Teachers' Perceptions About Addressing Literacy for Students With Vision Impairment

Teachers’ Perceptions About Addressing Literacy for Students With Vision Impairment by Samantha C. Washington MS, University of Central Missouri, 2008 BS, University of Central Missouri, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2017 Abstract Regular education teachers are sometimes at a disadvantage when required to instruct learners with a visual impairment or other special needs in the classroom. A problem exists with reduced support and training for regular education teachers responsible for meeting literacy needs of students with visual impairment. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive case study was to explore regular education instructors’ perceptions of their self-efficacy and ability to modify literature for learners with visual impairment. The research questions targeted this purpose, specifically in the areas of training opportunities and technology use. The social cognitive theory, a model emphasizing learning occurring through social contexts and observations, was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected from 1-on-1 interviews with 10 volunteer regular education teachers teaching students at the elementary level. The resulting data were analyzed via color-coding transcripts, NVivo running word-frequency queries, and manual review of each transcript. The results revealed the participants did not have training, awareness for the literacy needs of students with visual impairment, or knowledge of the different types of technology used to access and create literacy materials. Although they lacked training and current knowledge of providing literacy instruction, the participants expressed confidence in their ability to research, collaborate, and gain the knowledge needed toRegular education teachers are sometimes at a disadvantage when required to instruct learners with a visual impairment or other special needs in the classroom. A problem exists with reduced support and training for regular education teachers responsible for meeting literacy needs of students with visual impairment. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive case study was to explore regular education instructors’ perceptions of their self-efficacy and ability to modify literature for learners with visual impairment. The research questions targeted this purpose, specifically in the areas of training opportunities and technology use. The social cognitive theory, a model emphasizing learning occurring through social contexts and observations, was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected from 1-on-1 interviews with 10 volunteer regular education teachers teaching students at the elementary level. The resulting data were analyzed via color-coding transcripts, NVivo running word-frequency queries, and manual review of each transcript. The results revealed the participants did not have training, awareness for the literacy needs of students with visual impairment, or knowledge of the different types of technology used to access and create literacy materials. Although they lacked training and current knowledge of providing literacy instruction, the participants expressed confidence in their ability to research, collaborate, and gain the knowledge needed to effectively do so. The implications for positive social change include implementation of training and/or an education cycle for more efficient instruction when serving a student with visual impairment in the local school district. Efficient instruction can facilitate an improvement in the academic performance of students with visual impairment. Teachers’ Perceptions About Addressing Literacy for Students With Vision Impairment by Samantha C. Washington MS, University of Central Missouri, 2008 BS, University of Central Missouri, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated first and foremost to my daughter, Amiah. Her heart of determination, kindness, and joy inspire me on a daily basis. Amiah, you have tremendously been a bright shining star in my life since you were born. I will always advocate for you, be your number one fan, and be there for you. Know that your future is bright and you can accomplish that which you set out to do. I love you baby girl. I would also like to dedicate this achievement to my nephews and niece: Issiah, Alexander, Jeremiah, Richard, Shamar, Elijah, Jesiah, and Tiana. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cannot or you will not because you can and you will. I hope that each of you will reach the goals you set out to accomplish. I believe in all of you, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.