Education Commons^™

Desirability Of Dape: K-12 Administrators Ideal Pe Teachers Candidates And Their Licensure Areas, Dillon R. Martinez, Steve Baule, Ray Martinez

Essays in Education

Abstract In response to persistent teacher shortages in the United States, exacerbated by specific content areas' scarcity, this article explores the desirability of teachers holding licenses in Developmentally Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE) alongside traditional Physical Education (PE) qualifications. A survey conducted among school administrators in Minnesota and Wisconsin reveals that administrators highly favor PE teachers with DAPE licensure, with 88% of respondents expressing a preference for candidates with this dual qualification. This preference arises from the perceived versatility and enhanced value these educators bring to school districts, addressing multiple challenges such as teacher shortages and meeting diverse student needs. The …

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder In A Special Education Classroom: A Reflective Inquiry, Dion J. Barrett Ms.

Essays in Education

Abstract This essay is comprised with reflective experiences with sensory processing disorder (SPD) in the classroom as a new teacher. Challenges that were experienced when navigating SPD and its characteristics. Initially unaware of SPD and its nuanced characteristics, significant hurdles were shared. SPD can be mishandled and mislabeled and can lead to learning barriers and emotional triggers. I describe ways to engaged in appropriate interventions and accommodations that work when applied correctly, timely, and specific. From this experience, I was able to create my own sensory solution that serves the needs of all my sensational learners in the classroom. A …

Enhancing Student Engagement: Exploring The Participating, Investing, And Driving Pathways Of A Continuum Framework, Bryan Matera

Essays in Education

This article examines three levels of student engagement on a specified continuum and includes actionable strategies that can be implemented by practitioners in the field of Education. The writing highlights the three necessary components that lead to increased student engagement and lands on the work of a specific framework to progress this research forward. As students become increasingly involved in their learning experiences and engagement opportunities, students will tend to climb the student engagement continuum toward a more active role in their own learning.

Developmental Achievement Versus Standardized Growth: Common Curricula & The Not So Common Student, Robert J. Howman, Corey Livieri

Essays in Education

Challenged is the presumed value of standardization in public education, especially the notion that student achievement is synonymous with performance on summative criteria insensitive to the unique characteristics of every child. This research was initially conducted during the 2010-11 regular academic year. It has since been replicated with similar results.

The overarching question driving the study: “How do educators effectively meet the individual needs of highly diverse students in this era of standardization?” In other words, how do we maintain the human element of teaching, which is so critical for positive child and adolescent development?

Examined are two team-taught 10 …

Cultivating And Keeping Committed Special Educators: What Principals And District Leaders Can Do, Whitney Moores-Abdool, Jorine Voigt, Lydia Vidal

Essays in Education

For decades, school districts all over the country have struggled with a shortage of special education teachers. Many reasons have been suggested for the problem, but few solutions have been offered. The unique challenges special education teachers confront are frequently minimized by administrators and those in general education. It is thought that because special education teachers have smaller caseloads their work is easier. Contrary to this belief, special education teachers face intense pressure from a variety of sources; which if not adequately addressed leads to burnout. Ultimately, burnout results in special education teacher attrition which is not good for schools …

The Best Of Both Worlds – The Hybrid Program, Hope Jordan, Marcia G. Derrick, Jill Crandell, Rhiannon Schuster

Essays in Education

The special education teacher shortage in the United States is a critical issue and becoming a national crisis. Universities struggle to provide sufficient numbers of trained and licensed teachers to fill this need. These shortages are intensifying as modern universities also struggle with concepts of on-line learning and adult learning styles. The Hybrid Model developed at Regent University, incorporates the best components of the traditional classroom with those of the on-line learning environment, and provides a program resulting in the best of both worlds. This article describes one such model, its successes, and suggestions for on-going improvement.