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Mixed-reality simulation is a technology-based tool used to augment preservice teacher education in special education; as such, researchers have conducted several studies to assess mixed-reality simulation for its effectiveness and efficacy. Though these researchers have concluded that mixed-reality simulation can be an effective tool, there is limited information regarding a synthesis of the study characteristics (e.g., participants' demographic information, amount of time, skills taught using simulation, and participants' perceptions). Understanding these components is critical to the continued success and growth of using mixed-reality simulation in special education coursework. We identified and synthesized eight mixed-reality simulation studies with a total of 256 participants from 2005 to 2021. Together, the eight studies suggest that mixed-reality simulation is a valuable practice-based experience for preservice special educators. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction to the special series, "Assessing Classroom Management Practices: Setting the Stage for Effective and Equitable Intervention" overviews the importance of classroom management and how the field defines classroom management and previews the articles included in this special issue. The purpose of the special issue was to provide readers with wide-ranging assessment tools, their strengths, and weaknesses used to assess classroom management practices. This extends to how researchers analyze classroom management data and novel approaches to analyses. Readers will see the special issue leads with a thorough meta-analysis of existing classroom management assessment tools, followed by descriptions of other tools and related practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans (FBA-BIP) are standard practices for students with disabilities, the research base on the nature of FBA-BIPs is limited as most record reviews were conducted before 2010. We examined key compliance components of FBA-BIPs for 304 students with disabilities in one large U.S. local education agency, including demographic differences in FBA-BIP adequacy, and whether two key components could predict FBA-BIP quality. Results indicated variability in the quality rating of key FBA-BIP components and differences in FBA-BIP adequacy by grade level. Furthermore, strong associations were found between the overall quality of the FBA-BIP and the function of behavior as well as whether strategies were matched to the function. We discuss limitations, future research, and implications for professional learning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research demonstrates a clear link between implementing proactive classroom management practices and positive student outcomes. Thus, it is important to examine how teachers are prepared to enact such practices. In this qualitative study, the authors draw on interviews with 35 special education faculty members at 32 institutions of higher education (IHEs) to investigate how they helped teacher candidates acquire classroom management knowledge and skills. Their analyses reveal striking similarities with regard to participants' course content and assessments. There is considerable variation, though, in participants' use of research-based pedagogical practices in teaching classroom management. Most participants who use two or more research-based pedagogical practices place a strong emphasis on providing candidates with foundational knowledge about special education and/or addressing three or more inter-related classroom management topics in their work with candidates. In contrast, participants who use zero or one research-based pedagogical practices are more likely to rely on practical experience in teaching classroom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, schools have adopted videos as a medium to augment positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) programming. This approach engages various stakeholders in the development and use of PBIS videos. Subsequently, most PBIS videos are created based on existing school data (e.g., office discipline referrals) and expectation matrices. However, specifics about video content and creation mediums (e.g., acting, song, poster, pictures) are unknown. Therefore, we identified 238 videos and coded each for the format, type of video, and PBIS elements. We found videos are (a) created using several different mediums and (b) typically intended for students (as well as faculty and staff). We identified strengths (e.g., clear, and positive language) and weaknesses (e.g., lack of closed captioning). We discuss considerations for creating PBIS videos, limitations, and directions for future inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, research on mixed-reality simulation (MRS) has focused on various skills including applied behavior analysis, but studies have not evaluated the role of preservice teachers' perceived knowledge, confidence, usefulness, or actual practice related to data collection. To address this gap, we conducted two separate MRS studies, one for behavioral data collection, and one for sharing academic progress in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Results of both studies indicate participants' perceptions of their knowledge and confidence significantly increased as well as their actual knowledge or performance. Qualitative findings provide insight into how participants perceived the authenticity of the simulation experiences as well as suggestions regarding dosage and implementation. Limitations, implications for teacher education, and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special educators working with students with emotional and behavioral disorders often report experiencing collegial isolation, exclusion from school communities, and high levels of burnout and stress. At the same time, many special educators have limited professional development and networking opportunities, which could mitigate these negative experiences. In response, we adapted Project Extension Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) to connect and support special educators who work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The ECHO model creates a learning loop between a team of specialists and educators. Through participation in the ECHO, educators and specialists engaged in case-based learning and shared best practices for supporting students with EBD. We used a pre–post group design to examine how the ECHO model can address issues related to educator stress and emotional exhaustion while building a community of practice. Though participants agreed that ECHO creates a community of practice and experienced the program as beneficial, we found no statistically significant differences in participants' stress and emotional exhaustion between the pre/post survey. Our findings suggest that brief interventions are insufficient for addressing the complexities of teacher burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-determination skills are critical for improving life outcomes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The recent growth of postsecondary education (PSE) programs for those with IDD has provided additional opportunities for teaching self-determination skills. This study used a multiple probe across participants design with six individuals with IDD. The intervention consisted of a self-determination choice-making curriculum along with the use of a self-monitoring checklist to increase self-determination skills. Data were analyzed using visual analysis. Results revealed gains in participants' knowledge of choice-making steps with moderate effect size gains. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of professional learning and development (PLD) is to create a meaningful experience to build educator knowledge and practice that can positively affect student behavior. Yet, few studies evaluate the role of PLD with special educators who work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders in self-contained settings. The results of the study indicate that a 4-day PLD in the summer significantly increased the special educators' perceived knowledge, confidence, and usefulness of classroom behavior support practices. Data from follow-up observations confirmed the high rate of practices implemented. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations and suggestions for researchers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) can often demonstrate skill deficits and problem behaviors in general education classes. Teachers generally understand how to implement intensive interventions, yet may not know how to address skill deficits and off-task behaviors using a function-based approach or may encounter barriers to implementation. In this article, we present barriers to implementation that may occur in secondary settings. To help educators make decisions, we offer recommendations and resources to overcome these barriers to implementing functional assessment-based interventions in secondary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this descriptive study, we analyzed survey data regarding communication, instruction, and assessment strategies school personnel in K-12 settings reported using during the COVID-19 pandemic for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Results indicate, whether instructional continuity was mandated or not, support personnel serving students with EBD reported using a variety of communication, instruction, and assessment strategies. Several strategies special educators reported using were significantly different than those provided by related service providers (e.g., school psychologist, counselor) during school site closures. Implications for future planning, policy, and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As schools expand access to technology devices and internet connectivity improves throughout the United States, educators can utilize technology for continuity of instruction during school disruptions (e.g., out-of-school suspension, catastrophes, disasters, or illnesses). Remote learning provides students with instruction outside of the physical school setting or outside of the student's typical classroom (e.g., in-school suspension). Because most guidance and existing instructional practices for remote learning focus on academic domains and face-to-face instruction, this article focuses specifically on leveraging technology for remote learning to support four social, emotional, and behavioral practices: (a) building relationships, (b) establishing expectations, (c) promoting engagement, and (d) making choices. Options are provided for remote instructional practices for synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students diagnosed with specific learning disabilities, autism, or emotional disturbance may also receive speech-language services as part of their individual education program. This article focuses on the use of telepractice for providing speech-language services in schools. The benefits of telepractice are described, including the accessibility, efficiency, and preference of telepractice in delivering effective speech-language services. In addition, the implementation of telepractice services is outlined, strategies for troubleshooting are described, and two implementation checklists are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the critical importance of discrete instructional practices in special education, teacher candidates must be prepared to implement them upon entering the classroom. In preservice teacher education programs, field placements and clinical experiences rarely provide enough opportunities for preservice teachers to gain the proficiency needed to provide effective instruction. In this study, a randomized control research design was used to investigate the effects of a mixed-reality simulation experience compared with traditional classroom practice in the implementation of a system of least prompts. Results suggest that mixed-reality simulation with additional coaching supports significantly improved preservice teachers' implementation of the prompting sequence. Social validity data collected offer insights into the use of mixed-reality simulation in practice with preservice teachers. Limitations and suggestions for future work are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the findings of a randomized controlled trial examining the use of content acquisition podcasts for teachers (CAP-Ts) with 94 preservice teacher participants from two public universities. This study is an extension of a previous CAP-T study. We examined whether active embedded questions in CAP-Ts increased participant knowledge of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). Participants completed a pretest, treatment, and posttest assessment to measure the extent to which CAP-Ts with active embedded questions supported participant knowledge, improved application of FBA skills, and impacted social validity as compared with traditional CAP-Ts. Findings indicate that CAP-T with embedded questions did not produce significant changes in preservice teacher knowledge and application of skills. Limitations and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Content-focused practice-based professional development (PBPD) with active learning is one avenue to support teachers in learning new strategies, practices, and programs. This type of professional development moves away from traditional lectures. In this descriptive study, the authors used a pre–post group design to examine the extent to which a PBPD was effective in teaching participants how to design, implement, and evaluate functional assessment–based interventions. Results indicate participants increased perceived knowledge, confidence, and usefulness and made gains in actual knowledge. The authors conclude with implications, limitations, and suggestions for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote instruction and interventions are designed to reach students outside of the classroom setting. In this special series of Intervention in School and Clinic, remote or online instruction across five disciplines are examined. This introduction summarizes the key issues and provides an overview of the topics explored by each of the special series contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong classroom management may be the key to finding success as a new teacher. Yet many teachers seek additional professional development in managing classrooms that include students with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to provide new teachers and teacher educators with a prescriptive yet self-led approach to systematically improving classroom management practices using a sequential video analysis process. This article outlines an easy-to-follow four-step process that teachers can use to record, review, reflect on, and revise their instruction. A checklist of evidence-based classroom management strategies with video exemplar links, a free online observation tool called the Classroom Teaching Scan, and a guide for self-reflection called the Reflection Matrix are all explained. Through this highly structured yet self-led approach, teachers can independently engage in noticing elements of teaching, identify their own areas of strength and weakness, reflect in a meaningful way, and implement evidence-based classroom management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high percentage of new teachers who struggle with classroom management, preservice educators need more opportunities to develop their skills in managing challenging student behaviors prior to entering the classroom. There is growing interest in using mixed-reality simulators to provide educators opportunities to receive guided practice in implementing a variety of techniques, including classroom management strategies. Yet these technologies may be difficult for preservice programs to integrate into the curriculum and may be perceived as stressful for some student teachers. The current article presents findings from a feasibility and acceptability study of the TeachLive™ mixed-reality teaching simulator, which was used as a supplemental guided practice opportunity for preservice student teachers enrolled in classroom management and special education methods classes. Data from 62 preservice teachers suggest there is potential for acceptability among teachers in training, particularly if adjustments are made to reduce their stress and performance anxiety. Recommendations for using mixed-reality simulators in preservice training are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an empirically-based framework for proactively supporting student behavior across school settings. One technique schools utilize to teach and reinforce behavioral expectations is through the use of video. Since 2010, the Association for Positive Behavior Support has hosted the PBIS Film Festival at the annual meeting to showcase schools' use of video with 56 videos entered in the PBIS Film Festival in 2017. Despite the current utilization of videos as a means to sustain and/or support PBIS initiatives, the supports for creating and procedures for disseminating videos remain unclear. The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to gain an understanding of how schools are creating (e.g., resources, administration commitment) and utilizing (i.e., screening) PBIS videos. Interviews were conducted with 14 PBIS film creators who submitted videos to the 2017 annual PBIS Film Festival. Analysis revealed themes surrounding the development and use of PBIS videos. Implications for PBIS video creation and use are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often struggle with behavior and can display academically challenging behavior in the classroom. Therefore, teachers should consider implementing evidence-based strategies that promote desirable behavioral and academic outcomes. This article focuses on how general and special educators can use technology to deliver two evidence-based classroom management practices: (a) opportunities to respond and (b) behavior-specific praise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School personnel can benefit from creating and sharing their own positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) videos. PBIS videos can (a) introduce a new initiative to faculty and students, (b) teach specific school or class expectations, (c) reinforce appropriate student and staff behavior, and (d) celebrate PBIS implementation successes. This discussion article lists and describes strategies that can be used to create and screen PBIS videos. Examples of school personnel using PBIS videos are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special educators are tasked with understanding and implementing evidence-based practices. The purpose of this article is to highlight the salient features of replication in special education research and explain how practitioners can use this knowledge to become critical consumers of research. To do this we describe replication, emphasize the importance of understanding replication in special education research, provide a list of questions for consumers of research, explain the process of replication using an example, and offer resources for critical consumers to access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many students with and/or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders have academic deficits that affect their performance in mathematics. In addition, these students’ behavioral issues may interfere with their academic achievement. For these students, it makes sense for teachers to consider implementing research- and/or evidence-based practices that simultaneously promote mathematics fluency and increased academic engagement. The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with three instructional practices that we believe can easily be integrated into mathematics instruction. The practices are opportunities to respond, token economy, and self-monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how functional behavioral assessments (FBA) process is effective means to reduce student problem behavior and increase desirable behaviors and mentions use of FBA as basis for behavior intervention plans (BIPs). Topics include why the U.S. Department of Education has declined to define an FBA in the regulations, how fidelity refers to implementing all assessment procedures, and how schools create BSTs as a part of their positive behavior intervention.