it is required that you write a 500 word research essay on a topic related to the education of children with a disability. (The 500 words are of content and do not include the title page, abstract, or

it is required that you write a 500 word research essay on a topic related to the education of children with a disability. (The 500 words are of content and do not include the title page, abstract, or the list of references.

Topics are to be specific rather than general.

Some suggested topics include but are certainly not limited to;

• Are boys overly identified as having emotional and behavioral disorders and why?
• Is full inclusion always the best option for children with disabilities and why?
• Does society rely too heavily on medication to address children’s behavioral issues and why?

This is a research essay, not a list of ideas or opinions.  Your sources must be cited in the paper! The essay should focus on what research studies and other scientific studies suggest regarding educating children with special needs. Your opinion is not applicable to this paper. Research is the focus and it requires at least five (5) references from scholarly journals, books, etc. The five required sources must be from the year 2017 or later (You can use references from prior to 2017 in your paper but five must be from 2017 or later). It is critically important for you to cite all information in your paper that is from someone else’s work. The common rule is “if it isn’t common knowledge then cite it”! 

The internet can be used if the citation is from a scholarly source (e.g., downloading an article/information from The Journal of Special Education is acceptable.  Citing information from a website called Fred’s Thoughts on ADHD is not). If you are unsure of whether a text or an internet site meets the “scholarly source” requirement, just send me the text and/or website address to me and I will let you know if it is acceptable.  Also, if you are unsure how to cite/write using APA format, simply make an appointment with me during my office hours and we can discuss the how this is done.

Essays must be double spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman font), black ink, and 1” margins on all sides. The paper must include a title page, abstract, the body of your paper (see below), and a reference page.  Essays must not exceed 500 words, not including the title page, abstract, and reference page. Please adhere to "Guidelines for Reporting and Writing about People Who Have Disabilities” and follow the person first rule. It’s a “child with a disability, not a disabled child”.