Kaaren Haas, M. Carter, J. Stephenson, Vicki Gibbs
Abstract Parents whose autistic1 child’s needs are not met within mainstream schooling may seek alternative modes of education, such as home or distance education. There is a paucity of research on the delivery of home or distance education programs for autistic students. This study reports on the experiences of parents, students and teachers in the inaugural year of Australia’s first hybrid distance education program (distance education with parent/carers as supervisors) specifically designed for autistic students. Interviews with eight parents, four students and two teachers gathered their perceptions of the program’s benefits, challenges and suggestions for improvements. All parents, students and teachers reported positive overall perceptions of and experiences in the program, and a range of outcomes for students and parents. Flexibility was identified as a key benefit of the program. Challenges identified included a lack of opportunities for students’ social interactions and the effort required of parents to support their child’s participation. Additional longitudinal research is needed to determine the long-term impact of programs of this type and to evaluate strategies for increasing student independence.
{"title":"Benefits and Challenges of a Hybrid Distance Education Program for Autistic School-Age Students: Parent, Student and Teacher Perspectives","authors":"Kaaren Haas, M. Carter, J. Stephenson, Vicki Gibbs","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2022.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2022.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Parents whose autistic1 child’s needs are not met within mainstream schooling may seek alternative modes of education, such as home or distance education. There is a paucity of research on the delivery of home or distance education programs for autistic students. This study reports on the experiences of parents, students and teachers in the inaugural year of Australia’s first hybrid distance education program (distance education with parent/carers as supervisors) specifically designed for autistic students. Interviews with eight parents, four students and two teachers gathered their perceptions of the program’s benefits, challenges and suggestions for improvements. All parents, students and teachers reported positive overall perceptions of and experiences in the program, and a range of outcomes for students and parents. Flexibility was identified as a key benefit of the program. Challenges identified included a lack of opportunities for students’ social interactions and the effort required of parents to support their child’s participation. Additional longitudinal research is needed to determine the long-term impact of programs of this type and to evaluate strategies for increasing student independence.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"43 1","pages":"61 - 73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88045451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Self-determination skills, including competencies such as decision-making, are regarded by parents and teachers as important for students with special needs. Although not necessarily regarded as appropriate, teaching assistants often take substantial responsibility for delivering educational programs to students and little is known about their perspectives on self-determination. Perspectives of teaching assistants may impact on their support of programs to enhance self-determination that are developed by teachers. Teaching assistants in New South Wales mainstream schools (N = 320) were surveyed regarding their views on the importance and frequency of instruction of seven competencies related to self-determination of students with special needs. Consistent with previous research, assistants rated all the competencies highly in terms of importance, but frequency of implementation was more variable. Moderate correlations were found between ratings of importance and frequency of implementation, suggesting that greater instructional time was devoted to competencies viewed as more important. Limited differences were found between assistants working at primary and secondary levels. Although features of the interactions of teaching assistants that can inhibit self-determination have been often identified in previous research, it is argued that, paradoxically, assistants may be well positioned to facilitate the development of self-determination with appropriate training and supervision. Directions for future research are identified.
{"title":"Perceptions of Importance and Reported Frequency of Instruction of Self-Determination by Teaching Assistants in New South Wales Schools","authors":"M. Carter, A. Webster, J. Stephenson","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.24","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Self-determination skills, including competencies such as decision-making, are regarded by parents and teachers as important for students with special needs. Although not necessarily regarded as appropriate, teaching assistants often take substantial responsibility for delivering educational programs to students and little is known about their perspectives on self-determination. Perspectives of teaching assistants may impact on their support of programs to enhance self-determination that are developed by teachers. Teaching assistants in New South Wales mainstream schools (N = 320) were surveyed regarding their views on the importance and frequency of instruction of seven competencies related to self-determination of students with special needs. Consistent with previous research, assistants rated all the competencies highly in terms of importance, but frequency of implementation was more variable. Moderate correlations were found between ratings of importance and frequency of implementation, suggesting that greater instructional time was devoted to competencies viewed as more important. Limited differences were found between assistants working at primary and secondary levels. Although features of the interactions of teaching assistants that can inhibit self-determination have been often identified in previous research, it is argued that, paradoxically, assistants may be well positioned to facilitate the development of self-determination with appropriate training and supervision. Directions for future research are identified.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"41 6","pages":"33 - 46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72408258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"JSI volume 45 issue 2 Cover and Back matter","authors":"","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.20","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"21 1","pages":"b1 - b2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88891228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"JSI volume 45 issue 2 Cover and Front matter","authors":"","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.19","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"75 1","pages":"f1 - f2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90981102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The increasing inclusion of students with disabilities in regular classes still leads to debate and many advocate for full inclusion of all students. Arguments for full inclusion are generally rights-based, but proponents also claim research supports the effectiveness of full inclusion over specialist provision for all students with disabilities. In this article, we analyse and critique the use of the research literature in an Australian advocacy paper as an example of the broad claims made concerning full inclusion. We examine the extent to which the sources used provide conclusive evidence about the merits of full inclusion. We find the advocacy paper relies heavily on opinion and non-peer-reviewed literature, with little use of quantitative research that compares outcomes for students in different settings. We suggest that policymakers should treat the conclusions drawn in this paper cautiously and give due consideration to the literature that is not supportive of full inclusion.
{"title":"Analysis and Critique of the Advocacy Paper Towards Inclusive Education: A Necessary Process of Transformation","authors":"J. Stephenson, Rahul Ganguly","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.23","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The increasing inclusion of students with disabilities in regular classes still leads to debate and many advocate for full inclusion of all students. Arguments for full inclusion are generally rights-based, but proponents also claim research supports the effectiveness of full inclusion over specialist provision for all students with disabilities. In this article, we analyse and critique the use of the research literature in an Australian advocacy paper as an example of the broad claims made concerning full inclusion. We examine the extent to which the sources used provide conclusive evidence about the merits of full inclusion. We find the advocacy paper relies heavily on opinion and non-peer-reviewed literature, with little use of quantitative research that compares outcomes for students in different settings. We suggest that policymakers should treat the conclusions drawn in this paper cautiously and give due consideration to the literature that is not supportive of full inclusion.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"29 1","pages":"113 - 126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87341619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The present research attempted to examine the relative importance of student-related and school-related factors in accounting for teacher efficacy in inclusive education. The research adopted a predictive research design, and the sample of the research consisted of teachers (N = 292) working in public middle schools in the province of Niğde in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. To determine the factors influencing teacher efficacy in inclusive education, Teacher Demographic Information Questionnaire and Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices scale were used. In the research, multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine how well each set of independent variables — student-related factors and school-related factors — predicted teacher efficacy in inclusive education. According to the findings, student-related and school-related factors significantly influence teacher efficacy in inclusive education. Regarding the student-related factors, parental involvement, among other variables, was the most substantial predictor of teacher efficacy in inclusive education. Also, in terms of school-related factors, class size was the most substantial predictor of teacher efficacy in inclusive education.
{"title":"Factors Influencing Teacher Efficacy in Inclusive Education","authors":"Gökhan Baş","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.22","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The present research attempted to examine the relative importance of student-related and school-related factors in accounting for teacher efficacy in inclusive education. The research adopted a predictive research design, and the sample of the research consisted of teachers (N = 292) working in public middle schools in the province of Niğde in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. To determine the factors influencing teacher efficacy in inclusive education, Teacher Demographic Information Questionnaire and Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices scale were used. In the research, multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine how well each set of independent variables — student-related factors and school-related factors — predicted teacher efficacy in inclusive education. According to the findings, student-related and school-related factors significantly influence teacher efficacy in inclusive education. Regarding the student-related factors, parental involvement, among other variables, was the most substantial predictor of teacher efficacy in inclusive education. Also, in terms of school-related factors, class size was the most substantial predictor of teacher efficacy in inclusive education.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"83 1","pages":"19 - 32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84030057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Carter, A. Webster, J. Stephenson, Neale Waddy, Robert J. Stevens, M. Clements, Talia Morris
Abstract The current study was conducted to examine the types of adjustments used to support students with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms and how schools monitored the effectiveness of the adjustments they use. A range of stakeholders were interviewed in 22 mainstream schools across New South Wales, Australia, and the interviews were analysed for key themes. Some schools had a narrow focus on a few key areas, with teaching assistants being the most commonly reported adjustment. Few schools used formal formative monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of adjustments. Options for improvement schools could consider include examining the breadth of adjustments, establishing clear measurable goals, considering alternative strategies for use of teaching assistants, and ensuring adjustments are monitored.
{"title":"The Nature of Adjustments and Monitoring for Students With Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools","authors":"M. Carter, A. Webster, J. Stephenson, Neale Waddy, Robert J. Stevens, M. Clements, Talia Morris","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.21","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The current study was conducted to examine the types of adjustments used to support students with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms and how schools monitored the effectiveness of the adjustments they use. A range of stakeholders were interviewed in 22 mainstream schools across New South Wales, Australia, and the interviews were analysed for key themes. Some schools had a narrow focus on a few key areas, with teaching assistants being the most commonly reported adjustment. Few schools used formal formative monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of adjustments. Options for improvement schools could consider include examining the breadth of adjustments, establishing clear measurable goals, considering alternative strategies for use of teaching assistants, and ensuring adjustments are monitored.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"56 1","pages":"1 - 18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78426418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Children with communicative and/or intellectual disabilities are disproportionally affected by abuse when compared to their typically developing peers. In this study, we investigate the key components and teaching methods for abuse prevention programs for use in special schools. The views of parents of children with disabilities were obtained via semistructured individual interviews (n = 6), and the views of special education teachers (n = 7) and practitioners who work with child victims with disabilities (n = 5) via focus groups. Results were coded using thematic analysis and are reported using the behavioural ecological model. Results indicate that children’s rights and empowerment were seen as key components. Videos and role-play were reported as effective interactive teaching methods. Using augmentative and alternative communication strategies, such as pictorial support and manual signs, were thought to increase children’s understanding and participation. We conclude that teacher involvement in school-based abuse prevention is essential to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
{"title":"School-Based Abuse Prevention Programs for Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Components and Methods","authors":"Amanda Nyberg, Ulrika Ferm, J. Bornman","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.18","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Children with communicative and/or intellectual disabilities are disproportionally affected by abuse when compared to their typically developing peers. In this study, we investigate the key components and teaching methods for abuse prevention programs for use in special schools. The views of parents of children with disabilities were obtained via semistructured individual interviews (n = 6), and the views of special education teachers (n = 7) and practitioners who work with child victims with disabilities (n = 5) via focus groups. Results were coded using thematic analysis and are reported using the behavioural ecological model. Results indicate that children’s rights and empowerment were seen as key components. Videos and role-play were reported as effective interactive teaching methods. Using augmentative and alternative communication strategies, such as pictorial support and manual signs, were thought to increase children’s understanding and participation. We conclude that teacher involvement in school-based abuse prevention is essential to meet the needs of children with disabilities.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"5 1","pages":"252 - 267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86690287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dervla Beaumont, Tanya Blakey, Neil Stuart, Julia Woodward
Abstract Way to Play is an approach that supports adults to promote the engagement of young children with autism spectrum disorder through play. The Ministry of Education in New Zealand has collaborated with Autism New Zealand to ensure the sustainable delivery of Way to Play within Auckland’s early learning services by training early intervention staff to both use Way to Play and to coach and support other adults in its use. Key strategies that form the foundation of Way to Play are described, and an outline of the evidence base for these strategies is provided. Preliminary data demonstrate the effectiveness of the training approach and the perceived impact for young children with autism and their parents/carers and teachers. Case examples illustrate how Way to Play is used across home and educational settings to successfully support the engagement and inclusion of young children with autism. Suggestions are made for a comprehensive investigation of program effectiveness.
{"title":"Increasing Engagement for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Way to Play: A Preliminary Investigation of the Adult Training Program","authors":"Dervla Beaumont, Tanya Blakey, Neil Stuart, Julia Woodward","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.14","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Way to Play is an approach that supports adults to promote the engagement of young children with autism spectrum disorder through play. The Ministry of Education in New Zealand has collaborated with Autism New Zealand to ensure the sustainable delivery of Way to Play within Auckland’s early learning services by training early intervention staff to both use Way to Play and to coach and support other adults in its use. Key strategies that form the foundation of Way to Play are described, and an outline of the evidence base for these strategies is provided. Preliminary data demonstrate the effectiveness of the training approach and the perceived impact for young children with autism and their parents/carers and teachers. Case examples illustrate how Way to Play is used across home and educational settings to successfully support the engagement and inclusion of young children with autism. Suggestions are made for a comprehensive investigation of program effectiveness.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"40 1","pages":"178 - 190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73935219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The Pyramid Model (PM) is an evidence-based, early educational framework designed to promote all young children’s social-emotional-behavioural (SEB) learning. The tiered PM early education practice framework, developed in North America, embeds strategies for children with exceptional needs naturally and coherently integrates apparently divergent approaches to promoting young children’s SEB skills. Responsive teaching, which is fundamental to early education practice, is shown to link with positive behaviour support practices by means of incidental and planned intentional teaching. These early education PM practices are intended to promote children’s SEB skills when used together purposefully, consistently, and intensively. The PM’s potential application in Australia was investigated with 4–5-year-olds in 4 Victorian preschools. Quantitative data from the study suggested that after training and subsequent coaching in the PM, there was significant change in intervention educators’ behaviour, which was independently observed and rated using the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool. Concurrently, the SEB skills of the children in the intervention groups were shown to have developed at a significantly greater rate than the children in the contrast groups as assessed using the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales.
{"title":"Promoting Children’s Social-Emotional Learning Through Early Education: Piloting the Pyramid Model in Victorian Preschools","authors":"J. Swalwell, L. McLean","doi":"10.1017/jsi.2021.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jsi.2021.15","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The Pyramid Model (PM) is an evidence-based, early educational framework designed to promote all young children’s social-emotional-behavioural (SEB) learning. The tiered PM early education practice framework, developed in North America, embeds strategies for children with exceptional needs naturally and coherently integrates apparently divergent approaches to promoting young children’s SEB skills. Responsive teaching, which is fundamental to early education practice, is shown to link with positive behaviour support practices by means of incidental and planned intentional teaching. These early education PM practices are intended to promote children’s SEB skills when used together purposefully, consistently, and intensively. The PM’s potential application in Australia was investigated with 4–5-year-olds in 4 Victorian preschools. Quantitative data from the study suggested that after training and subsequent coaching in the PM, there was significant change in intervention educators’ behaviour, which was independently observed and rated using the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool. Concurrently, the SEB skills of the children in the intervention groups were shown to have developed at a significantly greater rate than the children in the contrast groups as assessed using the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales.","PeriodicalId":53789,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education","volume":"32 1","pages":"122 - 134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84570260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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