scholarly journals An Examination of Current Leadership Practices in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education: A Mixed Methods Study

Author(s):  
Sara Movahedazarhouligh ◽  
Rashida Banerjee ◽  
John Luckner
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-30
Author(s):  
Catherine Corr ◽  
Melinda R. Snodgrass ◽  
Jennifer C. Greene ◽  
Hedda Meadan ◽  
Rosa Milagros Santos

Mixed methods approaches to research are gaining popularity in the social sciences. Although these approaches may be unfamiliar to many in our field, they can uniquely contribute to and enhance early childhood special education (ECSE) research. The purpose of this article is to orient ECSE researchers to the field of mixed methods social inquiry. We offer two examples of mixed methods. We define mixed methods and how mental models and paradigms influence these efforts, including a discussion of the distinctive purposes for applying mixed methods. Finally, we identify challenges to determining rigor and quality of mixed methods research and offer preliminary guidance to mitigate these challenges. Throughout, we encourage integrating rigorous mixed methods into ECSE scholarship.


Author(s):  
D. J. Sullivan ◽  
S. Labby ◽  
A. Koptelov ◽  
S. L. Sullivan

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the barriers that special educator teachers encounter when using iPads within the Life Skills classroom. The research investigates the experiences, frustrations, and barriers through educators’ perceptions of iPad implementation. The influence of these issues suggests why iPad usage is not a device that special education classrooms are using in a widespread daily manner. Exploration of iPads as an educational tool and as a communication device is also discussed, along with considerations of other communications systems such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems and Alternative and Augmented Communication Devices is considered. Recommendations for further possible research are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 104420732110231
Author(s):  
Susan Larson Etscheidt ◽  
Stephanie L. Schmitz ◽  
Andi M. Edmister

Family and professional collaboration is beneficial to students, families, and educators. The importance of such collaboration was recognized for families of students with disabilities, resulting in provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which ensure parental participation in educational planning. Despite the benefits of family and professional collaboration and IDEA mandate, many parents disagree with the educational planning decisions provided to their children and request due process hearings. Parents perceive a lack of opportunity to provide input and/or to disagree with schools’ perspectives. Parents of early childhood students report significant concerns about their child’s readiness for the transition to kindergarten and their limited role in transition planning as their children prepared to enter preschool programs. The purpose of this article was to examine the issues identified in parental complaints in early childhood special education (ECSE) through a qualitative content analysis of recent court cases. The results revealed six themes related to current issues in ECSE programs. We conclude with several recommendations for state policy makers to improve services in ECSE based on the DEC Recommended Practices.


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