Information for Contributors

[ Aims and Scope ]

The JSER is an interdisciplinary journal presenting research reports and scholarly reviews on special education, including special needs education, inclusive education, correctional education, and related disciplines (hereinafter referred to as special education). The journal’s purpose is to present current research findings as well as new directions in the field. The JSER aims to:

Promote high-quality research: The JSER provides a platform for disseminating rigorous and innovative research in the field of special education. It publishes studies that advance special education knowledge, theory, and practice.

Enhance understanding and knowledge: The JSER contributes to a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of individuals with exceptionalities across the lifespan. It encourages research investigating various aspects of special education, including assessment, intervention, policy, inclusion, technology, and effective instructional practices.

Foster evidence-based practice: The JSER seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice in special education by promoting evidence-based interventions and strategies. It facilitates the translation of research findings into practical applications that improve outcomes for individuals in special educational settings.

Promote interdisciplinary collaboration: The JSER encourages interdisciplinary approaches to special education research by providing a platform for researchers from diverse fields, such as psychology, education, rehabilitation, neuroscience, criminology, sociology, and related disciplines. It fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Enhance educational opportunities: The JSER explores strategies and approaches that improve educational opportunities for individuals involved in special education. It supports research on innovative instructional methods, curriculum development, vocational training, and educational technology within special educational settings.

The JSER welcomes submissions that encompass a wide range of topics within the field of special education, including but not limited to:

• Assessment and identification of students with exceptionalities.
• Effective instructional strategies and interventions for students with diverse special needs.
• Education and practices for promoting the participation of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
• Assistive technology and its impact on learning and independence for individuals with disabilities.
• Family involvement and support in the education of individuals with special needs.
• Transition services and post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Social-emotional development and the mental health of individuals with special needs.
• Teacher preparation and professional development in special education.
• Policy analysis and evaluation related to special education legislation and funding.
• Multicultural perspectives and cultural competence in special education.
• Applied behavior analysis and behavior management in special education settings.
• Educational interventions and programs in correctional settings.
• Assessing the impact of correctional education on reducing recidivism rates.
• Curriculum development and instructional strategies for incarcerated learners.
• Educational technology and its role in enhancing access and engagement in special education.
• Identification, support, interventions, programs, and educational policies for gifted and twice-exceptional students.
• Vocational training and skills development for incarcerated individuals.
• Special education and support services for incarcerated students with disabilities.
• Adult literacy and numeracy instruction within correctional facilities.
• Educational policy analysis and evaluation related to correctional education.
• Assessment and measurement of educational outcomes in correctional settings.
• Social and psychological factors influencing educational attainment and engagement in special education.
• Reentry education and post-release outcomes for individuals transitioning from correctional facilities to the community.

[ Types of Manuscripts ]

Authors are invited to submit the following types of manuscripts: original articles, research notes, reviews, current topics, and practical research that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of special education. Details on the types of manuscripts that can be submitted to the JSER are as follows:

Original Article: An original article must make a distinctive contribution to the field. It must be based on data derived from problem-oriented research. The results from the analysis of such data must be substantial, and the theoretical discussion significant.

Research Note: A research note offers valuable insights and knowledge relevant to this field of research or practice. It may encompass replication studies and preliminary studies.

Review: A review should summarize publications that explicate major developments within a research area. Review articles that include studies conducted in Japan are especially welcomed.

Current Topic: A current topic is a short report that focuses on a specific current issue and provides a new direction in the investigation of that issue. Articles on current topics are invited by the Editorial Board or submitted by members.

Practical Research: Practical research reports on research carried out in educational, social service, or medical service settings.

[ Editorial Procedures ]

The JSER is a refereed journal. The Editorial Board makes the final selection of manuscripts for publication. Manuscripts are generally not returned to authors but may be returned for revision. To protect the anonymity of the author during review, only the title of the article should appear on the manuscript. A separate cover page should provide the type of article, the title of the manuscript, and the author’s name, institutional affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. If there is more than one author, the author responsible for correspondence with the JSER should be indicated.

[ Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation ]

1. The manuscript must be written in American English and usage. On a separate page, a 100-175 word abstract in English, 3-5 keywords in English listed in order of importance, and a running head (short title) of not more than 50 characters (including spaces) should be included.
2. The author's name and affiliation must appear only on the title page; any material in the text that identifies the author must be deleted.
3. All articles are at most 10 printed pages. A printed page is approximately 700 words. The total pages include page, abstract, references, figures, tables, and line drawings.
4. All manuscripts must be double-spaced. Type size must be at least 12 point, with 2.5 cm margins on all four sides. Use A4 (210x297 mm) or letter (8 1/2x11 in)-size bond paper.
5. Each table and figure should be on a separate sheet, with tables and figures numbered with Arabic numerals in order of appearance in the text. Their location in the text must be clearly indicated.
6. Line drawings should be printed by a good quality laser printer or professionally drawn using dark black ink. Drawings should be twice the printed size in the journal.
7. Footnotes should be listed on a separate page at the end of the manuscript.
8. The International System of Units (SI) should be used for units of measurement.
9. The manuscript should be checked by a native English speaker familiar with the research before being submitted.

[ Format of References in Manuscript ]

Common format: All references to monographs, articles, and statistical sources are to be identified using in-text citations at the appropriate point in the text by last name of author, year of publication, and pagination where appropriate, all within parentheses. Multiple citations should be in alphabetical order by author's last name. The reference list at the end of the article should also be in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Journal titles should be spelled out in full.

Book: Baron-Cohen, S. (1995) Mindblindness: An essay on autism and theory of mind. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA.

Edited Book: Schopler, E., Van Bourgondien, M. E., & Bristol, M. M. (Eds.) (1993) Preschool issues in autism. Plenum Press, New York.

Chapter in Edited Book: McClannahan, L. E. & Krantz, P. J. (1997) In search of solutions to prompt dependence: Teaching children with autism to use photographic activity schedules. In D. M. Baer & E. M. Pinkston (Eds.), Environment and behavior. Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 271–278.

Journal Article: Shute, B. & Wheldall, K. (1989) Pitch alterations in British motherese: Some preliminary acoustic data. Journal of Child Language, 16, 503–512.

Unpublished Work: Wilney, D. E. (1989) Interpersonal analysis of bulimia: Normal-weight and obese women. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.

Government report: National Institute of Mental Health (1990) Clinical training in serious mental illness (DHHS Publication No. ADM90- 1679). U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

Article originally published in Japanese: Tanaka, H. & Yamada, T. (2002) Understanding and management of visual impairment in adolescents. Japanese Journal of Special Education, 40, 1321–1327. (in Japanese)

[ Reprints ]

Fifty reprints will be sent free of charge to the corresponding author who is a member of JASE after publication. Extra reprints may be ordered using the form supplied with proofs.

[ Costs charged to Authors ]

Corrections: The cost of any alterations to proofs or production of the artwork made by the author shall be charged to the author.

Redrawing of line drawings or diagrams: If the artwork supplied is unacceptable for publication, the cost of redrawing and/or relabeling the artwork will be charged to the author. The JASE will invoice authors for any charges.

[ Copyright ]

It is a condition of publication that authors must transfer the copyright of their articles to the JASE. Authors will be asked to complete and sign a Transfer of Copyright form and return it to the Association following acceptance of their articles.

[ Paper Submission ]

Authors should refer to the Publication Manual on the JASE website before submitting their manuscript.