Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities Through Research, Evaluation, and Innovation
WestEd applies innovative, rigorous research methods to solve pressing challenges in learner variability and special education. Using design thinking, systems frameworks, implementation science, and universal design for learning (UDL), we identify and develop evidence-based solutions in the following areas:
Evidence-Based Solutions
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Educational Technology
- Disproportionality
- College, Career, Life Readiness
- Low-incidence Disabilities
- Literacy
- Learning Analytics
- STEM
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
The WestEd team brings extensive quantitative expertise, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, single-case design, machine learning, data analytics, econometrics, evidence-centered design, formative and summative assessment, mixed-methods, and program evaluation.
Special Education Research
Venn diagram showing equal overlapping of:
- Grant and Contract Development Support
- Methodological and Statistical Expertise
- Special Education Content Expertise
Success Stories
WestEd is a critical partner for our project, CA Integrated Supports Project (CA-ISP), funded by the California Department of Education. They are providing the evaluation for our project, working with hundreds of schools across California.
Michael Lombardo, Placer County
Oak is supporting WestEd’s research and technical assistance work with schools to study strong systems for identification and intervention for students with learning variability. This is especially relevant as schools return after more than a year of interrupted schooling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oak Foundation