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.

Third Grade Teachers' Views and Perceptions of the Participation of Students with Disabilities in Statewide Testing

Third Grade Teachers' Views and Perceptions of the Participation of Students with Disabilities in Statewide Testing
Author: Ann Francis McVey
Publisher:
Total Pages: 368
Release: 2008
Genre: Children with disabilities
ISBN:

This qualitative study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the views and perceptions of third grade teachers regarding the participation of students with disabilities in statewide testing. This phenomenological study was prompted by the testing and accountability mandates under No Child Left Behind. Three questions guided this study. First, what are the views and perceptions of third grade teachers regarding the participation of students with learning and language disabilities in statewide testing? Second, what are teachers' perceptions of the intended outcome of increased student achievement? Third, what are the unintended outcomes of statewide testing?Research for this study was conducted with ten third grade general education teachers. Interviews were completed according to a semi-structured format. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Several themes emerged from the analysis of data including testing experience, level of achievement, impact on curriculum, impact on instruction, number of identified students, and instructional setting.The teachers in this study reported that the testing experience for students with disabilities was not always positive. Teachers shared that students with disabilities are often overwhelmed by the testing experience. For the most part, teachers felt that a single standardized test score was not an appropriate measure of a student's level of achievement. Teachers did not feel as if the achievement gap between students with disabilities and students without disabilities was closing. All teachers viewed their curriculum as better aligned to Ohio's Content Standards as a result of mandated testing. They shared mixed results regarding whether the curriculum had expanded or narrowed. Teachers reported that their instructional strategies had changed and that teaching was not as fun for them or for their students as it had once been. More students with disabilities are receiving their instruction in the general education classroom. Most teachers predicted a decline in the number of students identified as having a disability, even though most reported that student needs have increased.The data in this study indicated a need to examine current educational practices. Recommendations for further study include: (a) rethink the school game, (b) examine educational training, and (c) evaluate methods of assessing achievement

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.

Teacher Perceptions of Professional Learning and Mathematics Achievement for Students with IEPs

Teacher Perceptions of Professional Learning and Mathematics Achievement for Students with IEPs
Author: Jennifer Beth Leese
Publisher:
Total Pages: 143
Release: 2015
Genre: Individualized education programs
ISBN:

This mixed method study examined perceptions of general and special education teachers regarding professional learning in regard to the seven professional learning standards as defined by Learning Forward Professional Learning Organization. Furthermore, the study sought to determine what relationship existed between teacher perceptions of professional learning and mathematics achievement for learners with IEPs. Participants included 44 general and special education teachers from grades 4 through 8 who taught mathematics to students with IEPs. Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS) data were used to separate participants into two groups, schools demonstrating growth and schools not demonstrating growth. Data was gathered using the Standards Assessment Inventory 2 (SAI2) online survey from the Learning Forward Center for Results and personal interviews. The instruments elicited teacher responses regarding their perceptions of professional learning. Pearson's Chi-squared test was performed to determine what relationships existed between teacher perceptions of professional learning and mathematics achievement for learners with IEPs. Results of this study suggested that having supportive leadership in a community of learners was important in increasing student achievement. In addition, using a variety of student and teacher data to plan and evaluate professional learning that is connected with school goals was significant. Finally, participants emphasized the importance of differentiated professional learning options that take into consideration teachers' background and individual needs, as well as the needs of their learners, as a key component to increasing mathematics achievement for students with IEPs.

Handbook of Research on Special Education Teacher Preparation

Handbook of Research on Special Education Teacher Preparation
Author: Erica D. McCray
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 728
Release: 2014-03-05
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1136726322

Compilations of research on teacher preparation often include no more than a cursory mention of the specific roles and needs of special education teachers. Although the work that special education teachers perform does indeed differ from the work of classroom teachers, teacher preparation in the two fields has much in common. The purpose of this seven-part handbook is to expand our knowledge of teacher education broadly by providing an in-depth look at the most up-to-date research on special education teacher preparation. Opening chapters ground the collection in political and economic context, while subsequent sections delve deeply into issues related to the current state of our special education workforce and offer insights into how to best prepare and sustain that workforce. Ultimately, by illuminating the particularities of special education teacher preparation, this landmark handbook addresses the state of current research in the field and sets an agenda for future scholarship.