Research Basics

Over the past several decades, research has played a critical role in shaping the way children with learning disabilities are identified, assessed, instructed, and supported.  Therefore, it is important that you, as a parent, teacher, professional, or student, learn what research means and how it is used in order to access the best supports for children and adults with Learning Disabilities. NCLD helps you to understand research findings and their implications for practice, distinguish good research from bad, and identify research-based interventions and recommendations that use rigorous and appropriate methods.

Introduction and Background Information
Additional Resources on the Web 

Introduction and Background Information:

Research Roundup Archive
Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, director of professional services at NCLD, writes a montly column for LD News on the latest topics and issues surrounding learning disabilities.

Scientifically-based Practices: Part II
NCLD Director of Professional Services, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, offers part two in a series of columns that talks about the importance of scientifically-based practices. Read this June 2006 Research Roundup column to find out how parents can (and should) take on the role of 'researcher' when it comes to making decisions about their children's education.  You may also want to read his first column on this issue, Scientifically-Based Practice: Show Me the Evidence, which offers a brief overview of research methods and outlines the types of questions each one answers.

Journals & Publications in the Field of Learning Disabilities 
Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, NCLD's Director of Professional Services, compiles his short list of some of the best LD journals in this July 2004 Research Roundup column. In addition, his April 2004 column on University-based National Educational Research and Development Centers lists some of the top research resources nationwide.  Click here to browse the full list of Dr. Horowitz's columns.

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Additional Resources on the Web:

Research Sites:

National Research Center on Learning Disabilities (NRCLD)
conducts research on the identification of learning disabilities; formulates implementation recommendations; disseminates findings; and provides technical assistance to national, state, and local constituencies.

What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
Collects, screens, and identifies studies of effectiveness of educational interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies).

Research-to-Practice Database
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) offers this accessible, efficient, and practical tool to support academic and behavioral interventions for children with special needs.

Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement

Research Centers: Sources for Instructional Practice
Teaching LD

Research & Statistics on Disability Issues
HEATH Resource Center

National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER)
Sponsors a comprehensive program of special education research designed to expand the knowledge and understanding of infants, toddlers and children with disabilities.

Articles on Understanding Research:

Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User-Friendly Guide
U.S. Department of Education

Understanding Research
Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (CCEERC)  offers information on assessing research quality, research methods, and a glossary of key terms.

A Guide for Teachers to Interpret Experimental/Intervention Research Reports 
Council for Learning Disabilities

Intervention Research and Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice
LDOnline.org

Identifying & Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide
U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance seeks to provide educational practitioners with tools to distinguish practices supported by rigorous evidence from those that are not.

Book: Scientific Research in Education
Paperback

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