Open AccessIMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES: EXAMINING COMMUNICATION AMONG TEACHERS, PARA-EDUCATORS, AND AN EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE
Author(s) -
Eric Freeman,
Bilal Fayiz Obeidat,
Pamela Martin,
Jennifer Sinclair
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
humanities and social sciences reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2395-6518
DOI - 10.18510/hssr.2020.8433
Subject(s) - special education , novelty , isolation (microbiology) , focus group , mathematics education , work (physics) , psychology , pedagogy , qualitative research , general education , teacher education , medical education , sociology , medicine , engineering , mechanical engineering , social psychology , social science , anthropology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to explore communication between participating school districts and the Cooperative with regard to the allocation of para-educators in general education classrooms.
Methodology: The study employed a comparative qualitative design. Since the goal of our research is to understand the communication channels and patterns between the Cooperative, general education teachers, and para-educators, we conducted focus group discussions with para-educators, the K-5 general education teachers who work in general education classrooms and the special education teachers.
Main Findings: The cooperative, special education teachers, general education teachers, and para-educators often operated in isolation of one another. Teachers and para-educators work together in the same classrooms but had a clear idea about who was providing the training and information needed to meet the needs of students in special education.
Applications of the study: Frequent communication and enhanced opportunities for planning and training would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of general and special education teachers along with para-educators.
Novelty: The study addressed ways to improve communication between participating school districts and the Cooperative with regard to the allocation of para-educators in general education classrooms. This would provide information about necessary training future para-educators need and expectations for engagement with students.