Special education directors' views of community-based vocational instruction

Julie L. Pickens, Stacy K. Dymond

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the views of special education directors toward communitybased vocational instruction (CBVI). Participants included a non-proportional random sample of 47 directors from one state who completed an online or paper-based survey. Independent variables were directors' years of experience, geographic location, whether the district provided CBVI in the summer, and the curriculum of students who participated in CBVI. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics along with a content analysis of open-ended questions. Results indicate that respondents support the use of CBVI and experience few barriers to implementation. Insufficient staff and inadequate public transportation were the highest rated barriers. Views regarding the intensity with which CBVI should be provided and the age and types of students who should receive CBVI differed from practices recommended in the field. Significant group findings were evident for the variables of years of experience and curriculum of students who participated in CBVI.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)290-304
Number of pages15
JournalResearch and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities
Volume39
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2014

Keywords

  • Community-based vocational instruction
  • Disabilities
  • Special education directors
  • Transition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • General Health Professions
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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