A Comparative Investigation Of Differences Between Special And General Education Teachers` Perception About Student With Autism In Educational Center Of Children With Autism (ocem)
Open Access
Author:
Karal, Muhammed Akif
Graduate Program:
Special Education
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
None
Committee Members:
Paul J Riccomini, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
Special Education General Education Special Education Teachers Perceptions Students with Autism Autism Ocem
Abstract:
The Centers for Educational Children with Autism (OCEM) was established in 1999 as part of the Educational Project for Students with Autism (OCEP). One of the main reasons for establishing these schools are laws, which introduce the concept of least restrictive environment. That needs to be considered in the first place in the field of special education.
This study investigated general education and special education teachers` perceptions about the students with Autism in Centers for Educational Children with Autism (OCEMs).The Autism Attitude Scale for Teachers (AAST) was the survey used to state perceptions of respondents about the students with Autism.
The responses from the AAST show both teacher groups had receptive perceptions about students with Autism in Centers for Educational Children with Autism. However, special education teachers had more receptive beliefs about students with Autism than general education teachers. There was statistically significant difference in the mean scores from the AAST between respondent groups by ANOVA analysis.
This research is significant for the field of education because it is important to realize both teacher groups’ perceptions` about the students with Autism can have serious impacts and can affect educational outcomes. Furthermore, examining the perceptions of teachers may provide a worthy source of data used in the development of teachers for future considerations.
