Scott Turner

Education and Credentials

• Ed.D., Master’s in Education, Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Credential, Administrative Services Credential

Dr. Scott Turner is an Adjunct Professor in the Doctor of Education in Leadership Program, with specialty knowledge in the area of special education. Dr. Turner is currently the Executive Director of the East San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (ESGV SELPA), which is a geographic consortium of 16 Local Education Agencies serving nearly 85,000 students. Dr. Turner also serves as Co-Executive Director to the California Early Childhood Special Education Network.

Prior to his position in ESGV SELPA, Dr. Turner held administrative positions including Director of the South Orange County SELPA, Special Education Site Specialist/Principal, and a K-12 Program Specialist in Saddleback Valley USD. Dr. Turner’s teaching experience was in Santa Ana USD as an Early Childhood Education Specialist. Dr. Turner’s doctoral dissertation was a quantitative study of inclusive practices for students with disabilities, titled Preschool Inclusion: A Quantitative Study of the Relationships of Teacher-Held Mental Models and Organizational Characteristics towards Recommendations for Regular Early Childhood Programs.

Special education is an integral part of a successful educational organization and continues to become more focused on accountability and performance. Dr. Turner’s experience as an education specialist, program specialist, site administrator, and SELPA Director brings a wealth of information and knowledge for practitioners at all levels.

Dissertation Chairing and Advising

Scott Turner serves as a dissertation chair for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) students and advises doctoral research aligned with program requirements.

Courses Taught

• EDSE 707

Areas of Expertise

• Evidenced-based practices for students with disabilities
• Inclusive Practices for students with disabilities
• Continuum of placement options/Free and Appropriate Public Education
• Special education staff observation and evaluation
• Compliance and reporting activities/Significant Disproportionality
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Due Process/Litigation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Community Involvement and Engagement