Perceptions of Future Special Education Teachers concerning Rural Teaching Environments [electronic resource] / Teri L. Bell and Others.
This study examined attitudes of prospective special educators regarding urban, suburban, and rural teaching environments. A total of 588 student members of the Council for Exceptional Children representing 49 universities were surveyed. The questionnaire, composed of 67 questions, examined student...
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| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
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Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1991.
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| Summary: | This study examined attitudes of prospective special educators regarding urban, suburban, and rural teaching environments. A total of 588 student members of the Council for Exceptional Children representing 49 universities were surveyed. The questionnaire, composed of 67 questions, examined student reasons for being in special education. It also assessed attitudes concerning social, cultural, personal, and professional issues regarding various teaching environments. The students reported they were in special education for altruistic motives. They viewed suburban locations for teaching as the most desirable from a social, economic, and educational support perspective. Only 20 percent of students who grew up in rural areas were likely to return to rural areas to teach. Most beginning teachers are drawn to school districts that care for their students, have a high level of parental involvement, and a commitment of educational resources. These districts should have few problems in recruiting special education teachers, no matter where they are located. However, 60 percent of the total sample desired suburban placements and 23 percent desired rural placements. Socialization seems to be a major issue in preference, while salaries do not seem to be important except for those wanting to teach in an urban setting. Statistical analyses of the student questionnaire were presented in tables. The appendices include graphs illustrating the degree of interaction between student perceptions and type of environment. The student questionnaire is also included. (LP) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED342542. ERIC Note: In: Reaching Our Potential: Rural Education in the 90's. Conference Proceedings, Rural Education Symposium (Nashville, TN, March 17-20, 1991); see RC 018 473. |
| Physical Description: | 36 p. |