Preparing Preservice Teachers for Inclusion Through Introductory Special Education Course: A Delphi Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Special Education Teacher Preparation: Moving Toward a Just Future (Table 4)

Abstract

Introductory special education courses taken by preservice teachers can be used to enhance inclusive education, preparing them to educate students with disabilities within general education settings. A Delphi study was conducted to query experts in inclusive education and teacher preparation about the purpose, content, and assignments of the introductory special education course. Preliminary results obtained from two rounds of surveys were described. These results imply that the course should focus less on teaching disability categories and more on practicing instructional strategies and understanding inclusive education as a pursuit of justice in education.

Authors

• Geonhwa Kim, University of Kansas

• Jennifer A. Kurth, University of Kansas