Putting Quality Indicators to the Test: An Examination of 30 Years of Research

Abstract

Corresponding with the 30th year following the passage of P.L. 94-142, a task force of the Council for Exceptional Children Division of Research published a set of articles outlining quality indicators (QIs) for research and evidence-based practice in special education. This article details the operationalization and application of QIs for single-participant designs in the area of academic instruction for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The method used was a descriptive analysis of special education research (1975—2005). The outcomes reveal (a) more than half of the eligible studies failed to meet minimal QIs, (b) there were common variations across QIs, and (c) numerous interventions are supported by studies that met minimal QIs. Future research and limitations of the study are provided.