ERIC Number: ED663262
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 346
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-8960-7108-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Qualitative Descriptive Study of K-12 Title I School Teachers' Attitudes toward Inclusive Education
Sarah V. Erickson
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Grand Canyon University
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how Title I K-12 general education teachers describe their attitudes toward inclusive education with students with disabilities and what factors they perceive as contributing to those attitudes in California. The theoretical foundation for this study was Ajzen's theory of planned behavior and three dimensions of attitude: cognition, affect, and conation (behavior). The qualitative descriptive study addressed the questions of how K-12 Title I general education teachers describe their attitudes toward inclusive education of students with disabilities and the factors they perceive as contributing to those attitudes. Data included ten individual, semi-structured interviews and a focus group interview with five participants. Using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis approach, the five themes that emerged were "Inclusion benefits everyone, it is every student's right, and it provides opportunities to collaborate in a safe learning environment;" "Challenges such as student emotional state, parental pressure, and lack of knowledge impact teachers;" "It is rewarding when positive inclusive practices are seen through student advancement at home and school;" "Support, training, and resources are needed from the school, parents, other teachers, and the community;" and "When supported, inclusive teachers can cultivate success for all learners, fueling their passion for inclusive education." Based on the data, school leaders at the district and site level should ensure they are providing teachers with the necessary resources, additional support staff, and training that is tailored to teachers' individual needs. Future research should be focused on examining the attitudes of other populations of educators, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and developing more appropriate training programs. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Educational Legislation, Elementary Secondary Education, Federal Legislation, Teacher Attitudes, Inclusion, Regular and Special Education Relationship, Students with Disabilities, Attitudes toward Disabilities
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A