General and Special Educators' Perceptions of the Desirability and Feasibility of Modifications for Students with Mild-Moderate Mental Retardation in the General Education Classroom

Author

Alice E. McCormick, Longwood University

Date of Award

5-6-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Rachel Mathews, Ed.D.

Second Advisor

Ruth L. Meese, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Stephen C. Keith, Ed.D

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the perceptions of general and special educators toward the desirability and feasibility of modifications for students with mild-moderate mental retardation in the general education classroom. The subjects were (N = 192) teachers from the elementary, middle, and high school levels of rural public school divisions in south central Virginia. Data were collected through a Likert-type questionnaire developed by Schumm and Vaughn. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 192 surveys mailed, 103 (N = 103) subjects responded. The results indicated there were no statistically significant differences in the perceptions of general and special educators based on type of teacher, groups by grade level, number of years teaching, gender, and experience making modifications for students with mild-moderate mental retardation. Findings also indicated there were no statistically significant differences between general educators who have and have not had special training in making adaptations. However, the results did indicate a statistically significant relationship in the perceptions of general and special educators between the desirability and feasibility of modifications for students with mild-moderate mental retardation in the general education classroom . Limitations of the study included the low percentage of surveys returned which may affect the generalizability of the results of this study. Future studies with a sample size including school divisions from urban and suburban areas and a follow-up of this study are recommended.

Recommended Citation

McCormick, Alice E., "General and Special Educators' Perceptions of the Desirability and Feasibility of Modifications for Students with Mild-Moderate Mental Retardation in the General Education Classroom" (1997). Theses & Honors Papers. 293.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/etd/293