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A Narrative and Historical Study of Special Education: Stories of Retired Special Education Teachers’ Perspectives on the Effects of Special Education Legislation in the Classroom
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Authors
Lazari, Sara E.
Issue Date
2014-07-15
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Educational Leadership , Special Education Legislation , History , Teachers' Perspectives , Georgia , Lowndes County , Special Education
Alternative Title
Abstract
Educational services for students with disabilities were extremely limited until the
enactment of PL 94-142 in 1975. It was only after federal involvement that most students
with disabilities received special education services and the field of special education
began a period of rapid growth. This study follows 30 years of special education
legislation and its impact on services for students in Georgia and Lowndes County and
uses narratives to focus on the perspectives of three retired special education teachers as
they began and ended their careers in this 30 year period.
A qualitative research methodology was used in this study. Participants were
interviewed and their narratives were transcribed and reconstructed into stories. The data
were coded and compared for similarities. These categories were compared to the
questions in the interview guide and from this themes were generated.
Themes generated from the data revealed teaching experiences, curriculum
changes, attitudes towards mainstreaming and inclusion, challenges in teaching special
education and teaching as a calling. The literature review detailed the history of special
education legislation and expectations and then illustrated how these expectations were
met in Georgia and Lowndes County.