Action research is the process of (a) identifying a problem in the classroom, (b) collecting data to better understand the problem, (c) researching evidence-based interventions for addressing the problem, (d) selecting and implementing an intervention, (e) collecting data to determine the effectiveness of the intervention, and (f) making changes to the intervention based on that data. In the special education classroom, action research is an integral part of the IEP process and should be used in IEP planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Teacher's Guide to Action Research for Special Education in PK-12 Classrooms is intended for use as a textbook in special education action research courses, but includes practical applications and easy-to-understand verbiage for all readers, as well as reproducible data collection forms. The expected readership of the book are current and future preschool through twelfth grade special education teachers. After reading this book, pre-service and in-service teachers will be better prepared for systematically using data to support decision making in their classrooms. Because of the reproducible forms and explicit instructions on the use of action research, readers will be able to immediately begin conducting action research in their own classrooms after reading this book.
Marla J. Lohmann, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Colorado Christian University, where she teaches courses on supporting students with disabilities, assistive technology, and action research. Dr. Lohmann has been in the Education field for over 20 years and is passionate about ensuring success for all children and their teachers. You can connect with her via Twitter: @MarlaLohmann
List of Figures Acknowledgments Chapter 1: What is Special Education Action Research? Student Learning Objectives What is Research? Action Research in Daily Life The Action Research Process Action Research in the IEP Process Traditional Research vs. Action Research Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, & Mixed Methods Research Why Should I Do Action Research? Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 2: Identifying Classroom Learning Challenges and Collecting Baseline Data Student Learning Objectives Data-Driven Decision Making Defining Learning or Behavior Challenge Collecting Baseline Data Assessment Data Work Samples Observations Surveys/Questionnaires Checklists Rating Scales Interviews The Challenge with Only Relying on Formal Assessments Data Literacy Additional Data Collection Considerations Forming a Problem Statement Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 3: Identifying Potential Evidence-Based Interventions Student Learning Objectives Evidence-Based Practices Locating EBPs Finding EBPs Without Access to a University Database Determining the Appropriateness of an EBP for your Student Designing an Intervention Plan Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 4: Implementing an Avidence-Based Intervention Student Learning Objectives Planning for the Intervention IRB Applications & Approval Implementing the Intervention Implementation Fidelity Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 5: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Intervention Student Learning Objectives Formative Evaluation Analyzing the Formative Data Determining Effectiveness of Intervention Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 6: Sharing Your Research Student Learning Objectives Sharing Data with Colleagues Rationale for Sharing Data with Education Community Sharing your Research with the Education Community Through Presentations Sharing your Research with the Education Community Through an Article Conclusion Review Questions and Exercises Chapter 7: Conclusion Student Learning Objectives Action Research and the IEP Moving Forward Review Questions and Exercises Appendix A: Case Studies: Sample Action Research Projects Case Study: Pierre Case Study: Jack Case Study: Jose Appendix B: Case Studies for Student Practice Case Study 1: Communication Delay in Preschool Case Study 2: Self-Injury Behavior in 6th Grade Case Study 3: HyperActivity in 1st Grade Case Study 4: Paraprofessional Training References Index About the Author
Finding a research methods text that is practical, non-technical, and utilizes a conversational writing style is often challenging. However, Dr. Lohmann has successfully achieved this in The Teacher'sGuide to Action Research for Special Educators. This book is a must-have for any special educator who is focused on providing the most effective evidence-based intervention strategies unique to the needs of their individual learners. This book outlines action research as the most appropriate strategy to achieve these outcomes, and Dr. Lohmann presents action research in an extremely user-friendly style. -- Craig A. Mertler, Adrian Dominican School of Education A practical guide for any novice or experienced action researcher, The Teacher's Guide to Action Research for Special Education in PK-12 Classrooms is effectively organized to guide the researcher through the process of Action Research in Special Education. This text is well supported with authentic case studies, review questions for reflection and discussion, and applicable practices for the researcher. -- Janine Chitty, professor of secondary English education and graduate studies, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
