The Essentials of Special Education Research

Andrew M. Markelz, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Chair of Special Education at Ball State University. As director of Ball State’s graduate licensure programs, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education law, administrative and organizational theory, and family collaboration. Dr. Markelz is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has served on the executive board of the Teacher Education Division as the Publications & Communications Committee chair. He has recently co-authored The Essentials of Special Education Law and The Essentials of Special Education Advocacy. Dr. Markelz was a classroom teacher of students with high incidence disabilities in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Markelz earned his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. Benjamin S. Riden, PhD., BCBA-D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at James Madison University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the special education and behavior specialist programs. Dr. Riden’s research interests include using the principles of applied behavior analysis to support students with challenging behavior, preparing teachers to effectively manage their classrooms, and single case research design. Dr. Riden was a classroom teacher of students with disabilities in resource classrooms in Eagle County, CO and in self-contained settings in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition to classroom teaching experience, Dr. Riden has provided one-on-one behavior supports using applied behavior analytic techniques to students with significant disabilities in home and community settings. Dr. Riden earned his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level.