Dr. Kelly A. Acosta

Education

• University of Florida, Ph.D., 2022 (Special Education)
• University of North Carolina – Greensboro, 2002, M.Ed. (Special Education)
• Northeastern University, 2001, B.A. (English, Secondary Education)

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Articles

• Sohn, H., Acosta, K., Brownell, M. T., Gage, N., Thompson, E., & Pudvah, C. (accepted). Reading comprehension interventions for students with learning disabilities in grades 6-12: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Learning Disabilities Research and Practice.
• Kamman, H., Acosta, K., & Holdheide, L. (2023). Keeping special ed staffing shortages in check. National Association of Elementary School Principals, 102(3).
• Macedonia, A., Snow, C., Hunt, C., Acosta, K., & White, L. (revise and resubmit). Forging partnerships to address teacher shortages in rural settings: Engaging key players. Journal of Special Education Preparation.
• Peyton, D., & Acosta, K. (2022). Understanding special education teacher shortages. The State Education Standard, 22(1), 20-25.
• Peyton, D., Acosta, K., Harvey, A., Pua, D., Sindelar, P.T., Mason-Williams, L., Dewey, J., Fisher, T., & Crews, E. (2020). State Level Analysis: An Examination of Policies that Impact Special Education Teacher Shortages. Teacher Education and Special Education, 44(1), 5-23.

Book Chapters

• Acosta, K., Ray, J., Cornelius, K., & Benedict, A. E. (In publication). How can I use multiple sources of information to paint a comprehensive portrait of my students’ strengths and needs?  The Practical Guide to High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: The Purposeful “How” to Enhance Classroom Rigor. Slack Incorporated.
• Benedict, A. E., Cornelius, K., & Acosta, K. (2022). Use of multiple sources of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of student strengths and needs. In M. Brownell & J. McLeskey (Eds)., High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms, 2nd Ed. Routledge.
• Benedict, A. E., Cornelius, K., & Acosta, K. (2018). Use of multiple sources of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of student strengths and needs. In M. Brownell & J. McLeskey (Eds)., High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms. Routledge.

Policy Brief

• Acosta, K., & Holdheide, L. R. (2021, December). An opportunity to invest in the educator workforce. CEEDAR Center.

Research Interests

• Teacher education and special education
• Learning disabilities
• Special education law and policy
• Teacher shortages
• Post-secondary transition