Specifically, LSAC is interested in a variety of studies that examine the experiences of students with disabilities in law school. Such studies might include examinations of effective and ineffective accommodation strategies, accommodation request and participation rates, and outcomes for students with disabilities, among many others. The aim of this request is to foster research that will result in findings that allow for generalizations across institutions. Therefore, any such study should include comparison or control groups and draw data from several institutions.
Examples of research topics of particular interest include:
- Effective accommodation strategies for disabled law students, including differences (if any) between accommodation strategies at earlier academic stages and on standardized tests
- Differences (if any) in law school performance between students who receive accommodations and those who do not, including causal analyses of any differences that may exist
- Alternative predictors of success in law school: analyses of admission criteria other than LSAT scores and UGPAs that may effectively predict law school performance for law students with disabilities
LSAC is aware that some research already has been conducted in this area. As a result, there is great interest in studies that include comprehensive literature reviews and analyses. It is expected that a thorough research proposal will include a literature review of existing research and a statement describing how the proposed study will add to basic knowledge in this particular area of research. Proposals for studies within a single institution will not be eligible for funding.