Each year, the TASH Conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders who gain information, learn about resources, and connect with others across the country to strengthen the disability field. This year’s conference theme, “Be Creative - Innovative Solutions for an Inclusive Life,” reminds us to think outside the box during times of uncertainty. Creativity, innovation, and determination can pave the way for meaningful and inclusive lives for people with disabilities.
This presentation shares the results of a University-Urban School District partnership to analyze and map district special education data to inform decision-making for increasing access to general education placements and improving outcomes for students with significant disabilities (SWSD). Using statistical and GIS mapping methods, we concentrate on trends and patterns associated with placement along the continuum of alternative placements (including placement in or outside of neighborhood schools), demographic factors (race, free lunch, ELL status, disability) and their relationships to academic outcomes for SWD (standardized assessments, graduation rates) for the disability categories of autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, and specific learning disability.
