Special Education Teacher Attrition: Development of a Resource Manual for Understanding the Individualized Educational Plan Process

Overview & Synopsis

Beginning special education teachers have been shown to experience attrition at an increasing rate. The literature has identified many factors contributing to special education teachers leaving the profession. Some of those factors include lack of knowledge regarding special education laws, the special education referral process, individualized education plan (IEP) development, and lack of general understanding of various disabilities. The purpose of this project was to create a manual that could be used as part of a comprehensive induction program, since mentoring and induction programs have been shown to decrease the rate of special education teacher attrition. "What Every Special Education Staff Should Know: A Resource Manual for Beginning Special Education Teachers and Other Personnel Serving Students with Disabilities" addresses the special education referral and eligibility process, eligibility categories, continuum of services, IEP development, typical special education terminology; and basic review of statistical measures. The manual was reviewed by experts in the field of special education policies, curriculum development, beginning teacher training, and staff development. Field test reviewers included novice and veteran special education teachers, school psychologists, and administrators who provided feedback regarding the manual's content, presentation, usefulness, and effectiveness. Most field test participants (35/36) and 100% of expert reviewers indicated the manual would be a beneficial induction tool. Additionally, the majority of the respondents considered the manual valuable for teachers and administrators alike. Areas of future research could include a full implementation of the manual within the context of a beginning teacher induction program in which pre and post data could be collected. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]