Date of Award
Spring 2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education Policy, Planning, and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Merry Staulters, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Beatrice Adera, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Lesley Siegel, Ph.D.
Abstract
High school-aged students who qualify for special education services with the disability of Emotional Disturbance (ED) are at elevated risk of experiencing negative school and life consequences (Balagna et al., 2013; Billingsley & Bettini, 2019; Maag, 2006). Likewise, special education teachers who instruct this population of students are at greater risk of leaving the occupation within the first couple of years (Billingsley & Bettini, 2019; Cancio et al., 2018). These two alarming trends create the need for research to provide insight into how retention can be increased and attrition can be reduced for Emotional Support Teachers (ESTs). This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design by conducting (1) a questionnaire, (2) semi-structured focus groups, and (3) final clarifying questions with both novice and veteran ESTs. Billingsley’s (1993) framework on the factors that impact attrition and retention and Ryan and Deci’s (2000) motivation theory guide this dissertation study to understand what strengths and challenges the participants perceive to face. This study will provide educational decision-makers and policymakers with implications to reduce the frequent teacher turnover for students with ED.
Recommended Citation
Severino, Brittany, "The Strengths and Challenges Perceived by Special Education Teachers of Students with Emotional Disturbance: A Mixed Methods Study" (2021). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 97.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/97
Included in
Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons