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The Impact Of Initial Field Experience On Preservice Teachers’ Attitude Toward Inclusion., Peggy Gill, Ross Sherman, Cynthia Sherman

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the United States, up to 50% of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years (Smith & Ingersoll, 2004). This unacceptable level of sustainability of the profession is of concern to both teacher preparation institutions and the local education agencies. This paper looks at one factor that may impact the sustainability of current teacher preparation models: attitudes toward inclusion of students with disabilities in the mainstream classroom. Participants in the study were currently enrolled in 3 different phases of a teacher preparation programmes at a regional university in the United States. A survey was administered at the beginning and …