Dissertation
The role of general education teachers in the disproportionate use of exclusionary discipline for students with learning disabilities: an interpretative phenomenological study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010503
Abstract
Despite the existence of various special education laws and mandates aimed at protecting the rights of students with learning disabilities (LD), these students tend to be removed from the classroom setting at disproportionate rates and durations when compared to students without disabilities. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenology was to understand the lived experiences of general education teachers specific to their decision-making process when responding to challenging behavior exhibited by students with LD. This research study was guided by the following research questions: 1. How do general education teachers describe their decision-making process when responding to challenging behavior exhibited by students with LD in the classroom? 2. How do general education teachers describe their perception of the underlying cause of challenging behavior exhibited by students with LD? 3. How do general education teachers describe the behavior management training that they received during their teacher education programs? Data was collected from six transcribed semi-structured interviews, information gathered from participant questionnaires, and notes from the researcher's journal. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis and are as follows: 1) lack of preparedness for behavior management, 2) the overarching impact of learning disabilities and challenging behavior, and 3) paving the path forward. The findings of this research hold implications for public school administrators, higher education institution administrators, and education policy makers specific to the behavior management training that teachers receive both prior to the start of and during their careers. This study also shares recommendations for practice and future research. Keywords: exclusionary discipline, general education teachers, learning disabilities, teacher education programs, behavior management
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Details
- Title
- The role of general education teachers in the disproportionate use of exclusionary discipline for students with learning disabilities
- Creators
- Elena R. Couldrey
- Contributors
- Stephanie Smith Budhai (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 145 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021899513704721