Perceptions and Educational Strategies of Louisiana Agricultural Education Teachers When Working with Students with Special Needs

Authors

  • Kristin S. Stair Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University
  • J. Joey Blackburn Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University
  • J. C. Bunch Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University
  • Leslie Blanchard Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University
  • Melissa Cater Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University
  • Janet Fox Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Louisiana State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.433

Abstract

A teacher’s willingness to accept inclusion has been identified as an indicator of the quality of experience that a student with special needs will have in the classroom The purpose of this exploratory study was twofold: (1) to describe the overall perceptions of working with students with special needs and (2) to determine how teachers in Louisiana are currently working with students with special needs.  A total of 152 teachers attended the Louisiana agricultural education teacher’s summer conference with 43% completing a three part survey instrument.  Data analysis indicated that teachers are confident in their ability to work with students with special needs and they agree that they can incorporate various areas of inclusion within their programs. However, they disagreed that they have received adequate in-service opportunities related to special education.  Regarding educational strategies, teachers in this study identified all of the given inclusion strategies as being used regularly in their programs with the exception of tutoring after school.  They also identified these educational practices as being highly effective within their programs. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, additional research is recommended to further investigate the in-service and training needs of teachers in Louisiana.

Downloads

Published

2016-12-15

Issue

Section

Feature Articles