Supporting general education teachers in the inclusive classroom with students with autism that display challenging behaviors
Thesis (M.A.) Teacher Education Department
Abstract
Currently the federal law is focusing on educating students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE); therefore, the school system has changed the way it serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students with autism are now being placed in the general education setting and general educations teachers are expected to serve students with autism without proper training or support. A training workshop focused on increasing and enhancing strategies for general education teachers to effectively include and instruct students with ASD. A teacher-workshop was planned and developed to provide general education teachers with the information and strategies needed to help students with autism who display challenging behaviors. Results from the study indicated that teachers benefit from specific training aimed at meeting the behavioral demands that students with autism exemplify in a general education classroom. Moreover, the researcher to ensure maintenance of the workshop strategies provided added support.