This exploratory, mixed-method study investigated how strength-based approach to mathematics instruction (SBAMI) influences the academic optimism of general education and special education pre-service teachers (PSTs). Academic optimism, linked to student achievement in previous research, was used as the theoretical framework. Data included…

The well-being of special education teachers is paramount to ensuring a high-quality and sustainable education system for students with disabilities (Sawatske et al., 2024). The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore, in a large, southeast Texas school district, the perceptions of secondary special education teachers…

This mixed-methods ethnological research study examined general education and special education teachers' perceptions of preparedness to include students with significant behavioral disabilities in the general education environment. The study used concepts within social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) to understand possible connections between…

The rapid growth of academic occupational therapy programs in the United States, combined with an increase in senior faculty retirement, requires a new, growing, robust and well-prepared faculty workforce. In addition to the growth of programs, faculty shortages necessitate proactive strategies for preparing transitioning clinicians for successful…

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…

The study explores and compares current teacher competencies as well as their concerns relating to behaviour management practices with students in a sample of Thai classrooms. Four hundred twenty teachers from public schools including general schools and special education schools were randomly selected and invited to participate in the study. A…

This article presents engaging and practical methods of helping educators to "remix" the evidence-based and high-leverage practices they are already familiar with to include the new capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). Transformational modern technologies can be powerful and disruptive, possessing the potential to impact…

Early childhood special education (ECSE) professionals were forced to drastically change their methods of providing services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted ECSE professionals both personally and professionally. ECSE professionals…

This dissertation presents a qualitative study investigating the challenges encountered by Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teachers during the dynamic landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants, comprising ECSE teachers, shared their experiences, highlighting key themes such as transparent decision-making, a yearning for…

The Conservative Dual Criteria (CDC) method is known to improve decision-making accuracy in users when interpreting graphed data. The effectiveness of this method with in-service special education teachers, however, has not been investigated. The present study examined the effects of a virtual training package designed to improve the data-based…

Drawing on eight waves of the Schools and Staffing Survey and the National Teacher and Principal Survey, we used a difference-in-differences research design to examine special education teachers' (SETs) responses to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the subsequent reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA was…

Considering the significance of integrating students with disabilities into general education classes in Mississippi, it is critical to identify the methods by which co-teachers report working together, whether they have obtained the needed professional development, and which teaching model they employ in the inclusion classroom. This data can…

As more students consistently access the general education classroom as their least restrictive environment (LRE), the responsibility of Individual Education Plan implementation (IEP) is up to the general and special education teachers. Previous studies indicated that communication characteristics between general and special education teachers…

The aim of this quantitative survey study (N = 287) was to investigate the assessment conceptions of three different pre-service teacher groups (classroom teachers, subject teachers and special needs teachers). Assessment conceptions were best described by the following three main factors: 1) assessment of learning, 2) assessment for teaching and…

Considering the salience of emotions in their work, special educators should think of them as an important source of data to inform and improve their practice. Special educators' emotions and emotional labor are a rich and accessible form of data that can directly inform their delivery of high-quality instruction. Although special educators…