Preservice Special Education Teachers' Sense of Preparedness to Instruct English Learners with Disabilities

• Main Author: Montalvo, Ricardo
• Other Authors: Combes, Bertina H.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2018
• Subjects: English Learners; English Learners with Disabilities; Preservice Special Education Teachers; Teacher Preparation Programs; Sense of Preparedness; Knowledge; Self-Efficacy; Attitudes; Special education teachers > Training of.; Preparedness > Psychological aspects.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1248396/

This study examines the sense of preparedness of preservice special education teachers (PSETs) to instruct English language learners. Pre- and post-survey measures were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for a group of PSETs as they engaged in their second semester of student teaching experience. To explore emerging themes, a post-qualitative analysis was performed using focus groups. Quantitative results revealed no statistical difference except for the Self-Efficacy subscale. Focus group data showed increased confidence levels resulting from the student teaching experience. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare pre-survey results between PSETs who had and PSETs who had not taken advanced coursework or participated in student teaching. With the exception of the subscale, Attitude Towards ELs in the Classroom, results revealed no statistical difference between the two groups. At the same time, qualitative, open-response questions revealed PSETs who had participated in advanced coursework and student teaching seemed to have a deeper understanding of ELs' instructional and linguistic needs. Contributions to the literature are presented which may help in designing teacher preparation programs to increase PSETs' sense of preparedness to better serve ELs with disabilities.