Wanda Wade, M.Ed. Dr. Lee Cross Dr. Jennifer Platt University of Central Florida

1. Can You Hear Us Now? Induction Support and the Voices of First Year Special Education Teachers. Wanda Wade, M.Ed. Dr. Lee Cross Dr. Jennifer Platt University of Central Florida CED Faculty and Student Research Symposium Wednesday, April 22, 2009

2. PACEParaprofessionals Acquiring Certification in Exceptional Education A program that: • Provides tuition support for paraprofessionals through an OSEP grant • Relieves the shortage of qualified special education teachers in central Florida • Prepares paraeducators to be special education teachers • Provides support to PACE program completers through an induction process

3. PACE Participants 54 total participants • 22 current participants • 32 graduates • 2005 8 • 2006 1 • 2007 13 • 2008 10 Experience as a paraprofessional • From 2-26 years

4. Need for Induction Program • The single most critical component of educational achievement is a well-prepared teacher (Darling-Hammond, 2003). • Nearly one-third of all new teachers in the United States leave the teaching field within their first 3 years of teaching (Gimbert et al., 2005). • Special education teachers traditionally leave their positions at disproportionately higher rates than their peers in general education with nearly 30 % of special education personnel leaving the profession after their first year of teaching (Katsiyannis, Zhang, & Conroy, 2003).

5. Research Questions for PACE Graduates…. What area(s) do you think is/are most urgent in terms of your need for assistance and support during your first year of teaching? What assistance and support could our project provide you through an Induction Program?

6. Reliability of Data Trained observers and interviewers Triangulation of Qualitative Data Data collection by 3 different methods Interviews, surveys, questionnaires Findings from each were compared from multiple observers and interviewers Fidelity of treatment checks Implementation of strategies gained through professional development

7. PACE Graduation Survey

8. PACE Exit Survey: I think I would benefit from additional assistance and support to address diversity in my classroom ...

9. PACE Exit Survey: I think I would benefit from additional support and assistance in developing instructional strategies ...

10. PACE Exit Survey: I think I would benefit from additional assistance and support in developing goals based on forma ...

11. PACE Exit Survey: I think I would benefit from additional assistance and support in behavior management for my class...

12. Survey Says……

13. Qualitative ProcedureFocus Group Data Collection Focus Group Format • Agenda provided • 3 focus groups • 4-5 members each • Open forum questions • Chart paper for recording responses • Notes on computer • Recorded & Transcribed • Themes and Sub themes developed

14. University of Central FloridaCollege of EducationDecember 13, 2008PACE Reunion and Induction ProgramFocus Group Questions • Discuss any obstacles/challenges you encountered as you transitioned from paraprofessional to classroom teacher and how you overcome them. • Describe any factors that contributed to a successful mentoring experience. • Provide feedback regarding your support from Mentors, Co-workers, and Administration as you transitioned from Paraprofessional to Lead Teacher.

15. The Voices of Beginning Teachers in Exceptional Education

16. PACE Induction Components

17. Virtual ResourcesUCF PACE Website

18. Virtual Resources PACE LIVE • Desired Student Outcomes • Participation in: • Online-discussions • Adobe Connect • Skype

19. Virtual Resources PACE Wiki Desired Outcomes Resources Collaboration Communication E-mail Blogs

20. PACE WIKI Ask the Expert!

21. Classroom Observation Procedures • Desired Student Outcomes • Participation in Induction Program Support • Participation in Online-discussions

22. Classroom Observation Report Desired Outcomes Benefits of observing master teachers Strategies learned Implementation plan