Case Studies on Students With Idd and Moderate to Extensive Support Needs: A Document Analysis

Preparing special education teacher candidates in an authentic learning environment is challenging, but case studies provide effective practice-based learning opportunities. Unfortunately, there are limited case studies available that focus on students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and moderate to extensive support needs (M-ESN). Furthermore, the quality of case studies varies. We conducted a document analysis of the literature and resources to (1) identify case studies that included students with IDD and M-ESN, (2) examine the components/features of case studies that included students with IDD and M-ESN, and (3) create a list of existing case studies on this population that EPPs can use in their programs. Using recommendations from Chabon and Cohn (2011), we analyzed 14 case studies that met inclusion criteria. Results indicated that most case studies for this population are narratives about secondary level students and included varied components of the case studies. Implications, limitations, and future suggestions are discussed.