to address the educational needs of students with disabilities through various strategies including thorough assessments of students’ characteristics, individualized curriculum planning, and provision of essential services and resources to maximize learning. Although there is extensive research on special education in developed countries like the United States of America (USA), literature on its development and practice in Sub Saharan African countries is somewhat scattered and inconclusive. This study reviewed special education policy, special education teacher professional development, and challenges to successful special education practice in five Southern African countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia. An understanding of special education policy development and challenges is imperative to develop a more successful practice.

Feeding disorders exhibited by children with developmental disabilities, which include limiting food intake or refusing to consume solid foods, often result in poor health consequences. Interventions for feeding disorders vary in terms of their acceptability to children with disabilities and their families. One specific procedure, the high-probability sequence, is a nonrestrictive approach where requests with which a child has a history of compliance are presented prior to requests associated with noncompliance. This article reviewed research concerning the application of high-probability sequencing for feeding disorders among children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Experimental studies published between 1970 and 2018 in English as either peer-reviewed articles or dissertations were eligible for descriptive review. Identified articles ( N = 15) evaluated high-probability sequencing using various single-case experimental designs. Participants ( N = 21) were generally preschool-aged children (mean age = 5.7 years) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 9) or other developmental disabilities ( n = 12). Subsequent analysis of articles that met quality indicators of the What Works Clearinghouse ( n = 12) suggests that research does not support the effectiveness of the procedure for increasing food acceptance. Implications for practice and future studies involving high-probability sequencing follow a discussion of findings.

Students with learning disabilities often exhibit academic and functional skills challenges that include limited ability to read, write, listen, speak, or complete other academic or functional tasks. A large proportion of children with LD are also at increased risks for emotional or behavioral problems. When LDs are not properly addressed, children with LD may begin to exhibit behavioral challenges that may further impede their academic performance. One of the key areas of deficit in academic performance among children with LD lies in reading. Research shows that students with EBD or LD perform approximately 2.2 grades below standard performance in reading. Part of the reason for their reading deficits is attributed to proliferation of instructional methods that are not backed by empirical evidence. In order to address this reading performance-gap, there is a need to examine closely what instructional practices are effective and under what circumstances. This chapter examines some commonly used reading interventions for this group of students with EBD and establishes the evidence supporting their effectiveness. Recommendations for future practice are suggested.