Writing for the Journal of Postsecondary
Education and Disability (JPED):
Suggestions for Researchers/Authors
David R. Parker, Ph.D. (Executive Editor)
drdparker@gmail.com
Today’s Agenda
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JPED’s Purpose
Publication Frequency
A Year in the Life
Accessing JPED
Types of Articles (Research, Practice Brief)
The Review Process
Suggestions for Getting Published in JPED
JPED’s Purpose
• JPED is a peer-reviewed journal that “welcomes submissions of
innovative and scholarly manuscripts relevant to the issues and
practices of educating students with disabilities in
postsecondary educational programs.”
• Historically, JPED seeks to welcome emerging scholars.
“Good Afternoon Dr. Parker: My name is ____, and I am a school
psychologist and doctoral student in the ____ Department at the
University of _____. I am interested in submitting a piece I wrote on
students with learning disabilities and learning communities in
higher education. If possible, I would like to submit a draft for
review to see if the content is appropriate for your journal. I am new
to the publication process, so any help would be greatly
appreciated!”
• The Journal also seeks to broaden its North American focus by
publishing research and practices that reflect a more
international scope and increasing the international
composition of its editorial review boards.
Publication Frequency
• JPED is published 4 times a year:
o March 1st (Issue 1)
o June 1st (Issue 2)
o September 1st (Issue 3 – Special Issue)
o December 1st (Issue 4)
• Each issue typically includes:
o 4-5 research articles
o 1-2 Practice Briefs
o 1 book review
• Special Issues:
o JUST Design/UD Issues (2012)
o College Services for Students with ID (2013)
o 30 Years of JPED: Trends in the Literature (2014)
A Year in the Life (2013 - 2014)
• Typically 2 issues “in the wings” ready for publication
• 46 submissions received between 7/13 and 5/14
o 38 Research/Policy manuscripts
o 6 Practice Brief manuscripts
o 2 were book reviews
• 3 returned to author; 9 rejected; 9 published/in-press;
13 being revised; 12 under review
• 5 non-U.S. manuscripts (3 Canada, 2 U.K.)
• “Dear Dr. Parker - My colleagues and I are delighted
that our manuscript will be published next March. We
appreciate your astute editing support and know that
we have had a better product after having incorporated
the reviewers’ suggestions.”
A Year in the Life
• Summer 2013 – JPED Editor represented AHEAD at 8th
International Conference on Higher Education and
Disability (Innsbruck, Austria)
o JPED poster session; networking
o 5 new international editorial board members
o 2015 Special Issue (Prof. Alan Hurst; UK)
• Summer 2014 – Launch Reviewer of the Year Awards
o New annual recognition
o One research ROTY; one Practice Brief ROTY
o Nominated by editor; selected by former editors
• Fall 2015 – New selection process for JPED Editor
o Application materials due by October 1, 2014
o Selection committee decision
o Spring 2015: transition meeting with current and incoming
JPED editors
Accessing JPED
• The Journal continues to be provided as a benefit of
membership. Print copies an additional $50.00/year.
Switch to universally-accessible formats in Fall 2010,
including:
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DAISY, text, mp3 audio, and PDF versions
text
mp3 audio
PDF
• JPED is searchable through ERIC online and libraries
that subscribe to the EBSCO "Education Research
Complete" database.
• Back issues of all JPEDs are available:
http://www.ahead.org/publications/jped
Research Articles
• Research: Original quantitative, qualitative, or
mixed-method research (25 – 35 pages)
• Integration: Integrate research of others,
compare/contrast theories, critique results,
and/or provide context for future exploration
• Innovation: Propose new theory, approach, or
service delivery model based on review of
research/literature
• Policy Analysis: Analyze, critique, or present
implications of public policy, statutes, regulation,
and litigation
Recent Research Articles
• University and Disability: An Italian Experience of
Inclusion
o Silvia Maggiolini & Paola Molteni (26/3)
• Postsecondary Education for Students with
Intellectual Disability (ID): Complex Layers
o Colleen A. Thoma (26/4)
• One Woman’s Experience
o Melissa Myers, Judy E. MacDonald, Sarah Jacquard,
Matthew Mcneil (27/1)
• Effects of an Intensive Disability-Focused Training
Experience on University Faculty Self-Efficacy
o Christopher Murray, Allison Lombardi, John R. Seeley,
& Hilary Gerdes (27/2)
Practice Briefs
• Practical strategies and programs used to support
postsecondary students with disabilities. Limit the Body to 12
pages (including separate title page, abstract, and references).
Tables/figures may be added beyond the 12 page limit.
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Title page
Abstract
Literature Review
Depiction of the Problem
Participant Demographics/Institutional Partners or Resources
Description of Practice
Observed Outcomes
Implications/Portability
References
Tables and Figures (if needed)
Recent Practice Briefs
• Transforming Barriers into Bridges: The Benefits of
a Student-Driven Accessibility Planning Committee
o Stephanie J. Cragg, Kristina Nikolova, & Irene Carter
(26/3)
• Interdisciplinary Collaborative Support Services for
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
o Susan Longtin (27/2)
• Assessing the Impact of Inclusive Postsecondary
Education Using the Think College Standards
o Kathleen Bodisch Lynch & Elizabeth Evans Getzel (26/4)
The Review Process
1) Send manuscript (single Word document, including title
page, abstract, and appendices) and cover email to
jped@ahead.org.
2) Managing Editor (Richard Allegra) confirms receipt; posts
on JPED server.
3) Executive Editor (David Parker) determines if manuscript
should be reviewed.
4) Two reviewers conduct “blind” review.
a. Recommendation (publish?)
b. Areas of weakness (Literature review; Relevance;
Methodology; Findings supported by data; APA formatting…)
c. Comments/suggestions
The Review Process
5) Editor shares decision with lead author via email (Reject,
Revise/resubmit, Accept with minor editing, Accept as is).
a. Synthesis of reviewers’ comments
b. Highlight the most important areas of feedback; additional
suggestions
* Do not take comments personally. Feedback generally implies an
interest in publication or can help you publish in another journal.
c.
Deadline for receiving revised copy
6) Editor may send revised version back to reviewers; offers
his own editing suggestions.
7) After acceptance, Valerie Spears requests bio and
Permission Form from authors.
8) Valerie proofreads/checks APA formatting and sends
galley proof to lead author.
Suggestions for Getting Published
• Recommendations
• Q&A Session
Thank you for your interest in writing for JPED.