The Development and Evaluation of Reality-Based Simulation Materials for the Training of Special Education Administrators in State Departments of Education. Final Report.

Overview & Synopsis

A project was conducted to develop and evaluate a reality-based simulation model of the role of a Special Education administrator in a state education agency, for use in the training of administrators of Special Education in state education agencies. Three specific objectives of the study were to develop a set of reality-based items based on observed situations in state education agencies, develop a training model using these items in a simulated environment approach, and assess the model's effect on trainees in the skill areas of information processing, sensitivity to issues, and organizing and planning. Implementation of the training model consisted of administering the materials to 23 new staff members of different state education agencies during a 2-week workshop. Evaluation instruments included interviews with subjects, completion of a written opinionnaire by subjects following the workshop, and administration of the Trial Problem Solving Exercise to measure growth of skill in information processing, sensitivity to issues, and organizing and planning. Evaluation data showed the study successful in achieving the first two specific objectives (development of materials and use as training model), but no evidence confirmed the effectiveness of the simulation exercise on the three target skill areas. (KW)