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). 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