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Full-Text Articles in Education
A Preliminary Study: Do Alternative Certification Route Programs Develop The Necessary Skills And Knowledge In Assistive Technology?, Sherry Mee Bell, David F. Cihak, Sharon Judge
A Preliminary Study: Do Alternative Certification Route Programs Develop The Necessary Skills And Knowledge In Assistive Technology?, Sherry Mee Bell, David F. Cihak, Sharon Judge
Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications
A large number of special education teachers in the United States are prepared in alternative certification programs and insufficient empirical information exists regarding their knowledge of assistive technology. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of alternatively licensed special education teachers' knowledge, experience, and confidence with assistive technology. One-hundred twenty-three special education teachers who were enrolled in an alternative license program were surveyed. The data indicated a significant positive relation between teachers' knowledge/usage and their confidence with assistive technology (r = .74; p < .01). In addition, the extent to which the teachers' perceived barriers to integrating assistive technology in the classroom were moderated by their level of confidence. The results are presented in the context of building special education teachers' knowledge and skills as well as affective issues regarding assistive technology.
Special Education Teacher Tenacity: The Leadership And Commitment Of Those Who Stay In The Field, Marilyn Shea
Special Education Teacher Tenacity: The Leadership And Commitment Of Those Who Stay In The Field, Marilyn Shea
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Those who choose to teach special education have accepted some of the most challenging jobs teaching has to offer. Unfortunately for their students, almost half of special education teachers leave the profession within their first five years (Singer, 1992). Finding and keeping qualified special education teachers in positions working with more challenging students has become a national problem. Through qualitative interviews, this study examines the stories of 14 Colorado special educators. These teachers have demonstrated their commitment to the field by teaching for four or more years. Their stories give valuable insight into the issue of teacher commitment in difficult …