An Investigation of Issues Related to the Special Education Teacher Shortage in the State of Oklahoma.

Overview & Synopsis

This study evaluated the shortage of special education teachers in Oklahoma and presented a long term plan to meet this need. The study examined: (1) teacher shortages by category and geographic location in Oklahoma; (2) availability of individuals with the potential to be special education teachers; and (3) innovative recruitment and retention strategies. Following a chapter that addresses administrative components, the second chapter reports results of a survey of Oklahoma school district special education teacher needs. Results of a survey of special educators on their thoughts about retention and recruitment issues are reported in Chapter III. A survey of students at Oklahoma state universities majoring in general education and possibly interested in special education is reported in Chapter IV. Chapter V presents information received from State Departments of Education and university special education training programs throughout the United States. Chapter VI presents recommendations, addressing retention (at both state and local levels); recruitment (addressed to institutions of higher education and the State Department of Education); and certification (new certification, alternative certification, emergency certification, speech/language certification, undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and local education agencies). Appendices include the survey forms and a literature review. (24 references) (DB)