Several students in the School of Education had a problem last year -- they worked hard to research and write term papers but had nowhere to publish them. None wanted their hard work to go to waste, so the students took matters into their own hands, starting an education journal titled "Law and Disorder".\nThe journal, written entirely by IU students and published through the University, covers the issues and legal aspects of special education. \n"I hope that our journal will really promote awareness on special education and law," said senior Alison Boehning, one of the students who submitted a paper for publication. "It's aimed towards a lot of different people -- anyone like an undergrad, like us, or people not in special education who want to learn more about it."\nBoehning added that the journal is a good resource for students interested in special needs education or other education majors.\nOne issue has been printed so far, and "Law and Disorder" is looking for additional contributors, editors and designers. Boehning said the group hopes to print another issue this spring.\nTheresa Ochoa, an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, who oversaw the project, said the journal is more than just an educational read.\n"Law & Disorder is important as a tool not only to disseminate information about special education law and students with disabilities, but, equally important, it serves as a tool to empower undergraduate students to begin to take themselves seriously as professionals," Ochoa said in a press release.\nThe journal includes articles about education for socially and emotionally disturbed students, as well as others about sex education for special needs students.\nBoehning said she hopes more than just education students get involved with the journal. She said students involved in journalism, English and graphic design could all help with publication, and she hopes that a staff can produce issues for years to come.\n"It is slightly difficult when we have some of our staff -- editors and contributors -- leaving, but we're trying to get younger people involved," Boehning said. "We're looking to invite some other potential editors and contributors in."\nThough some of the contributors have graduated and moved on to student-teaching, there is still a core group of students who want to publish their research.\n"We have a lot of resources at our fingertips," Boehning said. "We should use them as much as we can"
Students publish law journal
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