Special Education Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Applying Evidence-Based Practices Based on the Torres Model and its Impact on Improving the Teaching Competencies of Special Education Teachers

The use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in the field of special education requires full awareness from special education teachers of how to choose and successfully apply EBPs, which contribute greatly to improving the learning outcomes of their students and may even contribute more to raising the level of teaching competencies (TCs) in these teachers. The current research aimed to apply EBPs according to the Torres model (TM) and examine their impact on improving TCs. The sample consisted of 64 special education teachers in Al-Ahsa. The research employed a quasi-experimental approach using components developed by the researcher: a card of EBPs evaluation, a scale of TCs, and a training program. The results showed the superiority of the first experimental group (which was trained according to the TM) over the second group (which was trained in the usual way) in applying EBPs and TCs. The research recommended the importance of knowledge and application of the TM by special education teachers to ensure the successful practice of EBPs with their students and to raise the level of teachers' TCs. Keywords: Evidence-based practices, Torres model, Teaching competencies, Special education teachers, Saudi Arabia

Implementing assessment protocols in compulsory school for students with intellectual disabilities: challenges and opportunities for teachers educating students with intellectual disabilities

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of integrating structured assessment protocols within the Japanese lesson study (JLS) framework in Swedish Compulsory School for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (CSSID). The purpose is to explore whether such integration can enhance teachers’ professional certainty in assessing and supporting students with intellectual disability (ID), aligning educational practices with inclusive legislative mandates.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized structured assessment protocols during lesson study cycles, where teachers observed and discussed research lessons based on predefined learning objectives. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment protocols and post-lesson discussions, then analyzed using narrative and descriptive statistical methods.FindingsThe integration of structured assessment protocols in lesson studies enhanced teachers’ focus and clarity in assessing and supporting students with ID, improving their perceptions of student engagement, interest and understanding. However, challenges in adapting the protocols to varied teaching contexts and student needs limited the overall impact on professional certainty.Practical implicationsThis study examines the adaptability of integrating lesson study with assessment protocols in special education settings. It demonstrates that structured assessment protocols used within the lesson study process provide a common focus on academic achievements for students with ID.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field by demonstrating the potential of modifying traditional lesson study approaches to include structured assessment protocols, particularly in the context of special education. It highlights the need for ongoing professional development and sustainable assessment strategies that support the diverse learning needs of students with ID.

Validation and reliability of teleaudiology approach among deaf or hard of hearing school age children in Malaysia: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the implementation of teleaudiology in Malaysia's Special Education Service Centre (SESC), aiming to optimize audiological services. Design Using a cross-sectional design, the research compared the outcomes of audiological tests conducted via teleaudiology and traditional methods on deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) school-age children. Study Sample The study included 25 students for validation, 5 for reliability, and 5 educational audiologists and facilitators. Results The results demonstrated high validation and reliability values for video otoscopy, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, and pure tone audiometry. Intra-rater reliability was consistently high. In terms of testing duration, the conventional approach took an average of 3.32 minutes longer than teleaudiology. Conclusion The successful implementation of teleaudiology in the SESC catered to the audiological needs of the DHH population and fostered professional collaboration, potentially benefiting educational audiologists.

Embracing the New Normal or Clinging to the Past? Digital Anxiety Among Elementary School Teachers in Post-COVID Taiwan

AbstractThis study investigates the extent of digital anxiety among elementary school teachers in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in the context of the post-COVID new normal. Specifically, the study employs the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to measure the level of anxiety experienced by teachers in adapting to digital teaching methods. The online survey was conducted in November 2021, and 358 valid responses were obtained from Hsinchu City. The results of the survey provides insights into the challenges that teachers face in adapting to the new normal and the impact of digital anxiety on their change of teaching. Result reveals that when going back to teaching face-to-face, teachers’ levels of depression, anxiety, and stress soon returned to normal. However, the stress of teachers without kids and special education teachers dropped dramatically. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of digital anxiety among elementary school teachers in Hsinchu City and offers recommendations for supporting teachers' well-being and promoting effective digital teaching practices in the post-COVID era.

Reverse Career Fairs in Rural Areas for Postsecondary Transitions for Students With Disabilities

For students with disabilities in rural locations, there can be unique barriers related to postsecondary transition. Reverse Career Fairs (RCFs), wherein employers take the role of attendees and students with disabilities focus on showcasing their skills and talents, are one way to provide students with experiences that support evidence-based predictors of post-school outcomes. An option for navigating these barriers is described through a framework used to foster postsecondary transitions for students with disabilities in rural settings through the implementation of RCFs. RCFs provide inclusive postsecondary opportunities by restructuring traditional approaches to career exploration and promoting meaningful connections between students with disabilities and prospective employers. A framework identifying key role groups and phases in facilitating an RCF and pilot results of one Special Education Regional Technical Assistance Center are provided.

Digital Media and EdTech-Based Instruction for Students and Teachers with Disabilities in Jordan

There is a need for evaluations to help us understand the associations found in research on special education and new media. The researcher in this study explores the role of digital media in public education, with a specific emphasis on the role of digital media in the education of students with special needs and other types of disabilities. We used qualitative studies for our investigation. Under this pedagogical framework, it will provide helpful materials for digital media teachers and students who may not be fully aware of the benefits and significance of special education in the context of digital media instruction and education. Because there aren't enough studies on the subject, the sample size for this article is 12. The special edition on digital media and educational technology-based education for children with impairments. Initially, the selected pieces were dispersed in 2020 and 2022. Information required for the review's assessment was assembled by classifying the collected data according to the review's rubric. The review is the most useful tool for this assessment since it provides the best method for arranging both large amounts of data and personal judgments. In addition to describing how instructors and library media workers may work together to address the needs of children with disabilities, this article gives an overview of both physical and digital access to the library's resources. Research conducted by specialists has shown a positive correlation between all of these biomarkers.

Effects of a classwide reading intervention on reading fluency and comprehension of content area text with students in middle school

Partner reading with paragraph shrinking has been shown to be an effective classwide reading intervention in elementary school, but has yet to be studied with eighth-grade students or with content area reading such as science and social studies. The current study examined the effects of implementing the classwide intervention for 3 wk with 86 students in eighth grade that were randomly assigned to the treatment or a control group. The intervention led to significantly higher oral reading fluency (η2 = .49), and higher scores on a researcher-created maze test for science (η2 = .10) and social studies (η2 = .13). Student variables (i.e., receiving English as a second language services, special education, or a free or reduced-price lunch) did not predict student outcomes and added negligible to small amounts of variance. Therefore, the effects seemed to be positive regardless of student-level factors. Potential implications for practice and research are included.

Tingkat Kemampuan Melempar Bola Pada Permainan Bocce Anak Tuna Grahita Ringan Peserta Didik Putri (SDLB) Negeri Wiradesa Kabupaten Pekalongan

Special Education is intended for students who experience difficulties in the learning process due to physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, or social disorders, or have extraordinary intelligence and talent potential (National Education System Law of 2003). Children with physical, cognitive, and behavioural disorders generally receive educational services at Special Schools (SLB), which are special schools for children with special needs. This study used a "One Group Pretest - Posttest" design with a sample size of 10 female students in elementary school. Before being given treatment, an initial measurement of gross motor skills was carried out on moderately mentally retarded students at SLB Negeri Wiradesa with light warm-ups. Furthermore, bocce games were given as a treatment to train gross motor skills. After that, re-measurements were carried out to see changes in gross motor skills, referred to as final tests. The results of the study showed that bocce games could improve the gross motor skills of moderately mentally retarded students in Physical Education subjects at SLB Negeri Wiradesa, especially for female students.

INVESTIGATION OF PLAY TEACHING SELF-EFFICACY OF TEACHERS WORKING IN PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This study aims to understand the level of teacher's play teaching self-efficacy and the relationship between the level of self-efficacy and demographic characteristics. In the descriptive type, research is organised using the relational screening model. 100 teachers in preschool special education facilities connected to Istanbul's Ministry of National Education participated in the study. The "Personal Information Form" and the "Preschool Play Teaching Self-Efficacy Questionnaire" are used to gather research data. The data was analysed using statistical analysis. Based on the survey results, it was determined that play teaching self-efficacy is highly valued among preschool special education instructors working in institutions.

What Is Known About Curriculum Modifications? A Scoping Literature Review

Modifying the curriculum is a common practice used to support students with individual education plans (IEPs). All 13 provinces and territories in Canada (and their associated federally run schools) permit the use of curriculum modifications yet, despite their frequent use, the efficacy of this long-standing practice has rarely been studied. This scoping literature review maps what is currently known about curriculum modifications. Findings reveal two significant issues with the terminology used in the existing literature—inconsistent use of terms and conflation of terms. Additionally, the limited research available reports that while some students identified as having intellectual disability may benefit from modified curricula in certain contexts, other groups of students may experience harm. These findings lay a foundation for future research on curriculum modifications, an area that warrants urgent attention from the anti-oppression movement within special education.

How Principals Decide Which Students With Disability Sit Standardised Tests and the Implications for School Accountability*

Whether students with disability should be included in standardised testing is a contentious issue. In this study, we provide the first empirical evidence on what happens when principals are given discretion over exempting students with disability. Using population administrative data of children with teacher‐identified low‐moderate disability, we find evidence of widespread exempting in their first national test (at 8–9 years old). Those who receive special education funding, a visible flag of disability, are 30 percentage points less likely to sit, controlling for teacher‐assessed student capabilities. We find no evidence that that the rate of indiscriminate exempting is linked to school competition, but find instead that it is linked to the presence of learning impediments. While not impacting overall school accountability, such behaviour potentially compromises accountability for special education programs and sends a bad signal to students with learning impairments.

‘Most of the time, I am the three-tiered support system’ – subject teachers’ views on tiered support and part-time special education in lower secondary schools

ABSTRACT This study examines subject teachers’ views on support for learning in mainstream lower secondary schools in Finland. Because Finnish legislation on support for learning changed in 2010, we wanted to explore subject teachers’ views on how support is being delivered in practice. Our data consist of 115 subject teachers’ answers to an electronic questionnaire and were examined using content analysis, complemented with frequencies. The results indicate a need for better resources and for structures that support teacher collaboration in lower secondary schools. Open communication and clearer definitions of subject teachers’ and special education teachers’ (SETs’) roles are also required. According to subject teachers, the most important aspect of SET work is part-time special education, meaning that SETs provide individual support for students. The support system needs to be defined in greater detail to work effectively. However, subject teachers’ attitudes seem inclusive.

Implementation of organizational health literacy depending on school characteristics in Germany

Abstract Background Children and adolescents are important target groups for health promotion measures to sustain a healthy upbringing. Organizational health literacy in schools is a promising environmental intervention to strengthen health literacy in school children. This study examines the relationship between school characteristics and the implementation of organizational health literacy. Methods School principals in Germany were invited to complete a 20-minute online survey between November 2022 and July 2023. An 8-item self-report tool was used to measure organizational health literacy in schools (OHLS-Q-SF) that comprehends eight different areas within schools to become health literate. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out to identify groups according to the composition of the socioeconomic status of the student body. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney-U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. Results 598 school principals (73.6% female, Ø 52.3 years old) who worked at primary schools (49.1%), secondary schools (37%), and special education schools (13.9%) completed the survey. Cluster analysis revealed two groups. The first one (36.8%) contains schools with mainly students with lower socioeconomic status, and the second group (63.2%) contains schools with more students from middle or higher socioeconomic status. The socioeconomic status of students within the schools showed no significant results for any area of organizational health literacy, whereas all eight areas are more likely implemented if the schools already participate in a school health promotion program or network (p < 0.001). Conclusions Participating in a school health promotion program was associated with higher levels of implementation in all areas of organizational health literacy in schools. This finding highlights the importance of those programs. Integrating organizational health literacy into those interventions can be a beneficial approach to sustaining health literate schools. Key messages • Participating in a school health promotion program or network might facilitate schools to become health literate organizations. • In Germany, the socioeconomic status of the students within the schools is not associated with the implementation of organizational health literacy.

The Icehearts Europe Implementation Guide to promote a mentoring programme for youth mental health

Abstract Issue/problem In Europe, 9 million young people (10-19) suffer from mental disorders and 70% of children and adolescents with mental health problems do not receive appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep disorders was observed in the population aged 4-19 years. The Icehearts Europe project (funding: EU4Health 2022 Programme) aims to disseminate at EU level a long-term programme for supporting health and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and adolescents. It is inspired by the Finnish best practice Icehearts, a 12-year long mentoring programme. Five pilot countries (Italy, Denmark, Spain, Slovenia, Estonia) will test the model to raise European awareness of how it works and to get more countries and organisations involved. Description of the problem Icehearts Europe is a preventive mentoring programme based on team sports, recreation and school support activities, with a child-centred community approach. To facilitate its implementation, a practical guide has been developed for grassroots sport and social promotion organisations to help them implement the model in their own contexts. The guide is the result of both a multisectoral cooperation between grassroots sport, health, universities, NGOs, and qualitative study activities (bibliographic research, study visit, group work, analysis of the situation and needs of local contexts). Results From February 2024 the Icehearts Europe Implementation Guide is available in six languages at https://www.icehearts.eu/resources. It is now being adapted by the Icehearts Europe partners into an online training programme for managers. Lessons The guide has incorporated lessons learnt from the Finnish model, considered as an evidence-based approach. It contains several operational tools to implement Icehearts Europe and can be adopted using different approaches: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Key messages • Developed as a support to the Icehearts Europe piloting partners and as a basis for a fully-fledged online training programme for future Icehearts Europe managers. • To facilitate the implementation of early interventions to promote health and wellbeing of children and adolescents and enable them to cope with disadvantaged conditions.

What challenges exist within the child welfare system in meeting the health needs of children in care?

Abstract From society’s perspective, the goal of societal care is to protect disadvantaged children and provide them with improved opportunities. In the realm of social care, the child welfare system takes the place of parental responsibilities to safeguard children’s well-being and developmental needs, including their health. However, while holding child welfare agencies responsible, national legislation often lacks specific methods for fulfilling this mandate. Over the years, evidence has shown that limited health care access and unmet health needs often endure in care. In Sweden, efforts to address the issue include mandatory health assessments upon entry into care and collaborative agreements between social services and health care sectors. However, recent studies reveal that only one-third of children undergo these assessment, and collaborative agreements remain lacking in many local authorities. This suggests that additional legal requirements do not offer a straightforward solution. Dr Forsman, with a background in social work, will discuss the child welfare system’s responsibilities and the traditional reliance on social workers and foster carers to address health needs and coordinate care. What are the underlying barriers to successful advocacy and comprehensive health care coordination within the child welfare system? How can the system better respond to the health needs of children in care?

Having a Trusted Adult in School: Concurrent and Predictive Relations With Internalizing Problems Across Development

Internalizing problems are common mental health concerns among children and youth. Identifying malleable risk factors that are associated with internalizing problems, such as not having a trusted adult at school, can lead to positive behavior supports to reduce student risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between student-reported internalizing problems and having an adult to talk to at school. Students in elementary, middle, and high school ( N = 13,881) in the Midwestern United States provided self-report data about their internalizing symptoms and whether they had an adult to talk to at school if they had a problem. Participants were 51% male and 72% White; 40% qualified for free or reduced lunch and 12% were in special education. A series of growth models revealed that not having a trusted adult at school was a strong risk factor for internalizing symptoms over the school year. Moreover, lack of a trusted adult was associated with worsening internalizing symptoms over time for middle and high school students. The findings have implications for identifying students and planning supports to alleviate this risk.

THE PROBLEM OF DEVELOPING THE RESEARCH COMPETENCE OF SPECIAL EDUCATORS

The article deals with the problem of developing the research competence of special educators. The article analyzes foreign and domestic experiences in the development of research competence. The essence of the concept of research competence is revealed, and its features and capabilities are defined and disclosed. The characteristics of the concepts of competence, competence approach, and research competence are given. Research competence is the formation of skills necessary for carrying out research activities, and the presence of motivation for scientific activity It is characterized by achieving the result necessary to achieve the set goals, planning, designing, conducting research, discussing and demonstrating their results. Research objectives: to identify the theoretical and methodological foundations of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers; to systematize the methodological foundations of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers. The purpose of the study: theoretical methodological substantiation of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers, the development of a methodology and experimental verification of its effectiveness. In order to identify the effectiveness of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers, an ascertaining experiment and a questionnaire survey of students were conducted. Based on the results of the survey, the levels and content of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers were determined. The results have been verified and displayed on the chart.

Kuwaiti Teachers’ Classroom Behavior Management Practices, Experiences, and Beliefs

Recent statistics suggest that student externalizing behaviors are increasing in Western and Asian countries; however, there is a paucity of research on teachers’ perspectives of these behaviors in Middle Eastern countries. A mixed-methods research design was used to investigate Kuwaiti public elementary and middle school teachers’ perceptions of their classroom behavior management (CBM) experiences, including their (a) academic preparation; (b) use of CBM practices to support students with externalizing behaviors; (c) observations of student externalizing behaviors; and (d) perceptions on administrative support and family involvement. Participants included 2,140 general and special education teachers randomly recruited from 45 schools. Results indicated that fewer than half of the teachers surveyed had prior instruction in CBM, reported using a wide variety of CBM practices in response to student behavior problems, and perceived higher levels of administrative support than family involvement. Implications of the study’s findings and suggestions for further research were discussed

A Training Person Need Analysis for Music Teachers Readiness to Teaching Music Vocational for Visually Impaired Student: A Review

Music vocational is a programme that provides students with work, networking and learning activities outside of school through music performance or other musical activities that encourage students to gain some experience in a music industry job setting. However, music vocational education is still developing and is currently trying to reach students with special needs through special schools. The standardised skills that are commonly used and developed in society need to be understood and practised by children with special needs, especially the visually impaired students. However, its programme some case not being executed by the relevant teachers background. This study aims to examine the need for relevant music teachers for the implementation of music vocational training programmes in special education settings. Literature study on this study to explain the standard specifications of music vocational education and training teachers and how to implement vocational or specialised music learning for visually impaired students. The qualitative data show that vocational music education requires teachers with at least two years' experience and knowledge of music and the music industry, as well as several strategies for teaching visually impaired students in vocational music programmes that are directed towards self-determination in preparation for possible future careers.

Debunking neuromyths: Pre‐service teachers' insights on autism spectrum disorder

AbstractTeachers' beliefs in certain neuromyths about neurodevelopmental disorders can negatively impact the educational inclusion of students who present them. This study aims to analyse the prevalence of neuromyths about the health and the emotional competences of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in pre‐service teachers; and to assess the possible contribution of university training to constructing accurate knowledge about autism. This prevalence was compared in three groups of pre‐service teachers: 1st‐year students, 4th‐year students who will be regular teachers and 4th‐year students training to be special education specialists. Additionally, it was proposed to identify the topic with the most myths (health or emotional competences) and the most frequent myths. A validated instrument was completed by 167 pre‐service teachers. Overall, the 4th‐year specialist group had more correct answers and fewer doubts that the 4th‐year regular group, which had more correct answers than the 1st‐year group. The prevalence of errors was not statistically different among the three groups. Moreover, participants answered more questions and made more errors about emotional competences in autism than about health. Among the most frequent myths are those concerning empathy or the cause of ASD. Based on these results, some implications for pre‐service teacher education are discussed.