Current Search: special education leadership (x)
View All Items
(1 - 9 of 9)
- Title
- PRINCIPALS' APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE TO THE STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
- Creator
-
Bugden, Lisa, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was developed to determine middle school principals' knowledge about the structure of the special education program in their schools and the support given to the personnel who serve students with disabilities in that program. The principals' knowledge was compared to the application of their knowledge to determine if principals were applying what they knew when making decisions about structuring and supporting the special education program in the school and the teachers and...
Show moreThis study was developed to determine middle school principals' knowledge about the structure of the special education program in their schools and the support given to the personnel who serve students with disabilities in that program. The principals' knowledge was compared to the application of their knowledge to determine if principals were applying what they knew when making decisions about structuring and supporting the special education program in the school and the teachers and staff who work within the programs. In addition, various personal and school factors were analyzed to determine if any of these variables were significant in explaining any differences that were found between the principals' knowledge and application of their knowledge. Finally, the principals' innovativeness was determined, and the factors in common to the groups of principals who were most and least innovative were analyzed. When the data were analyzed, a statistically significant difference was found between reported knowledge and application of knowledge. None of the school and personal variables explained this difference. A statistically significant difference existed between the two groups of principals found to be most and least innovative. When analyzed, several school and personal variables were found to possibly explain the difference, and a profile was proposed for each group. The variables included gender, subject area taught, number of years as a professional educator, number of years since completing educational leadership training, number of years as a principal, primary source of information for structuring the special education program at their school, school size, district size, and types of classes offered to students with disabilities. Further research is needed to confirm these profiles and recommendations for future research are included.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001838, ucf:47356
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001838
- Title
- Examining Practices of Elementary School Principals: Selection of Co-teaching Teams.
- Creator
-
Tejeda, Jeannette, Martin, Suzanne, Reyes, Maria, Dieker, Lisa, Uhle, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of urban elementary school principals in relation to co-teaching and their co-teacher selection process. Three elementary school principals who exemplify characteristics of shared, ethical, and transformational leadership from a large urban school district in the southern United States were interviewed. The findings from the interviews were utilized to create a Likert-type survey to be administered to select co-teachers and select...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of urban elementary school principals in relation to co-teaching and their co-teacher selection process. Three elementary school principals who exemplify characteristics of shared, ethical, and transformational leadership from a large urban school district in the southern United States were interviewed. The findings from the interviews were utilized to create a Likert-type survey to be administered to select co-teachers and select teachers not co-teaching at each of the three schools. The interview data were examined using Hycner's guidelines for phenomenological analysis. The Likert-type surveys administered to co-teachers and teachers not co-teaching served as sources of information for triangulation. The findings of the study led to the emergence of 13 themes addressing the three research questions. The resulting themes were (a) open communication with staff, (b) team approach to decision-making, (c) teacher leadership, (d) parental involvement encouraged, (e) positive relationship with staff, (f) professional growth encouraged, (g) volunteers selected for co-teaching, (h) co-teachers select partners, (i) co-teaching option presented to entire teaching staff, (j) personal involvement in co-teaching selection process, (k) multifaceted selection criteria, (l) principals involved teachers in the pairing procedure, and (m) recruitment procedures were aligned with best practices. This study has contributed additional evidence supportive of best practices in co-teaching and leadership and suggests a link between effective leadership practices and the facilitation of co-teaching teams and co-teacher selection processes. Recommendations for future research address the areas of (a) principal experience, (b) length of co-teaching model, (c) principal personal involvement, (d) study participant size, (e) study subjects, and (f) link between leadership practices and co-teaching selection procedures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006012, ucf:51005
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006012
- Title
- The Experiences of School Leaders who Promote Achievement Among Students with Disabilities.
- Creator
-
Wells, Eric, Martin, Suzanne, Boote, David, Little, Mary, Steinke, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Stagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school...
Show moreStagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school performance (Waters, Marzano, (&) McNulty, 2003). Very few researchers have investigated that experience as it relates to high achievement for students with disabilities. Yet, policy in the field has shifted to emphasize outcomes for students with disabilities (Hehir, 2014). As such, it has become critical to examine the experience of those who have successfully helped their schools produce high levels of achievement among students with disabilities. The purpose of the study was to document the lived experiences of school leaders who were helping their population of students with disabilities achieve high outcomes on state required testing. The researcher interviewed principals who had led their schools to achieve exemplary results with students with disabilities according to the AMO data maintained by the FLDOE. Results and discussion are included for each of the research questions along with implications of the findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006417, ucf:51475
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006417
- Title
- EXAMINING THE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LEADERS AS THEY RELATE TO SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.
- Creator
-
Steinke, Kimberly, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÂÂÂÂ"person in chargeÂÂÂÂ" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life....
Show moreAs academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÂÂÂÂ"person in chargeÂÂÂÂ" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life. Educational leaders today face a significant amount of pressure to improve the quality of education at all levels and across all disciplines. While school leaders face the pressures of No Child Left Behind in terms of increased student performance, they must also be concerned about serving students with disabilities appropriately. The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and practices that effective school leaders in a large urban school district revealed in the specific area of serving students with disabilities. An examination of the school leaderÂÂÂÂ's beliefs and knowledge in relation to the leadership practices put in place at their schools when serving students with disabilities was completed. Identification of a relationship between the leaderÂÂÂÂ's beliefs and practices as associated with the leaderÂÂÂÂ's prior education and leadership experience was possible. Finally, through a grounded theory perspective, the researcher discovered specific practices put in place by these effective school leaders that can be generalized to other school settings under fellow school leaders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003038, ucf:48340
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003038
- Title
- Urban School Principal Rated as Highly Effective: Support and Culture for Co-teaching Teams.
- Creator
-
San, Michelle, Martin, Suzanne, Dieker, Lisa, Lue, Martha, Uhle, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The recent revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) promoted a movement toward meaningful inclusion, which has led to an increase in interest in co-teaching (Friend, Cook, Hurley-Chamberlain, (&) Shamberger, 2010; Nichols, Dowdy, (&) Nichols, 2010). When co-teaching is effectively executed both students with and without disabilities benefit academically and socially (Friend (&) Cook, 2007)....
Show moreThe recent revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) promoted a movement toward meaningful inclusion, which has led to an increase in interest in co-teaching (Friend, Cook, Hurley-Chamberlain, (&) Shamberger, 2010; Nichols, Dowdy, (&) Nichols, 2010). When co-teaching is effectively executed both students with and without disabilities benefit academically and socially (Friend (&) Cook, 2007). Researchers indicate that a key factor in effective co-teaching is administrative support (Friend et al.; Dieker (&) Murawski, 2003; Murawski (&) Dieker, 2008; Murawski (&) Dieker, 2004; Scruggs et al., 2007). The purpose of this study was to identify the policies and practices used by effective principals who have led the implementation of co-teaching in their schools. The researcher interviewed three middle school principals in a large urban school district to ascertain the essence of their experiences. The principals were identified as highly effective by their most recent principal evaluation system. The interview data were examined using Hycner's guidelines for phenomenological analysis. Triangulation occurred through a survey and review of documents. The co-teaching teams from the participating principals' schools completed a Likert-type survey. The researcher reviewed the schools' master schedules, School Improvement Plan, and Action Plan.Analysis of the participating principals' interview data has identified themes. These themes included: (a) preparing the setting, (b) preparing co-teaching teams, (c) necessary co-teacher skill sets, (d) utilizing the leadership team, (e) purposeful selection of co-teaching staff, (f) addressing barriers, (g) culture supporting knowledgeable co-teachers, (h) traits of effective co-teachers, (i) expectations of co-teachers, (j) motivating co-teachers, and (k) attaining buy-in through support and culture.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005994, ucf:50785
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005994
- Title
- Exploring Leadership Experiences Of School Psychologists In Supporting Schools: A Phenomenological Study.
- Creator
-
Joseph, Julie, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Boote, David, Thomson, Arlene, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004 have placed increased demands on all educators and administrators. School psychologists find themselves charged with addressing a broad range of issues today, and there is an emphasis on leadership in the effective provision of services. Although the literature is replete with examples of the centrality of leadership in regards to the educational experience of...
Show moreThe passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004 have placed increased demands on all educators and administrators. School psychologists find themselves charged with addressing a broad range of issues today, and there is an emphasis on leadership in the effective provision of services. Although the literature is replete with examples of the centrality of leadership in regards to the educational experience of students, there have not been sufficient studies that have studied this topic in school psychology. The purpose of this study was to discover, understand, and describe in rich detail the lived experience of school psychologists exercising leadership. The researcher interviewed school psychologists within a mid-size school district in Central Florida who were nominated by district administrators that supervise of them. Additionally, this study sought to identify the contexts, domains of practice, universal structures, and opportunities utilized in their experiences. School psychologists demonstrated leadership through collaboration and consultation, professional expertise, student-oriented needs, expert-problem solvers, and communication skills. The contexts of their leadership experiences varied due to the diverse roles taken on by the individual, however they were all demonstrated at the district level, school level, and with their peers. The leadership experiences identified by the study participants correspond to most of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) domains of practice and also correspond to transformational leadership. The results are particularly salient to school psychologist, as the information comes from the perspective of school psychologists who were noted to be (")effective(") and displays (")leadership(") and are now exercising leadership. Future research is encourage to examine leadership experiences across multiple school districts to identify experiences of other leaders across various settings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005814, ucf:50033
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005814
- Title
- A VIEW FROM THE FIELD: URBAN SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTORS' PERCEPTIONS OF ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES FOR NEWLY APPOINTED SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS.
- Creator
-
Pratt Marrett, Caroline, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of experience as a director of special education and these underlying factors. A factor analysis revealed that there were three underlying factors reported to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the relationship between the years of experience as a director of special education and the underlying factors (Management, Instruction and Change; Supervision of Faculty; and Team Building Skills) was not statistically significant. A post hoc test was conducted to further detect differences in years of experience as an urban director of special education and the underlying factors. The results were sufficient to reject the null hypotheses in both cases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002120, ucf:47545
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002120
- Title
- A Phenomenological Study of High School Assistant Principals who Supervise Special Education.
- Creator
-
Vacchio, Erin, Martin, Suzanne, Vasquez, Trey, Jahani, Shiva, Helton, Julie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of high school assistant principals who lead the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) departments at their respective schools. The role of the school leader is critical and complex. Second to only the classroom teachers, school leaders have the ability to shape the school wide attitude and vision for students with disabilities. Knowing that in the past 30 years, the number of students with disabilities has nearly doubled in size, the...
Show moreThis phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of high school assistant principals who lead the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) departments at their respective schools. The role of the school leader is critical and complex. Second to only the classroom teachers, school leaders have the ability to shape the school wide attitude and vision for students with disabilities. Knowing that in the past 30 years, the number of students with disabilities has nearly doubled in size, the expertise of school leaders in special education must also increase. Research on the experiences of high school administrators who serve students with intellectual disabilities and how their experiences and beliefs shape opportunities for students is limited. In addition, there is limited research regarding the prevalence of students with intellectual disabilities and their participation in vocational education and independent skills instruction to support independent functioning and future employment. This study used a phenomenological approach to examine the experiences and beliefs of high school assistant principals who supervise the ESE department at their school. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants (N=7). Through thematic analysis, six major themes and 21 subthemes emerged. The six major themes were: (a) compliance of special education; (b) administrators' role in faculty/staff supervision; (c) inclusion of students with disabilities in opportunities with their non-disabled peers; (d) lack of leadership preparation; (e) meeting student needs; (f) preparing students for life after school. This study concluded with a thorough examination of each of the major themes and subthemes, and provided implications for leadership development, induction programs for special education leaders, and best practices for serving students with intellectual disabilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007739, ucf:52452
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007739
- Title
- Inclusion: A Question of Practice, Stance, Values and Culture.
- Creator
-
Sellers, June, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Hewitt, Randall, Bernier, Christopher, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Exclusionary practices based on a deficit perspective of disability are not supported by law and are inconsistent with the rigorous standards for teaching, learning, and accountability in our public schools. Moreover, consequences of failed change will continue to have significant negative effects on the performance of educational organizations. The purpose of this mixed-methods phenomenological research (MMPR) study was to explore the lived experience of teachers who identify as champions of...
Show moreExclusionary practices based on a deficit perspective of disability are not supported by law and are inconsistent with the rigorous standards for teaching, learning, and accountability in our public schools. Moreover, consequences of failed change will continue to have significant negative effects on the performance of educational organizations. The purpose of this mixed-methods phenomenological research (MMPR) study was to explore the lived experience of teachers who identify as champions of inclusion, including their views, perceptions and appraisal of the status of inclusion in a large urban school system. The research questions were designed to generate insight and recommendations for establishing norms, values, practices and policies that might mitigate teacher resistance to inclusion, support and reinforce inclusive culture, and position the organization (school district) itself as a facilitator of implementation and agent of change in cultivating positive attitudes and beliefs about inclusion as a social justice imperative in the public schools. The lived experiences of teachers who have this distinct perspective and insight into the phenomenon of inclusion were explored through focus group sessions and individual interviews. The results of the study suggest that (1) organizations can build and strengthen a culture of inclusion by identifying individuals who demonstrate a commitment and competency for supporting inclusion, by supporting them as they promote change through coaching, educating, networking and mentoring efforts and embed and reinforce inclusive values throughout the system; and (2) educational organizations must be responsive to norms, values, practices and policies that both support and work against inclusive organizational culture. The findings suggest that this type of research may be of value to organizations in identifying contextual factors which either facilitate or inhibit inclusive education and therefore either advance or diminish educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006180, ucf:51339
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006180
