Show Me, Give Me, Let Me: Educator-Driven Preparation for Teaching Students With Disabilities

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 4 Poster Session

Abstract

Despite attempts by teacher education programs and national organizations to specify the skills and knowledge necessary for general education teachers of students with disabilities, these teachers continue to express feelings of inadequacy and ill-preparedness. This qualitative multiple case draws on the knowledge and experiences of secondary general educators to identify information that can be used for designing better teacher preparation related to students with disabilities. A combination of focus group, individual interview, and classroom observation data yielded recommendations for preservice and in-service teacher preparation under three categories that allow for modification of existing programs rather than program redesigns: SHOW ME examples of inclusive practices, GIVE ME the tools to do them more effectively, and LET ME practice them.

Author

• Amanda Stefanski, University of Maryland