Michael Arthur-Kelly

Evaluating the Educational Experiences of Students with Profound and Multiple Disabilities in Inclusive and Segregated Classroom Settings: An Australian Perspective:

An increasing amount of research attention is being directed toward the educational experiences of students with profound and multiple disabilities. One technique that has allowed a better understanding of alertness and involvement in members of this population is behavior state assessment. In this study, eight matched pairs of school-aged students with profound and multiple disabilities were observed for one full day in either a segregated classroom or an inclusive classroom in Australian schools. Behavior states were systematically observed and recorded, along with several contextual indicators including measures of communicative behaviors, activity, and social grouping. Despite the absence of significant differences in most observed student behavior states between the two settings, the students observed in general classrooms in this investigation were involved in significantly higher levels of communicative interaction than their matched peers in special classrooms. Differences in the frequency of the communicative partners in the two settings were also observed. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of enrollment practices, staff development issues, and the development of inclusive curriculum and instruction.

Issues in the use of visual supports to promote communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose. Visual supports are widely used and generally regarded as an effective resource for intervention with individuals who function on the autism spectrum. More cross-contextual research into their efficacy is required. Method and outcomes. In this article, we selectively review the research literature around visual supports based on an original conceptual model that highlights their contribution in the interpersonal social and communicative milieu of classrooms, homes and other daily living contexts. Attention is drawn to a range of practical and research issues and challenges in the use of visual supports as well as evidence of their effectiveness in enhancing participation, learning and social membership in this population. Conclusions. Areas for further research relating to the introduction and use of visual supports with the autism spectrum disorder population are identified.

Social Justice Principles, the Law and Research, as Bases for Inclusion

Educational policies for students with a disability in Australia, the USA, the UK and in most western countries stipulate that inclusive placement should be an option available to parents. This article examines three principal drivers of inclusion: social justice principles, legislation, and research findings, and considers the extent to which each of these has impacted on inclusive policy and practice. The article considers the research base for inclusion, and examines the extent to which the policy and practice of inclusion is supported by evidence. It concludes with some suggestions for a research agenda that focuses on the particular contextual challenges and complexities faced in Australasian school settings, whilst recognising international directions in the identification of evidence‐based practices.

The impact of partner training on the communicative involvement of students with multiple and severe disability in special schools.

Abstract Background The outcomes of a pilot program of staff development in communication support in the context of observed changes in student behaviour states and interactive abilities are reported. Participant reports about the impact of the program on their professional practices are included. Method Six teachers and six teacher aides in special (segregated) schools were provided with a short, intensive training program designed to improve their communicative interactions with students with multiple and severe disability (MSD) in their classes. Behaviour state assessment was used for pre‐ and post‐testing of six students. Teachers and aides completed self‐report scales related to their communication skills, knowledge and concerns prior to and at the conclusion of the training program. Results While staff reported improved skills and knowledge, this was not reflected in improvements in the communicative interactions of the students as observed in their classrooms. Conclusions The training provided may not have been sufficient to change well‐established teaching and interaction processes. Further research using in‐school collaborative mentors is planned.

Speech-Language Pathologists ' Perceptions of Implementing Communication Intervention with Students with Multiple and Severe Disabilities

Abstract The aim of the present study was to explore speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) perceptions and experiences of factors influencing the implementation of communication interventions for students with multiple and severe disabilities. Eight SLPs in New South Wales, Australia, participated in individual interviews and a focus group. Interview transcripts were scrutinized using thematic analysis. Transcripts were coded into categories, which were then grouped to yield themes. Participants identified a broad range of themes, including SLPs’ experience and skills, professional development, and collaboration with teachers and families; as well as home and school contexts, the role of government departments, and broader societal factors. These complex influences suggest that systemic supports may be required at multiple levels in order to increase the likelihood of effective implementation of communication interventions for students with multiple and severe disabilities.

Mentoring early career special education teachers

For some time, special education has been plagued by shortages of qualified teaching staff and by high turnover rates for these staff. While several factors—external, employment and personal—are largely responsible for this situation, the research demonstrates that the initial professional experiences of early career teachers are closely associated with their longevity in the field. This paper reviews the literature on mentoring support for beginning teachers, mentoring models and the use of information technologies in mentoring support. The paper concludes with recommendations for methods of support for Australian early career special-education teachers.

Reflections on enhancing pre-service teacher education programmes to support inclusion: perspectives from New Zealand and Australia

Positive changes to pre-service teacher education programmes (PSTEPs), driven in part by changing worldwide policy frameworks around inclusion, are occurring, albeit slowly. After briefly reviewing international trends and key policy and legislation platforms in New Zealand and Australia, this paper explores some of the challenges in enhancing PSTEPs to take on more inclusive perspectives and content. Examples of innovative changes in one programme in New Zealand and one in Australia are then described and discussed, particularly around how these changes seek to address these challenges. Some key facilitators for enhancing PSTEPs are put forward, namely positioning and embedding policy and practice in national and international contexts; embracing practices; working with the broader education faculty around the integration of course structures and content; listening to the views of practicing teachers; exploring pre-service teachers’ values, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and concerns about engaging with and teaching students with diverse learning needs; building evidence-based programming and instructional knowledge, skills and practices for effective differentiation and adjustments; contributing to authentic mentoring networks; and encouraging professional development planning.

Professional Learning for Teachers Without Special Education Qualifications Working With Students With Severe Disabilities

In this article, the authors report on an individualized professional learning activity, based on the principles described by Gersten and colleagues, implemented by two academics with three teachers without special education qualifications teaching students with severe and multiple disabilities. The professional learning consisted of consultation based around observation of classroom practice (live or by video recording) focusing on the use of strategies to increase the number of opportunities for communication offered to students. Analysis of video recordings of targeted activities over baseline and intervention sessions demonstrated an increase in the opportunities teachers offered, with larger effects in two of the classes.

Using MINSPEAK: a case study of a preschool child with complex communication needs.

Young children with complex communication needs require the best possible start to their educational lives, and for some, this will involve the use of communication technology supports and collaborative teams. This case study describes the outcomes of a pilot investigation that utilised MINSPEAK as a means of enhancing emergent language and literacy skills in a young girl with a range of participatory challenges. Results indicated that when family members and educational teams work together, it is possible to achieve important progress in early language skills using relevant software, systematic teaching and an accessible speech generating device (SGD). The implications of this modest case study are discussed in terms of innovative practice amongst collaborative alternative and augmentative communication teams.

Educational approaches for maximizing arousal in children with multiple and severe disability: new directions for research and practice in early childhood contexts

This paper provides a review of several critical issues and directions for research and practice, centred on children with multiple and severe disability, with special attention to the recent study of individual behaviour states as a measure of arousal and involvement. It notes several areas for future research and discusses educational interventions designed to improve the engagement of children, focusing on the central role of early intervention and human ecologies in supporting the achievement of positive educational outcomes for this population.