Role Of Special Education Teachers Research Articles

Teachers’ Readiness in Developing Special Needs Students Entrepreneurial Mindset

Members of the World Health Organization have committed not to neglect anyone, including persons with disabilities, by including them in all sectors. The significant increase in the number of special needs students by 26.5% in 2022 reflects the reality in Malaysia, where the number of persons with disabilities continues to rise over time. Education serves as the primary foundation for special needs students, and the role of special education teachers becomes increasingly significant when entrusted to teach, educate, and guide special needs students, as well as prepare entrepreneurial-minded special needs students. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the level teachers' readiness in terms of self-efficacy and to test the relationship between readiness in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of special needs students. A quantitative study using survey method was conducted on 300 Integrated Special Education Program teachers working in primary schools in Selangor. Data from the Likert 5-point scale questionnaire as the research instrument were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28.0. The study's analysis used descriptive statistics involving mean, standard deviation, and percentage while for inferential statistics, correlation coefficient tests were used. The findings show self-efficacy of Integrated Special Education Program teachers are at a high level. The study results show a significant relationship between readiness and the formation of an entrepreneurial mindset The implications of this study define that educators should integrate self-efficacy to prepare students who have a tendency toward innovation, opportunities, and creative outcomes. Entrepreneurship programs and activities can also be designed as complements in teaching and learning to enhance entrepreneurial mindset among special needs students.

Exploring The Role of Special Education Teachers in The Process of Preparing and Implementing Individual Education Plans in The Special Education Integration Program

Exploring The Role of Special Education Teachers in The Process of Preparing and Implementing Individual Education Plans in The Special Education Integration Program

“So much invisible work” – the role of special education teachers in Finnish lower secondary schools

“So much invisible work” – the role of special education teachers in Finnish lower secondary schools

The Role of Special Education Teachers in Improving Learning Motivation for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Role of Special Education Teachers in Improving Learning Motivation for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Special education teachers’ emotional intelligence and its relationships with social support, work engagement and job performance: a job demands-resources theory’s perspective

Based on the Job Demands-Resources theory, this research investigated the multiple mediating role of special education teachers’ social support and work engagement in the relationship between their emotional intelligence and job performance. Data of 710 Chinese mainland teachers in special education schools were analyzed. The results showed that emotional intelligence directly predicted job performance. Both social support and work engagement partially mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance. Furthermore, social support and work engagement serially mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance. The limitations and implications for future studies and practices are discussed.

The Impact of Evidence-Based Dialogic Training of Special Education Teachers on the Creation of More Inclusive and Interactive Learning Environments.

In the international context of a progress toward more inclusive educational systems and practices, the role of Special Education teachers is being transformed. From an inclusive perspective, these professionals increasingly support students and their teachers in the mainstream classroom, avoiding segregation. However, Special Education teachers often struggle to reach and support all students with special needs and their teachers to provide quality inclusive education. For this reason, more research is still needed on in-service training strategies for the inclusion of students with special needs that effectively translate into evidence-based school practices that improve the education of all students. This article analyses the impact of two evidence-based dialogic training programs of Special Education teachers working in mainstream schools carried out in Mexico during the 2018–2019 school year. Through in-depth interviews with participants, it was identified how, after the training, teachers increasingly grounded their actions on scientific evidence and promoted interactive learning environments that improved the educational inclusion of their students with special needs. This training also became the venue to make evidence-based educational actions available to other students without special needs, improving the quality of education provided to all students.

Educating teachers of the visually impaired in the context of educational and social changes – a research report

Changes in the ways of performing professional roles of special education teachers entail the need to develop new solutions for academic education for teachers of the visually impaired. The assessment of the content and forms of the previously proposed education for teachers of the visually impaired from the perspective of the usefulness of their professional competencies may be helpful in the determination of the needed directions of changes in this respect. The aim of the article is to describe and analyse the results of comparative research on visual impairment pedagogy graduates educated in the system of 5-year uniform master’s studies and 3-year bachelor’s studies, concerning the course of their educational and professional paths.

Roles of Special Educators in St. Lucia: Implications of Policy and Practice on Inclusion

Abstract Using an adaptation of Brownell and Smith's (1993) conceptual model, this study sought to examine the perception of primary and secondary special educators in St. Lucia of their roles as compared to roles of special education teachers universally. A survey, consisting of 89 Likert-scale statements and five closed ended questions, was administered to the entire population (i.e. 82) of special educators in primary and secondary schools in St. Lucia. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including percentages, means, and t-tests. The independent sample t-test was used to determine the difference in the frequency of role engagement between the two groups of special educators. The results revealed that like special educators globally, special education teachers in St. Lucia engaged in all roles under study (i.e., Academic instruction, Non-academic instruction, Instructional Support, Responsive Behavior Management, Special Education Assessment, Classroom Assessment, Special Education Paperwork) but engaged in them at varying degrees. They regarded all but one role (i.e. Responsive Behavior Management) to be very-to-extremely important. Respondents utilized a continuum of practices from exclusionary to inclusionary but made greater use of exclusionary practices. Implications as well as recommendations to improve practice are discussed.

The Role of Special Education Teachers in Overcoming Developmental Disorders in Government Primary Schools in Northern West Bank

This study aimed to identify the role of special education teachers in overcoming the growth disorders in public schools in Northern West Bank. The field descriptive method was used. To achieve this, a questionnaire was collected to collect data and information, which included (42) items, distributed into three areas. (Environmental, occupational, therapeutic) The validity of the tool was examined by presenting it to the academic supervisor and a group of arbitrators. The stability of the questionnaire was determined using the Cronbach's alpha equation, where the data were processed using the Statistical Package Program (SPSS). It was the results of the study that the role of special education teachers In overcoming growth disorders in public schools in Northern West Bank, it was found that there were no significant differences at the level of significance (α ≤ 0.05) in the role of special education teachers in overcoming growth disorders in public schools Nablus attributed to the variables of sex, educational qualification, years of experience, and after reviewing the results of the study came out several recommendations, the most important of which were: The need for the Ministry of Education to introduce modern technology in teaching students with growth disorders and to provide supporting technology to help them. The need to provide the appropriate educational tools and materials by the Ministry of Education to teach courses and integrated educational programs used with people with growth disorders considerate their different characteristics.

Through the eyes of inclusion: an evaluation of video analysis as a reflective tool for student teachers within special education

ABSTRACTThe role of special education teachers is currently facing an extensive renewal process closely related to the professional transition from a narrow understanding of special education, rooted in the deficit paradigm, to a broader vision of inclusion as a whole-school and community action. Within such a process, student teachers’ professional development in special education plays a crucial role. Studies on this topic underline how student teachers’ beliefs and attitudes regarding inclusive education deeply affect their future teaching activity. Research shows that, while student teachers usually agree with the principles of inclusive teaching, they are much less sure of how to implement those principles in their teaching practice. By assessing the breadth of the gulf between ideals and practice, my investigation emphasises how the video analysis of simulated lessons carried out by student teachers can contribute to a positive change in student teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion in school. Such a change would help student teachers develop a reflective stance that would strengthen their ability to transform inclusive principles into everyday educational practices.

Roles of Special Educators in St. Lucia: Implications of Policy and Practice on Inclusion

Abstract Using an adaptation of Brownell and Smith's (1993) conceptual model, this study sought to examine the perception of primary and secondary special educators in St. Lucia of their roles as compared to roles of special education teachers universally. A survey, consisting of 89 Likert-scale statements and five closed ended questions, was administered to the entire population (i.e. 82) of special educators in primary and secondary schools in St. Lucia. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including percentages, means, and t-tests. The independent sample t-test was used to determine the difference in the frequency of role engagement between the two groups of special educators. The results revealed that like special educators globally, special education teachers in St. Lucia engaged in all roles under study (i.e., Academic instruction, Non-academic instruction, Instructional Support, Responsive Behavior Management, Special Education Assessment, Classroom Assessment, Special Education Paperwork) but engaged in them at varying degrees. They regarded all but one role (i.e. Responsive Behavior Management) to be very-to-extremely important. Respondents utilized a continuum of practices from exclusionary to inclusionary but made greater use of exclusionary practices. Implications as well as recommendations to improve practice are discussed.

The role of special education teachers in facilitating peer relationships among students with mild intellectual disabilities in lower secondary school.

Students with intellectual disabilities may lack sufficiently developed skills to initiate qualitatively good social interactions; thus, they might be in need of assistance. This study examined special education teachers' role in facilitating peer relationships among students with mild intellectual disabilities in a mainstream school context. The study was based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with nine special education teachers who belong to special education groups in lower secondary schools. A thematic structural analysis was used to identify themes. The teachers made substantial efforts to promote social competence and ensure optimal conditions to foster peer interactions. An "academic-oriented" education, divergent attitudes, challenges in teacher collaboration, and organizational constraints may be barriers. In a mainstream school, the role of special education teachers appears to be dependent on the basic values of the school management in terms of real opportunities to foster peer relationships among students with mild intellectual disabilities.

Special education trainee teachers’ perceptions of their professional world: motives, roles, and expectations from teacher training

To open a window into perceptions entailed in the professional world view of special education teacher trainees, three research questions were developed: (a) What are their motives for joining the profession? (b) How do they perceive the role of the special education teacher? and (c) What are their expectations from teacher training? The research was carried out using a qualitative approach. Ninety-three students about to begin their professional training in special education in an Israeli teacher-training college completed a questionnaire consisting of five open questions. The data were analyzed according to the grounded theory approach. The research findings showed that the trainees chose special education because they wanted to belong to a group of teachers perceived as the most ethical; one that considers its mission to help ‘vulnerable’ individuals, mold their characters, and ‘have an impact on society.’ The role of special education teachers was perceived mainly as caring for students and their parents; the trainees expected that during their training, they would become completely familiar with the range of disabilities and how to deal with them, as well as learn about themselves and strengthen their teaching skills. The world of special education was perceived as ‘mysterious,’ having a high moral standing; as a closed profession, in that relations are limited to teacher, child, and parents; but with a spiritual aspect. The professional world of special education as perceived by the teacher trainees was different than that actually waiting for them, and for which teacher training institutes must prepare them.

Implementation of co-teaching approach in an inclusive classroom: overview of the challenges, readiness, and role of special education teacher

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship aspect of the challenge, readiness, and the role of special education teacher (SET) in implementing common approaches in inclusive classrooms. Experiences as a moderator were used to see the effect of the co-teaching component. This study used a sampling method that involved 240 respondent’s representatives of the population of SET in Malaysia. The findings of this study showed that there was a high positive tendency in choosing the approach that is likely to progress than the existing ones. In this area, there were challenges and readiness of positive selection than teacher experience. Overall, this study could impact the implementation of co-teaching approach than the implementation of the existing programme.

Masters of weaving: the complex role of special education teachers

Special education teachers work under more difficult, more intense, and more demanding conditions than mainstream teachers. Relations between teachers, pupils, and parents are more complex than in mainstream education due to the intensity, intimacy, vulnerability, and commitment involved. Teachers require special skills so they can practice atypical teaching approaches. They require in-depth knowledge of all their pupils’ special needs and must know what is required to teach them. They must provide a supportive educational environment that encourages learning, know abnormal developmental characteristics, analyze tasks, and be up to date with current relevant teaching methods. Our understanding of the inner world of special education teachers is deepened through narrative research. In education, narrative research facilitates the close examination of agents of education by focusing on their discourse. It provides an opportunity for their voices to be heard and offers empowerment. Nine experienced special education teachers aged in their mid-40s participated in the study. Most worked in special education and integrated classrooms. The research tools were open-ended life-story interviews In stage one of the analysis, the categories were defined after reading the interviews in as open and unbiased a manner as possible, and the primary themes developed. Stage two involved classifying and formulating the themes based on these categories. The findings, which describe the narrator’s own experiences, feelings, and viewpoints, are presented in the narrator-participants’ own language. A comprehensive, multifaceted picture of the research participants’ reality is thus obtained. The study revealed that teachers who start out as idealists and want to ‘save the world,’ or feel confident at least in their own abilities and wish to work hard for children with special needs, are often rudely awakened early in their careers because of the day-to-day complexity of their work. Special education is complex because it involves multiple roles and tasks and because teachers have to tackle diverse problems simultaneously. The teachers seemed keen to remain in the profession, perhaps because special education offers a satisfying career. This study was not just about special education teachers; it involved thinking about teaching differently. Metaphors can be a way to unlock the ontology and epistemology of teachers’ knowledge. Using a novel metaphor, ‘Masters of Weaving,’ the article invites educators all over the world to participate in a discourse with many voices. In a complex and dynamic world, there are no unequivocal answers.

A special teacher for a special child? (Re)considering the role of the special education teacher within the context of an inclusive education reform agenda

Notwithstanding the recent signing and ratification by Cyprus of another International Convention on the rights of students designated as having special educational needs and/or disabilities to attend mainstream schools on an equal basis with their peers, local policy and practice promote an ‘exclusionary inclusion’ that draws a discernible line between general and special education. This paper concentrates on exploring the role of special education teachers in Cyprus in the light of policy concerns about providing the ‘least restrictive’ learning environment for this group of students and enabling them ‘to reach their full potential’. It is suggested that the role of special education teachers embodies and reflects reductionist forms of inclusion informed by deficit-oriented and assimilationist special education perspectives, while there is also evidence of a lack of professionalism and accountability. The paper draws on head teachers’ and special education teachers’ interviews in order to portray the ways in which they view and experience the role of special education teachers in mainstream schools in Cyprus. New objectives and future directions are identified and discussed.

INCLUSÃO E INTERAÇÃO: PESQUISA SOBRE ATUAÇÃO DO PROFESSOR DE EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL EM BIDOCÊNCIA

Considering the inclusion of people with special educational needs, as a current reality and should be focused so that they meet these needs, without ignoring the learning of all students. It has been a Special Education teaching modality that touches the work of the common class and may contribute significantly to learning in the common teaching through differentiated learning experiences for the sake of inclusion, which is in a trend that concerns a challenge to teaching qualification in primary education. In this sense, developed the research discussed in this paper, through a guided quality research and participant method. Thus, this work will prove to be, as we perceive the role of special education teacher of a pupil with special educational needs and the qualification of the teaching-learning of this and his colleagues, provided by a Bidocencia work in his group of 4o year, concurrent with specialized care.

Exploring the Support Role of Special Education Teachers After Hurricane Ike

This study explored the role of special education teachers of children with significant disabilities during Hurricane Ike. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze interview data of the teachers ( n = 4) who were employed in school districts directly affected by the hurricane. The five categories that emerged from the data were losses for students and families, losses for teachers, resource supports, communication supports, and supports to reestablish routines. Despite being affected by the storm themselves, the teachers provided essential support to their students and families throughout all phases of the disaster. The role of these teachers evolved to include instrumental and psychological supports, which has been documented in previous studies. These teachers’ roles differed in that they provided support while school was closed and included the disability-related needs of their students. Recommendations include that teachers receive training on the needs of students with significant disabilities and their families during natural disaster.

RESEARCH SECTION: Inclusive special education: the role of special education teachers in Finland

This study concentrates on the work of special education teachers in mainstream education in Finland, where these professionals work with children from various classes, usually in a separate room. The research reported in this article by Marjatta Takala of the University of Helsinki, Raija Pirttimaa of the University of Oulu and Minna Törmänen, who is studying for her PhD at the University of Helsinki, involved sending a questionnaire to 133 special education teachers and undertaking observations. The work of the special education teachers was revealed to consist of three elements: teaching, consulting and background work. Teaching, often focusing on giving support to children who had challenges in the main academic subjects, was realised in small groups, in co‐operative or individual settings. Consultation mainly concerned co‐operation and discussion. Behavioural challenges needed a targeted approach. The main problems experienced by the teachers were the lack of time for consultation and co‐operation, an unclear work profile and too much work. The work of special education teachers was partly inclusive, but also entailed segregative elements. The authors discuss the potential for promoting further steps towards inclusion as well as possible changes in organising special educational provision at school level.

The role of special education teachers in primary schools in Greece

Over the last 20 years special education teachers have emerged as a distinct but heterogeneous occupational group in Greece. This paper looks at how special education teachers perceive their job and their role. I explore how teachers give meaning to their experiences and how these experiences influence their practice. The different discourses and ambiguities over inclusion, integration and special education indicate the complexity of this area and of teachers’ roles. The uncertainty over their role, the tensions with other professionals and the changing policy context and policy shifts create significant inconsistencies. This paper reveals that teachers are part of a network of professionals with contested interests in the field, and that there are numerous controversies and paradoxes in special education in Greek primary schools. I argue that teachers’ voices can contribute to the current debate about inclusion, and that it could possibly facilitate a change in the nature of debate in Greece.