The IRIS Center @ CGU is part of the School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University. The Center comprises two federally funded projects that focus on students with disabilities and the professionals who provide them with services.
IRIS-West
The IRIS Center is funded by the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. IRIS stands for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Research for Inclusive Settings. The national center is dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions.
This collaborative project between Vanderbilt University and Claremont Graduate University (CGU) develops and provides modules and other resources for use by college and university faculty preparing the next generation of education professionals and professional development providers. The overarching goal is to improve the results of children and youth with disabilities who are learning in inclusive school settings.
These instructional materials are available at no cost to users through the IRIS Center’s website at Vanderbilt University. IRIS-West is housed at CGU and is responsible for providing the nation with training and outreach services. Information about training and outreach services offered through IRIS-West can be obtained by emailing iris@cgu.edu.
SEFNA
SEFNA–the Special Education Faculty Needs Assessment–is an evaluation study of the nation’s special education doctoral programs.