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Policy Autopsy: A Failure of Regulatory Oversight to Ensure Least Restrictive Environment in Ohio’s Electronic Charter Schools

Churchwright, Kelly K
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1294-903X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1542989313356733

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Educational Leadership.
Educational policy at state level is complex and can easily lack coherence as multiple regulations and guidance documents affect the same area of practice. This research addresses the layering of policies that influence state action regarding least restrictive environment in Ohio’s electronic charter schools. In this study, I conduct a close textual analysis of least restrictive environment, taking an historiographic approach to describe the policy contexts of this term from its origin in federal legislation through its development in case law and policy guidance. I further analyze the current enforcement mechanisms for least restrictive environment at state level, contending that a) the layered policies that govern least restrictive environment and Ohio e-schools do not align, b) these policies may be irreconcilable, and c) the current practice of policy implementation on the issue represents an abdication of state responsibility for educational governance, including policy enforcement and reporting to the public. Without such oversight, parents cannot make informed decisions about their children’s special education placements. The study begins to develop a critical inquiry based on the policy analysis, and asserts that solving this problematic policy situation would require an approach both comprehensive, to reflect the purpose of least restrictive environment, and targeted, to address the use of fully online curricula for students with disabilities.
Kate Rousmaniere, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Michael Evans, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Joel Malin, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Monica Schneider, Ph.D. (Other)
166 p.
Education Policy; Educational Leadership; Educational Sociology; Educational Technology; Educational Theory; Elementary Education; School Administration
least restrictive environment; education policy; virtual school; online charter school; Ohio e-school; students with disabilities; critical inquiry; special education; alternative placements; LRE; textual analysis; policy context; state-level policy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Churchwright, K. K. (2018). Policy Autopsy: A Failure of Regulatory Oversight to Ensure Least Restrictive Environment in Ohio’s Electronic Charter Schools [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1542989313356733

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Churchwright, Kelly. Policy Autopsy: A Failure of Regulatory Oversight to Ensure Least Restrictive Environment in Ohio’s Electronic Charter Schools . 2018. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1542989313356733.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Churchwright, Kelly. "Policy Autopsy: A Failure of Regulatory Oversight to Ensure Least Restrictive Environment in Ohio’s Electronic Charter Schools ." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1542989313356733

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1542989313356733
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© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.