Date
7-31-2023
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Heather Strafaccia
Keywords
self-efficacy, behavior reduction strategies, special education personnel
Disciplines
Special Education and Teaching
Recommended Citation
Rubendall, Erin Renee, "Special Education Personnels' Self-Efficacy of Behavior Reduction Strategies: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 4648.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/4648
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe behavior reduction strategy efficacy for special education personnel in southeastern Philadelphia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, as it explains the relationship between self-efficacy and special education personnel's influences on utilizing behavior reduction strategies. A hermeneutical phenomenology approach guided the examination of this study, as it focused on the experiences of individuals and groups while exploring the description of their personal stories. A purposeful sampling of 12 special education personnel, including teachers and aides, were recruited from southeastern Philadelphia to participate in semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and journal prompts, leading to a thematic analysis of the data collected. The findings suggest the need of SPED personnel training and feedback by administration. Discussion around recommendations for future research are included, along with implications for educational leaders seeking to support SPED personnel as they improve education for all students.
