ERIC Number: EJ1380213
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1034-912X
EISSN: EISSN-1465-346X
The Importance of School Leadership Support When Working with Students with Smith-Magenis Syndrome -- A Q Methodology Study
International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, v70 n3 p340-356 2023
Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a rare genetic syndrome. Students with SMS have a neurobehavioural phenotype which has been characterised as challenging for both parents and teachers. Challenging behaviour often has a negative impact on the person's learning ability and is a hindrance in the learning environment. Challenging behaviour also impacts on teachers in terms of stress and burnout. The aim of this study was to explore what type of support the school staff needs in order to handle the challenging behaviour and academic development of students with SMS using Q methodology. Fourteen staff members working with students with SMS in Norway participated in the study by sorting 40 statements according to the Q methodology. The sorting was analysed based on the by-person factor analysis. Four viewpoints were identified as follows: (1) In control, (2) struggling, (3) Strugglers relying on parents, and (4) Support dependent. Several consensus statements were associated with the academic work of the students with SMS. The consensus statements regarding academic work showed that this is not a priority for these students. Support from the school's leadership and colleagues is imperative, in addition to cooperation from parents, to provide safe and productive school environments for children with SMS.
Descriptors: Genetic Disorders, Students with Disabilities, Behavior Problems, School Personnel, Foreign Countries, Parent School Relationship, Gender Differences, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Aides, Teaching Conditions, Leadership Responsibility, Ability, Barriers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Norway
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A