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IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES: EXAMINING COMMUNICATION AMONG TEACHERS, PARA-EDUCATORS, AND AN EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE
Corresponding Author(s) : Bilal Fayiz Obeidat
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews,
Vol. 8 No. 4 (2020): July
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to explore communication between participating school districts and the Cooperative with regard to the allocation of para-educators in general education classrooms.
Methodology: The study employed a comparative qualitative design. Since the goal of our research is to understand the communication channels and patterns between the Cooperative, general education teachers, and para-educators, we conducted focus group discussions with para-educators, the K-5 general education teachers who work in general education classrooms and the special education teachers.
Main Findings: The cooperative, special education teachers, general education teachers, and para-educators often operated in isolation of one another. Teachers and para-educators work together in the same classrooms but had a clear idea about who was providing the training and information needed to meet the needs of students in special education.
Applications of the study: Frequent communication and enhanced opportunities for planning and training would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of general and special education teachers along with para-educators.
Novelty: The study addressed ways to improve communication between participating school districts and the Cooperative with regard to the allocation of para-educators in general education classrooms. This would provide information about necessary training future para-educators need and expectations for engagement with students.
Keywords
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- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336 (1990).
- Austin, K. (2014). Ten things every paraprofessional wishes you knew! Innovations and Perspectives. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://www.ttacnews.vcu.edu/2014/02/ten-things-every-paraprofessional-wishes-you-knew/
- Billingsley, B. S. (2001). Beginning Special Educators: Characteristics, Qualifications, and Experiences. SPeNSE Summary Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.SPeNSE.org.
- Brown, L., Farrington, K., & Knight, T. (1999). Fewer paraprofessionals and more teachers and therapists in educational programs for students with significant disabilities. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps., 24(4), 250-253. https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.24.4.250 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.24.4.250
- Bushe, G. R. (2013). Dialogic OD: A theory of practice. OD Practitioner, 45(1), 11-17.
- Carroll, D. (2001). Considering paraeducator training, roles, and responsibilities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(2), 60-64. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990103400209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990103400209
- Cegelka, P. A., & Alvarado, J. L. (2000). A best practices model for preparation of rural special education teachers. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 19(3/4), 15. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756870500019003-403 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/8756870500019003-403
- City-Data. (2015). Kansas. from http://www.city-data.com/city/Kansas.html
- Creswell, J. W. (2007). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Creswell, J. W, & J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
- Downing, J., Ryndak, D. L., & Clark, D. M. (2000). Paraeducators in inclusive classrooms: Their own perceptions. Remedial & Special Education, 21(3), 171-181. https://doi.org/10.1177/074193250002100308 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/074193250002100308
- Etscheidt, S. (2005). Paraprofessional services for students with disabilities: A legal analysis of issues. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), 30(2), 60-80. https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.30.2.60 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.30.2.60
- Finkel, E. (2014). Pressure on Paraeducators. District Administration, 50(10), 42-46.
- Floyd, J. (2010). Provocation: Dialogic listening as reachable goal. International Journal of Listening, 24(3), 170-173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2010.513650 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2010.513650
- Giangreco, M. F., Edelman, S. W., & Broen, S. M. (2003). Schoolwide planning to improve paraeducator supports. Exceptional Children, 70(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290307000104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290307000104
- Giangreco, M. F., Edelman, S. W., Broer, S. M., & Doyle, M. B. (2001). Paraprofessional support of students with disabilities: Literature from the past decade. Exceptional Children, 68(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106800103 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106800103
- Guay, D. M. (2003). Paraeducators in art classrooms: Issues of culture, leadership, and special needs. Studies in Art Education, 45(1), 20-39. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2003.11651754 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2003.11651754
- Haselkorn, D., & Fideler, E. (1996). Breaking the class ceiling: Paraeducator pathways to teaching. Belmont, MA: Recruiting New Teachers, Inc.
- Hedman, E., & Gesch-Karamanlidis, E. (2015). Facilitating conversations that matter using coordinated management of meaning theory. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 41-46.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Ammendments of 1997, Pub. L. No. 105-17 § 101 (1997).
- Isaacs, W. N. (1993). Taking flight: Dialogue, collective thinking, and organizational learning. Organizational Dynamics, 22(2), 24-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(93)90051-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(93)90051-2
- Kansas State Department of Education. (2010). Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports: Consideration of replacement core. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://kansasmtss.org/pdf/briefs/Consideration_of_Replacement_Core.pdf
- Kansas State Department of Education. (2013). Kansas K-12 reports. Kansas State Department of Education County, District, and School Reports. from http://uapps.ksde.org/k12/k12.aspx
- Kaplan, G. R. (1977). From Aide to Teacher: The Story of the Career Opportunities Program. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED139798&site=eds-live
- Katz, J. H. (2015). Dialogic organization development: The theory and practice of transformational change. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 53-54.
- Kilbourn, B. (2006). The qualitative doctoral dissertation proposal. The Teachers College Record, 108(4), 529-576. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00660.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00660.x
- Kitzinger, J. (1994). The methodology of focus groups: the importance of interaction between research participants. Sociology of Health and Illness, 16(1), 103-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023
- Krueger, R. A. (2009). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Lapan, S. D., Quartaroli, M. T., & Riemer, F. J. (2012). Qualitative research: An introduction to methods and designs. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Marshak, R. J. (2015). My journey into dialogic organization development. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 47-52.
- Marshak, R. J., & Grant, D. (2008). Organizational discourse and new organization development practices. British Journal Of Management,, 19, S7-S19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2008.00567.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2008.00567.x
- Marshak, R. J., & Bushe, G. R. (2013). An introduction to advances in dialogic organization development. OD practitioner, 45(1), 1-4.
- Grant, D., & Marshak, R. J. (2011). Toward a discourse-centered understanding of organizational change. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences, 47(2), 204-235. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886310397612 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886310397612
- Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2011). Designing qualitative research (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Merriam, S. B. & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons.
- Merriam, S. B. & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons (Fourth).
- Moroco, L. (2008). Unconventional dialogic distinctions 'between' Buber and Bakhtin. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Conference, Hammond, Louisiana. Article retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=44852087&site=eds-live
- Mueller, P. H. (2002). The paraeducator paradox. Exceptional Parent, 32(9), 64-67.
- No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 101-110 (2002).
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
- Pickett, A. L. (1989). Restructuring the schools: The role of paraprofessionals. Washington D.C.: Center for Policy Research, National Governors' Association.
- Rajhans, K. (2012). Effective organizational communication: A key to employee motivation and performance. Interscience Management Review, 2(2).
- Rude, H., Jackson, L., Correa, S., & Luckner, J. (2005). Perceived needs of students with low-incidence disabilities in rural areas. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 24(3), 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/875687050502400302 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/875687050502400302
- Silverman, D. (2013). Doing qualitative research (4th ed.). Los Angeles; London; New Delhi; Singapore; Washington D.C.: Sage.
- Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Wallace, T., Shin, J. H., Bartholomay, T., & Stahl, B. J. (2001). Knowledge and skills for teachers supervising the work of paraprofessionals. Exceptional Children, 67(4), 520-533. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106700406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106700406
- Wortham, S. (2011). Wondering about dialogic theory and practice. Journal of Russian & East European Psychology, 49(2), 71-76. https://doi.org/10.2753/RPO1061-0405490211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2753/RPO1061-0405490211
References
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336 (1990).
Austin, K. (2014). Ten things every paraprofessional wishes you knew! Innovations and Perspectives. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://www.ttacnews.vcu.edu/2014/02/ten-things-every-paraprofessional-wishes-you-knew/
Billingsley, B. S. (2001). Beginning Special Educators: Characteristics, Qualifications, and Experiences. SPeNSE Summary Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.SPeNSE.org.
Brown, L., Farrington, K., & Knight, T. (1999). Fewer paraprofessionals and more teachers and therapists in educational programs for students with significant disabilities. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps., 24(4), 250-253. https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.24.4.250 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.24.4.250
Bushe, G. R. (2013). Dialogic OD: A theory of practice. OD Practitioner, 45(1), 11-17.
Carroll, D. (2001). Considering paraeducator training, roles, and responsibilities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(2), 60-64. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990103400209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990103400209
Cegelka, P. A., & Alvarado, J. L. (2000). A best practices model for preparation of rural special education teachers. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 19(3/4), 15. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756870500019003-403 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/8756870500019003-403
City-Data. (2015). Kansas. from http://www.city-data.com/city/Kansas.html
Creswell, J. W. (2007). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Creswell, J. W, & J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Downing, J., Ryndak, D. L., & Clark, D. M. (2000). Paraeducators in inclusive classrooms: Their own perceptions. Remedial & Special Education, 21(3), 171-181. https://doi.org/10.1177/074193250002100308 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/074193250002100308
Etscheidt, S. (2005). Paraprofessional services for students with disabilities: A legal analysis of issues. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), 30(2), 60-80. https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.30.2.60 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.30.2.60
Finkel, E. (2014). Pressure on Paraeducators. District Administration, 50(10), 42-46.
Floyd, J. (2010). Provocation: Dialogic listening as reachable goal. International Journal of Listening, 24(3), 170-173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2010.513650 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2010.513650
Giangreco, M. F., Edelman, S. W., & Broen, S. M. (2003). Schoolwide planning to improve paraeducator supports. Exceptional Children, 70(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290307000104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290307000104
Giangreco, M. F., Edelman, S. W., Broer, S. M., & Doyle, M. B. (2001). Paraprofessional support of students with disabilities: Literature from the past decade. Exceptional Children, 68(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106800103 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106800103
Guay, D. M. (2003). Paraeducators in art classrooms: Issues of culture, leadership, and special needs. Studies in Art Education, 45(1), 20-39. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2003.11651754 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2003.11651754
Haselkorn, D., & Fideler, E. (1996). Breaking the class ceiling: Paraeducator pathways to teaching. Belmont, MA: Recruiting New Teachers, Inc.
Hedman, E., & Gesch-Karamanlidis, E. (2015). Facilitating conversations that matter using coordinated management of meaning theory. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 41-46.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Ammendments of 1997, Pub. L. No. 105-17 § 101 (1997).
Isaacs, W. N. (1993). Taking flight: Dialogue, collective thinking, and organizational learning. Organizational Dynamics, 22(2), 24-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(93)90051-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(93)90051-2
Kansas State Department of Education. (2010). Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports: Consideration of replacement core. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://kansasmtss.org/pdf/briefs/Consideration_of_Replacement_Core.pdf
Kansas State Department of Education. (2013). Kansas K-12 reports. Kansas State Department of Education County, District, and School Reports. from http://uapps.ksde.org/k12/k12.aspx
Kaplan, G. R. (1977). From Aide to Teacher: The Story of the Career Opportunities Program. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED139798&site=eds-live
Katz, J. H. (2015). Dialogic organization development: The theory and practice of transformational change. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 53-54.
Kilbourn, B. (2006). The qualitative doctoral dissertation proposal. The Teachers College Record, 108(4), 529-576. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00660.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00660.x
Kitzinger, J. (1994). The methodology of focus groups: the importance of interaction between research participants. Sociology of Health and Illness, 16(1), 103-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023
Krueger, R. A. (2009). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lapan, S. D., Quartaroli, M. T., & Riemer, F. J. (2012). Qualitative research: An introduction to methods and designs. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Marshak, R. J. (2015). My journey into dialogic organization development. OD Practitioner, 47(2), 47-52.
Marshak, R. J., & Grant, D. (2008). Organizational discourse and new organization development practices. British Journal Of Management,, 19, S7-S19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2008.00567.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2008.00567.x
Marshak, R. J., & Bushe, G. R. (2013). An introduction to advances in dialogic organization development. OD practitioner, 45(1), 1-4.
Grant, D., & Marshak, R. J. (2011). Toward a discourse-centered understanding of organizational change. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences, 47(2), 204-235. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886310397612 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886310397612
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2011). Designing qualitative research (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Merriam, S. B. & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons.
Merriam, S. B. & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons (Fourth).
Moroco, L. (2008). Unconventional dialogic distinctions 'between' Buber and Bakhtin. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Conference, Hammond, Louisiana. Article retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=44852087&site=eds-live
Mueller, P. H. (2002). The paraeducator paradox. Exceptional Parent, 32(9), 64-67.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 101-110 (2002).
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Pickett, A. L. (1989). Restructuring the schools: The role of paraprofessionals. Washington D.C.: Center for Policy Research, National Governors' Association.
Rajhans, K. (2012). Effective organizational communication: A key to employee motivation and performance. Interscience Management Review, 2(2).
Rude, H., Jackson, L., Correa, S., & Luckner, J. (2005). Perceived needs of students with low-incidence disabilities in rural areas. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 24(3), 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/875687050502400302 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/875687050502400302
Silverman, D. (2013). Doing qualitative research (4th ed.). Los Angeles; London; New Delhi; Singapore; Washington D.C.: Sage.
Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Wallace, T., Shin, J. H., Bartholomay, T., & Stahl, B. J. (2001). Knowledge and skills for teachers supervising the work of paraprofessionals. Exceptional Children, 67(4), 520-533. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106700406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290106700406
Wortham, S. (2011). Wondering about dialogic theory and practice. Journal of Russian & East European Psychology, 49(2), 71-76. https://doi.org/10.2753/RPO1061-0405490211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2753/RPO1061-0405490211