The use of data-based decision making is critical in any classroom, but especially in special education settings.The Teachers Guide to Action Research for Special Education in PK-12 Classroomsdescribes the basic concepts of action research and how this process can support student success in the classroom and beyond. This practical, approachable, and concise guide provides case studies, vignettes, student learning objectives, and review exercises to help teachers understand how to effectively use the action research process to identify and evaluate evidence-based interventions, with explicit connections to legally mandated IEP planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.
List of Figures, Tables, and Textboxes
Acknowledgments
1 What Is Special Education Action Research?
Student Learning Objectives
What Is Research?
Action Research in Daily Life
The Action Research Process
Action Research in the IEP Process
Traditional Research versus Action Research
Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research,& Mixed Methods Research
Why Should I Do Action Research?
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
2 Identifying Classroom Learning Challenges and Collecting Baseline Data
Student Learning Objectives
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Defining Learning or Behavior Challenge
Collecting Baseline Data
Assessment Data
Work Samples
Observations
Surveys/Questionnaires
Checklists
Rating Scales
Interviews
The Challenge with Only Relying on Formal Assessments 3
Data Literacy
Additional Data Collection Considerations
Forming a Problem Statement
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
3 Identifying Potential Evidence-Based Interventions
Student Learning Objectives
Evidence-Based Practices
Locating EBPs
Finding EBPs Without Access to a University Database
Determining the Appropriateness of an EBP for your Student
Designing an Intervention Plan
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
4 Implementing an Evidence-Based Intervention
Student Learning Objectives
Planning for the Intervention
IRB Applications and Approval
Implementing the Intervention
Implementation Fidelity
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
5 Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Intervention
Student Learning Objectives
Formative Evaluation
Analyzing the Formative Data
Determining Effectiveness of Intervention
Seeking Stakeholder Input When Looking at Data
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
6 Sharing Your Research
Student Learning Objectives
Sharing Data with Colleagues
Rationale for Sharing Data with Education Community
Sharing your Research with the Education Community Through Presentations
Sharing your Research with the Education Community Through an Action Research Journal Article
Sharing your Research with the Education Community Through a Journal Article
Conclusion
Review Questions and Exercises
7 Conclusion
Student Learning Objectives
A synopsis of the Action Research Process
Action Research and the Individualized Education Program
Considerations for Data in Special Education
Moving Forward
Review Questions and exercises
Appendix A: Case Studies: Sample Action Research Projects
Case Study: Pierre
Case Study: Jack
Case Study: Alana
Appendix B: Case Studies for Student Practice
Case Study 1: Communication Delay in Preschool
Case Study 2: self-Injury Behavior in Sixth Grade
Case Study 3: Hyperactivity in First Grade
Case Study 4: Paraprofessional Training
Case Study 5: elopement in Fourth Grade
Case Study 6: transition Goal for High school student
Case Study 7: Cheating Behavior in Middle school
Case Study 8: Writing Disability in third Grade
Case Study 9: Math Delay in second Grade
Case Study 10: Biting Behavior in Kindergarten
References
Index
About the Author
