A Comparative Analysis of Special Educators in Elementary Schools Across the United States

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Using Longitudinal Data Sets to Answer Pressing Questions in Special Education

Abstract

In this study, we use data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 (ECLS-K:2011) to identify key personal and professional characteristics and opinions of special education teachers. Using responses from the Special Education Teacher Questionnaire, administered in the spring of each year, we first calculated frequencies of teacher gender, race and ethnicity, and education level, as well as average case load. Next, we compiled results from teacher responses to job satisfaction statements. We will then control for the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic composition of the schools in which the teachers are employed and compare these results for significant differences in each of the selected variables to further understand the relationship between student and teacher characteristics.

Authors

• Cecelia Gloski, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park

• Paul L. Morgan, The Pennsylvania State University