Alumnus Dr. Antonio Ellis (master's, Special Education and Disability Studies) has two books coming out in November 2025. The first book, which he authored, is Beyond Graduation: Navigating Postsecondary Success for Students with Disabilities. The second book, which he co-edited with his colleague Dr. Sarah Irvine Belson, is Advancing Special Education Through Improvement Sciences.
Beyond Graduation: Navigating Postsecondary Success for Students with Disabilities reframes postsecondary transition through a justice-centered framework that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices. The book examines the current state of transition planning, highlighting disparities in access, employment, and community integration for disabled students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. It advocates for early intervention, comprehensive assessments, and individualized goals aligned with each student’s strengths and aspirations.
Advancing Special Education Through Improvement Science: A Practical Guide offers a comprehensive and accessible resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to enhancing equity and effectiveness in special education. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing a structured approach to applying improvement science within the unique context of special education services. Grounded in the principles of continuous improvement, the book introduces a methodical process for identifying, testing, and refining practices to achieve better outcomes for students with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding educational systems' complexities and using data-driven strategies to foster lasting change.
Dr. Ellis is a Senior Professorial Lecturer and Director of the Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice (SIEEJ) at the American University School of Education. He has served as an inclusion teacher in K-12 settings, as an administrator at the school and central office levels, and an adjuct and assistant professor in university settings. His passion is advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities, with a special emphasis on African American males who are speech impaired.