UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING SPECIAL EDUCATION
EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18316/rcd.v16i44.12257Keywords:
Special education, school administrators, case study, educational need, role of administratorsAbstract
This study aims to determine school administrators’ attitudes toward special education, their level of knowledge, their collaboration experiences, and their in-service training needs. The study group of the research, which was conducted with a case study based on qualitative research methods, consisted of eight school administrators who served in public schools in the academic year of 2022-2023. Five themes were identified by analyzing the data obtained through the interview technique. The results of the study revealed that the school administrators described individuals with special needs as individuals who differ from their peers in certain areas and need special attention and education. The school administrators considered themselves inadequate in the field of special education. In the collaboration theme, they emphasized the significance of family collaboration but indicated that they were not supported as needed. Moreover, the administrators needed in-service trainings and seminars. Consequently, the role of administrators in special education has a direct impact on the education and development of students with special needs. They should have a broad accumulation of knowledge, exhibit strong leadership skills and act with an empathetic approach. In this sense, it is expected that the organization of in-service trainings and seminars will enhance the quality of special education services by improving the knowledge and skills of administrators.
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