Institute for the Study of

Exceptional Children and Youth

The Institute for the Study of Exceptional Children and Youth was established at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1981 as a research and service organization designed to address a broad array of issues in special education. Dr. Philip J. Burke, Chairman of the Special Education Department, is the director of the institute and oversees technology and policy issues related to the study and education of exceptioanl children and youth.

The institute is a problem-centered organization engaged in innovation, research, and evaluation related to major concerns which affect the lives of persons with disabilities. The institute has five interlocking task areas: policy studies, consumer involvement and evaluation, leadership development, interdisciplinary studies, and dissemination.

The institute maintains active relationships with many local school districts in Maryland and has conducted a number of evalutions under contract with the Maryland State Department of Education. Two vital components of the institute are: (1) Special Education Policy Leadership Development, and (2) Special Education Technology Research and Development.