Examining the School Context Predictors of Self-Determination: The Influence of Teachers’ Beliefs and the Perceived Opportunities

Abstract

Background: In the literature, ecological factors of the school context and educational environment are considered opportunities for triggering self-determining behaviors. In the causal relationship between opportunities and the initiating of self-determining actions and attitudes, a key role is played by teachers' beliefs about their role in teaching self-determining behaviors and skills and how they perceive the learning and expression of students with disabilities' self-determination. Methods: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the patterns of the relationships, in terms of direct, indirect effects, and total effects, among teachers' beliefs about their role in teaching self-determination to students with disabilities, teachers’ perceived opportunities in the school context and the family environment, and students' capacity for self-determination perceived by teachers. A preliminary adapted AIR Self-Determination Scale, educator form, and teachers' beliefs survey were administered to a number of 157 Romanian teachers qualified to work in the special education system, and who provide specialized educational support and therapeutic services to students with disabilities. Results: The two factors of teachers' beliefs showed direct effects on the opportunities and capacity for self-determination perceived by teachers. The opportunities for self-determination at school and home mediated the relationship between teachers' beliefs and the student’s capacity for self-determination perceived by teachers. Conclusion: The study findings contribute to current Romanian research in this field, and practical educational implications were discussed.