Special education has changed dramatically over the past half century, but its evolution is far from over. In this episode, Dean Robert Berry is joined by Indiana University School of Education faculty Sarah Hurwitz and K. Alisa Lowrey to explore how decades of legislation, research, and educational practice have shaped today's classrooms and where special education is headed next. Together, they discuss autism, inclusion, Universal Design for Learning, teacher preparation, and the challenge of designing learning environments that support students with diverse needs. The conversation also examines how schools of education can prepare tomorrow's teachers with the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices needed to serve every learner.
Sarah Hurwitz is an Associate Professor in the Special Education program at the Indiana University School of Education, where she serves as Director of the Special Education Doctoral Program and the Graduate Certificate in Autism. Her research focuses on autism, special education, early intervention, functional behavior assessment, school discipline, and the academic, behavioral, and social outcomes of students with disabilities. She designs and evaluates interventions to support social communication, conversational language, behavioral development, and academic success, with an emphasis on approaches that are effective and feasible in real-world school settings. Hurwitz also directs the Action for Access: Global Special Education Lab, which collaborates with partners in Ghana, India, Poland, and Hungary to advance inclusive education and expand access to special education worldwide.
K. Alisa Lowrey is a Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the Indiana University School of Education and the Edward A. and Mary Lou Otting Chair in Intellectual Disabilities. Her work focuses on preparing educators to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, in inclusive K–12 and postsecondary settings. Her research centers on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), teacher preparation, and inclusive educational practices, and she has led multiple federally and state-funded projects in special education. Lowrey also serves as co-editor of Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities and has authored numerous publications on UDL, inclusion, and special education.
Robert Q. Berry III is Dean of the Indiana University School of Education and Professor of Mathematics Education. His work focuses on equity, standards-based teaching practices, and the thoughtful integration of technology to support student learning. As host of this season of The State of Inquiry, he brings national leadership experience and a commitment to advancing opportunity in education.