Licensed Educator Accelerated Pathway: A Responsive Induction Program for New Educators Pursuing Special Education Licensure

• In Event: Teacher Development and Efficacy in Inclusive and Special Education, Paper Session 7

Abstract

This study examines a licensure pathway for mostly paraprofessionals pursuing special education licensure via a teacher induction program (Licensed Educator Accelerated Pathway or LEAP) aligned with new educators’ specific needs. New educators’ sense of efficacy and their use of high leverage practices in the classroom were manifested and met by providing them with innovative supports such as educational preparation including coursework and field experiences, formal mentoring and systematic induction, and supportive administration and working conditions. Results indicated that most of the new educators overwhelming rated positively (i.e., with 15 out of 20 scale items or 75%) pertaining to their personal use and application of high leverage practices in their classrooms. While their sense of efficacy was also very positive (i.e., with 9 out of 12 scale items) concerning their professional ability in three areas: efficacy for classroom management, efficacy to promote student engagement, and efficacy in using instructional strategies.

Authors

• David A Walker, Northern Illinois University

• Laura R Hedin, Northern Illinois University