Annenberg Institute
Brown University
Special Education
After working as an IEP case manager for gifted students (in a state that considered giftedness a disability), I have been interested in how conceptions of ability shape how labeled students are viewed and served in schools and classrooms. In my PhD studies, I worked on a research practice partnership in a district cited for not meeting needed Least Restrictive Environment thresholds. Since then, I have pursued research that explores special education teachers, services, and accountability systems, with the intention to understand how to support states and districts in meeting the important promises put forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Relevant Work
2025. "Inclusion in the time of anti-DEIA: Lessons learned from a research practice partnership promoting a critical inclusion framework for students with disabilities" (with Rachel McClam, Alexandra Shelton, Lindi Shepard, Rebecca Cruz, & Matt Love), School-University Partnerships
In press. "Policy as an interlocuter between agency and the normative center of schools" (with Rebecca Cruz, Alexandra Shelton, Rachel McClam, Lindi Shepard, Irene Ramirez, & Katy Mullins), Education Policy Analysis Archives
In press. "The numbers and the narrative behind disproportionality: A mixed methods literature synthesis" (with Rebecca Cruz, Alison Firestone, Logan McDermott, Isun Malekghassemi, Abigail Howes, Rachel McClam, Claire Shin, & Hailey Love), Race Ethnicity and Education
Under review. "Over-worked and under-resourced: First-year out-of-field special education teachers' induction experiences and intent to return" (with Alexandra Shelton, Rachel McClam, & Katy Mullins), conditionally accepted at Professional Development in Education
Under review. "Quantifying students' special education service hours" (with Christopher Cleveland & Lindsey Kaler)
Under review. "Examining how special education service hours vary (with Christopher Cleveland & Lindsey Kaler)
In preparation. "Illuminating IEP present levels: A topic modeling approach" (with Christopher Cleveland & Joshua Almes)
In preparation. "Special education accountability systems in large U.S. states: Lessons amidst threats to federal oversight" (with Christopher Cleveland)