Assessment of Ethical Leadership Components in the Education of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• In Event: Roundtable Session 56
  In Roundtable Session: Leading for Inclusivity and Diversity

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study explored the relationships between ethical leadership among superintendents in Texas and the implementation of comprehensive professional development education of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the development of effective learning environments, and graduation rates of students with ASD. Within the state of Texas, there is a prevalence of ASD across its 11 service regions and it appears densely diagnosed in the Texas Metroplex (24,400) and Gulf Coast (21,600) areas (Texas National Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 2012). The researchers contacted all superintendents located in these regions to participate in this study. The researchers conducted a multiple linear regression analysis which revealed comprehensive professional development as the best predictor of graduation rates for students with ASD.

Authors

• Lisa D. Hobson, Prairie View A&M University

• Tamiko Frank, Galena Park Independent School District

• Laxley W. Rodney, Prairie View A&M University