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Examining the highs and lows of teacher self-efficacy for special class teachers working with learners with Autism/Autism spectrum disorder

Ryan, Amy orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-4541-5325 and Mathews, Elizabeth S. orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-7588-3256 (2022) Examining the highs and lows of teacher self-efficacy for special class teachers working with learners with Autism/Autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 94 . ISSN 1750-9467

Abstract
Background According to data provided by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), between 2020 and 2021, there was a 15% increase in the number of special classes specifically for learners with Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (A/ASD) attached to mainstream schools in the Republic of Ireland. Given the considerable growth in A/ASD classes in schools, examining the Teacher Self-Efficacy (TSE) of teachers working there enables us to identify strengths and areas for professional development (PD). Method This paper reports the findings from an Irish study into Teacher Self-Efficacy (TSE) of teachers working in special classes for learners with A/ASD. The study involved a large sample (n = 139) of teachers responding to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Autism Self-Efficacy Scale for Teachers (ASSET). Results Analysis of the completed questionnaires reveals that the areas teachers feel least confident in are their abilities to train peer models, to teach play skills, and to translate assessment information into teaching objectives to the students. They felt most confident in their ability to use visual supports to foster student independence, to describe their student’s characteristics that relate to A/ASD, and to communicate and work effectively with parents or caregivers. Conclusions The findings of this study present implications for professional development for teachers of learners with A/ASD, namely that upskilling is needed in training peer models, play skills, and translating assessment information into teaching objectives. The results also add further evidence to the use of the ASSET as a reliable measure of assessing the Teacher Self-Efficacy for teaching students with A/ASD.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Additional Information:Article number:101952
Uncontrolled Keywords:Autism; Teacher self-efficacy; ASSET; Inclusion; Special education; Professional development
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Teaching
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Inclusive & Special Education
Publisher:Elsevier
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2022.101952
Copyright Information:© 2021 The Authors.
ID Code:28347
Deposited On:22 May 2023 08:49 by Elizabeth Mathews . Last Modified 22 May 2023 08:54
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