Mind the gap: accountability,observation and special education |
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| Authors: | Christina C Crowe Susan E Rivers Michelle C Bertoli |
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| Institution: | Department of Psychology, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA |
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| Abstract: | There is an absence of observation-based tools designed to evaluate teaching in special education classrooms. Evaluations derived from classroom observations are integral to the accountability process, adding value to understanding teaching and learning by providing a lens into the classroom that test scores cannot capture. The present paper systematically examined existing classroom observation tools, identifying constructs measured and noting elements unique to special education classrooms. Results demonstrate that most extant tools tap into three primary categories of teacher behaviours, but overlook the role paraprofessionals play as well as teacher professional behaviours. Taken together, results reflect the need for a tool designed specifically for special education classrooms. Limitations and implications for practice and policy are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Accountability classroom observation tools special education mixed methods research |
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