A study to investigate mainstream primary school teachers’ experiences of implementing targets and goals outlined in an Individual Education Plan into their daily practice.
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Sinéad Lennon, 'A study to investigate mainstream primary school teachers’ experiences of implementing targets and goals outlined in an Individual Education Plan into their daily practice.'Download Item:
Sinéad Lennon PME.pdf (Thesis) 458.4Kb
Abstract:
The aim of this research study is to explore mainstream primary school teachers’ experiences of implementing targets and goals outlined in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) into their daily practice. In recent years, Ireland’s education system has gone through major change. Particularly in the area of mainstream education, which now aims to cater for the individual needs of all learners. IEPs are often used to help with planning for these individual learning needs. In Ireland IEPs are at the core of The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004. Research suggests that mainstream primary school teachers’ have input into the development of IEPs. However, some studies suggest that teachers may face challenges when implementing the targets of the IEP into their daily practice. Therefore, using qualitative methodology, this study explores eight mainstream primary school teachers’ experiences of implementing these targets into their daily practice by means of semi-structured interviews. The data was collected and analysed on a thematic basis. As a result of this thematic analysis, three main themes emerged.
The present study found from the data collected, that the participants viewed IEPs as worthwhile and valuable in supporting students learning. It was however evident, that the participants had concerns about their ability to implement these targets into their daily teaching. This research discovered that the main challenges facing the implementation of IEP targets and goals into daily practice were lack of time, class-size and mixed-level classes. The importance of good communication between all involved in the child’s learning was highlighted along with the need for adequate teacher training regarding IEPs. Further research similar to this study should be conducted on a larger scale in order to identify exactly how best to implement the targets and goals outlined in an IEP into daily practice.
Author: Lennon, Sinéad
Advisor:
English, AnneQualification name:
Professional Master of EducationType of material:
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