Teacher Perceptions of the Achievement of Students with Learning Disabilities on Statewide Assessments

Teacher Perceptions of the Achievement of Students with Learning Disabilities on Statewide Assessments
Author: Maryann T. Gromoll
Publisher:
Total Pages: 168
Release: 2008
Genre: Elementary school teachers
ISBN:

Each year as a growing number of students with learning disabilities are included in statewide assessments, teacher perceptions and beliefs toward student achievement are being identified and examined. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) and the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) raise the achievement expectations of students with disabilities and require that teachers are knowledgeable about state academic content and achievement standards (Thompson, Lazarus, Clapper, & Thurlow, 2006). State departments of education are responsible to ensure that teacher competencies and expectations are specific to the achievement of grade level content standards (Thompson, et al., 2006). Educational reform, increased knowledge in the teacher-learning process, and greater access to the general education curriculum require changes in instructional practice. This study investigated special education teachers' perceptions, backgrounds and beliefs related to test performance of third grade students with learning disabilities who passed the reading portion of the state assessment in Florida, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The comparative descriptive research design was used to identify these factors and their effects in the study (Creswell, 2002). Quantitative data collection was used. A survey instrument was developed to include information on teachers' background, beliefs, experience, and perceptions toward statewide assessments. The survey was sent to seventy six third grade teachers of students with learning disabilities. Teachers receiving the survey were categorized into two groups based on the outcome of the 2007 FCAT in reading. Significant differences between teacher responses were found in the areas of professional development for test accommodations, co-teaching, and working with professionals in the general curriculum. Response to survey items on service delivery models indicated that students who spend the majority of time in the general education classroom or in a resource room setting have increased student achievement on statewide assessments. Differences were also found between teachers on questions related to school location, percentage of minority students, students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and positions employees held in education by the teachers in the study. One of the most significant findings of this study concluded that increased time spent in the general education classroom and collaboration of special education teachers with general education staff proved to be most beneficial when addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities and statewide assessment. The concept of teacher knowledge base and continued awareness of perceptions andbeliefs addressed in this study allowed for further research investigations.

Teachers' Perceptions on the Inclusion of Specific Learning Disabled Students in Standards-based, High-stakes Assessments

Teachers' Perceptions on the Inclusion of Specific Learning Disabled Students in Standards-based, High-stakes Assessments
Author: Jean Kepner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 131
Release: 2011
Genre: Educational tests and measurements
ISBN:

This study identified the intended and unintended consequences of high-stakes standardized testing for Specific Learning Disabled students and their seventh and eighth grade general and special education teachers. The research was conducted in four rural, south central school districts in two Pennsylvania counties. Data were collected from 11 special education and 26 general education seventh and eighth grade teachers through the use of online surveys and six teacher interviews. The results indicated that the teachers were dedicated to their profession and their students. They were willing to be held accountable for the academic success of their Specific Learning Disabled students. They were willing to participate in new programs and take on additional teaching responsibilities to assist the students. Results generated by high-stakes standardized testing were viewed as valuable for instruction and progress monitoring. In addition to the benefits of the testing, negative influences were also reported. Poor test results' sanctions were viewed as generating testing anxiety and lowered self-esteem in students and job dissatisfaction for the educators. Students who did not achieve proficient or advanced scores on the testing were not provided with educational opportunities that were available to their peers who did achieve advanced or proficient scores. Most of the teachers believed in the necessity of the testing for their SLD students, but did not feel that its benefits outweighed its detractions.

Teachers' Stance Towards Learning Disabilities

Teachers' Stance Towards Learning Disabilities
Author: Jung Gyung Sung
Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2010
Genre: Education
ISBN: 3825817873

Teachers' ways of thinking and understanding affect the way in which they shape their teaching practice. Knowing the beliefs and perceptions behind teacher action give us valuable insights into what occurs in the classroom. On the example of Korea, this book investigates the stance (Haltung) that teachers - particularly special education teachers - take about how and why their students are failing and how they might be helped.