
- Department, Office, or School
- Department of Special Education
- Assistant Professor
- emailkacosta_9231@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8024
- location_onHorace Mann
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). https://www.naesp.org/resource/keeping-special-ed-staffing-shortages-in-check/?fbclid=IwAR1ZJ4pK3nvZLh70RCL31H9Z73ytTafPSlplC1l-LUZmkYrJV79Fkg1F17Y
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. https://nasbe.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2022/01/Peyton-Acosta_Jan-2022-Standard.pdf
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. https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406420906618
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. https://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/An-Opportunity-to-Invest-in-the-Educator-Workforce.pdf
Research Interests
• Teacher education and special education
• Learning disabilities
• Special education law and policy
• Teacher shortages
• Post-secondary transition