Developing Simulations to Support Preservice General Educator Collaborative Practice During Individualized Education Program Meetings

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Preparing the Next Generation of Experts

Abstract

General educators are the first-line gatekeeps for students’ entry into special education, making approximately 90% of initial referrals for services. This highlights the necessity for general educators to have the collaborative skills, advocacy skills, and racial literacy necessary to make recommendations that disrupt existing inequities. Limited studies exist that document the type and quality of professional development in special education that pre-service general educators receive in their teacher development programs, particularly related to their preparation to participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. This raises the question, how do we develop practice-based opportunities to support PSTs’ ability to collaborate with parents and colleagues across difference?

Author

• Ebony Perouse-Harvey, Southern Connecticut State University