The Teacher's Guide to Action Research for Special Education in PK-12 Classrooms

A practical, jargon-free, and concise special education teacher's guide to the complete action research process, including how to use action research to identify and evaluate evidence-based interventions, with explicit connections to the legally mandated IEP planning, implementation, and evaluation process.

ISBN-13: 9781538155202

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers - Inc.

Publication Date: 01-11-2023

Pages: 160

Product Dimensions: 6.90(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.50(d)

Marla J. Lohmann, PhD, is associate professor of special education at Colorado Christian University, where she teaches courses on supporting students with disabilities, assistive technology, and action research. Dr. Lohmann has been in the Education field for over twenty years and is passionate about ensuring success for all children and their teachers. You can connect with her via Twitter: @MarlaLohmann.

Table of Contents

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 Show More