There is a strong connection between word reading and spelling development. Students' spelling can provide insights into their word-level reading skills and inform intensive reading interventions delivered within a data-based individualization framework. The purpose of this article is to describe the linguistic knowledge bases that connect word…

This qualitative case study investigates teachers' perceptions of the Good Behavior Game (GBG) intervention within the context of a special education school. The primary research question guiding this study is: What are school staff's perceptions of the Good Behavior Game in a special education school? The study employs a qualitative approach,…

Special needs education represents an emotion-laden context for teachers. The aim of this study was to analyse the forms and inducers of teachers' emotional labour in this specific context. Using a situational psychological approach, we analysed 167 critical incidents experienced by 50 special education teachers. Qualitative analysis revealed…

Journalists have reported large-scale lead poisoning affecting children in cities such as Flint, Michigan. Unfortunately, children's exposure to lead is not isolated and occurs throughout the country in both urban and rural settings. The effects of lead exposure can cause children to develop disabilities, potentially requiring special education…

Stress management programs have been developed to improve teacher coping and prevent burnout. While many of these programs have promise, few have included special educators in intervention studies. Intervention programs may be beneficial for teachers in special education to increase their awareness of stress and use of coping skills, which in turn…

Special educators are among the countless professionals adversely impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. Before the pandemic, the special education profession was associated with increased occupational stress, anxiety, and job dissatisfaction. As we progress through the first post-pandemic school year, special educators continue…

Caregivers are critical partners in early intervention service delivery; therefore, it is essential to ensure that early intervention practitioners (EIPs) have sufficient training in family-centered strategies to assist families with reaching targeted family and child outcomes. The triadic strategies from the Parents Interacting With Infants…

The problem addressed by this study was the high rates of burnout experienced by special education teachers. Teacher burnout is seen as a problem for districts, schools, and students with disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative explanatory case study was to explore the perceptions of special education teachers in New York State regarding the…

To enhance teacher proficiency, this study explores the possible effects of integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) principles into the early childhood special education (ECSE) curriculum. The present study centers on science literacy's function in enhancing educators' competencies working with young children. A…

The current study introduced and assessed the effectiveness of a multimedia-based instructional strategy to enhance the technology integration self-efficacy of 98 special education pre-service teachers. 78% of participants demonstrated growth in their self-efficacy scores. Specifically, pre-service teachers with initial low and medium…

The field of special education is thought to be a stressful profession due to the complex needs of the students. The current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based smartphone application intervention for reducing burnout in special educators. We used the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scale (with three subscales; personal,…

I'm a special educator whose classroom was next door to the homeroom of my hard of hearing son. I had him as one of my students for special education literacy three times a week. I was fortunate to have the professional background, personal knowledge, and treasured relationships with colleagues -- all of which helped me navigate the experience of…

This dissertation combines three complementary studies that focused on the assessment and determined the quality of the written performance feedback practices and processes used by university supervisors with special education teacher candidates (SETCs) to improve their practice during field experiences. In the first study, a systematic review of…

This applied dissertation was designed to improve the effectiveness of professional educators in using the methodology of functional behavior assessment (FBA) and function assessment-based intervention (FABI) to reduce challenging behaviors exhibited by students with Down syndrome (DS), or a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism spectrum…

COVID-19 shocked the education system, disrupting the policies and practices of special education over multiple school years. This essay brings together the institutional logics perspective and racialized organization theory to first examine aspects of special education and then describe how leaders and teachers can improve special education to…