Preparing Special Education Teacher Candidates to Apply Function-Based Observation Skills: A Mixed Methods Exploration

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Three
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT048 (Friday)

Abstract

To support the retention of quality special educators, attention must be given to the challenges novice special educators continue to face regarding student behavior. Providing instruction in function-based data observations is one solution that may support special education teacher candidates in this area by teaching them to view student behavior through a function-based lens. In this proposed study, the author will use a convergent QUAN + QUAL mixed methods design, integrating quantitative and qualitative data with a complementarity rationale in mind. Using semi-structured interviews and a single case multiple baseline design, the author will seek to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of function-based observations on preservice and novice special educator experiences.

Authors

• Samantha T. Gonzalez, Texas A&M University

• Julie Thompson, Texas A&M University