Special education research program

The University of South Florida received a $982,445.59 Project Grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) under the Research in Special Education program (CFDA 84.324), awarded on April 16, 2025, with completion targeted for June 30, 2027. This grant supports scientifically rigorous research aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with disabilities. The primary research initiative involves examining the validity of a nonspeech, dynamic assessment of the alphabetic principle—a critical area of inquiry for understanding early literacy development in students with disabilities. The research is expected to generate actionable insights that contribute to solving early intervention and education challenges while expanding knowledge about developmental and educational outcomes for infants, children, and youth with or at risk for disabilities.

As part of the award's implementation, the University of South Florida established a federal grant sub-award with the University of Kansas Center for Research Inc. on January 13, 2026, to conduct specialized research activities supporting the assessment validity project. The sub-grantee provides research administration and technical expertise to advance the project's objectives. These coordinated efforts between USF and the University of Kansas Center for Research Inc. represent a collaborative approach to delivering high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses gaps in special education methodology and assessment practices, ultimately supporting improved educational interventions and outcomes for students with disabilities.