ERIC Number: EJ1118469
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2167-8693
EISSN: N/A
A Mixed-Methods Study Assessing Special Education Preservice Candidates' Preparedness for Their First Year of Teaching
Tillman, Beverly A.; Richards, Stephen B.; Frank, Catherine Lawless
Journal of Educational Research and Practice, v1 n1 p50-66 2011
This study employed a Likert-type survey, "Praxis/Pathwise" written observations, as well as guided and open-ended reflections to assess the perceptions of preparedness for the first year of teaching for special education student teaching candidates. Cooperating teachers completed the survey and "Praxis/Pathwise" observations. University supervisors completed "Praxis/Pathwise" observations and responded to and analyzed guided and open-ended reflections. The survey instrument was based on the research literature and included responsibilities typically required of special educators (e.g., completing paperwork, planning, assessment, etc.). Results indicated general congruence among the three data sources, but also indicated that two cooperating teachers were reluctant to provide negative feedback, indicating to university supervisors a need to provide guidance and assurance of the value of providing less positive assessments of their student teachers' preparedness. This ongoing research study supports efforts toward accreditation and program improvement. The methods may be generalized to other programs, even when the actual data collection instruments may differ.
Descriptors: Mixed Methods Research, Special Education, Feedback (Response), Cooperating Teachers, Guidance, Likert Scales, Special Education Teachers, Student Teachers, Student Evaluation, Supervisors, Teacher Education, Accreditation (Institutions), Program Improvement, Teacher Educators, Beginning Teachers, Teacher Evaluation, Student Surveys, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A