Abstract
Preliminary teachers call out for more preparation for autism inclusion in their credential programs. The purpose of this study is to explore the framing of autism inclusion by professors of multiple and single subject preliminary teacher candidates. Data were collected using a qualitative single embedded intrinsic case study design employing focus groups, document review, and external scoring to a frame scale. Themes that arose included human interest and proposed solutions, with increasing specificity to autism, and social construction following reframing. Practical implications from this study include meaningful understanding and support for professors who prepare preliminary teacher candidates.
TopIntroduction
Perception becomes reality. Public relations, commonly understood as a management function between an organization and its key publics, is a tool for impacting perceptions or actions (PRSSA, n.d.). However, in a thorough review of current and historical public relations literature (Bernays, 1928; Bolman et al., 2017; Borah, 2011; Cacciatore et al., 2016; Fairhurst, 2005; Forlin, 2010; Goffman, 1974; Keogh, 2013; Murphree, 2015; Pan & Kosicki, 1993; Russell & Lamme, 2016; Schedin, 2017; Scheufele, 1999; Tye, 2002; Valentino et al., 2001), public relations has not been studied previously as it relates to the inclusion of people with autism. Although autism inclusion remains a significant focus for public education (Busby et al., 2012; Crosland et al., 2012; Finch et al., 2013; Hassanein, 2015; IDEA, 2004; Loiacono & Valenti, 2010; Morgan, 2015; Sansosti, & Sansosti, 2012; U.S. Department of Education, 2012), the frames surrounding preparing teachers for autism inclusion in education remain to be explored in a public relations context. Framing theory states that frames help us make sense of the world (Bolman et al., 2017; Borah, 2011; Cacciatore et al., 2016; Fairhurst, 2005; Forlin, 2010; Goffman, 1974; Pan & Kosicki, 1993; Schedin, 2017; Scheufele, 1999; Valentino et al., 2001). In other worlds, frames affect perception (Bolman et al., 2017; Borah, 2011; Cacciatore et al., 2016; Fairhurst, 2005; Forlin, 2010; Goffman, 1974; Pan & Kosicki, 1993; Schedin, 2017; Scheufele, 1999; Valentino et al., 2001). Frames affect reality by shaping perception and also how people act upon that perception (Bolman et al., 2017; Goffman, 1974; Pan & Kosicki, 1993; Scheufele, 1999).
This reframing study sets out to expand knowledge regarding professors of preliminary teacher candidates and their relationship to teaching inclusion of individuals with autism to future general education teachers. Two research questions guide the study:
Key Terms in this Chapter
Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA): A law that makes education available and free to individuals with disabilities in the public school setting tailored to individual needs of each student (IDEA, 2004 AU81: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 ).
Public Relations (PR): “A management function between an organization and key publics that helps to form and maintain mutually beneficial relationships” (PRSSA, n.d. AU83: The in-text citation "PRSSA, n.d." is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. , p.1, Theaker & Yaxley, 2013 AU84: The in-text citation "Theaker & Yaxley, 2013" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Teacher Candidate: A student in a post baccalaureate program who is studying to become a PK12 teacher and/or acquire a teaching credential ( California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 ).
Reframing: To identify frames and offer up opportunities for new frames ( Kaufman et al., 2017 ).
Teaching Performance Expectations (TPE): An identification by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing of elements and key aspects of strong teaching performance accompanied with a narrative and context for that expectation ( California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 ).
Special Education: A type of educational system in the United States that is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals identified by the schools as qualifying for special education, sometimes also carrying a medical diagnosis and including classroom support, related services, and supports and accommodations. Special education is taught by educators with a special education credential, who go through different coursework and preparation (IDEA, 2004 AU86: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 ).
Framing Theory: A theory which pre-consciously places attention on certain topics within a field of meaning (a frame) often used in communication studies (Bateson, 1972 AU77: The in-text citation "Bateson, 1972" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Bolman et al., 2017 AU78: The in-text citation "Bolman et al., 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Goffman, 1974 ; Pan & Kosicki, 1993 ; Scheufele, 1999 ).
Social Construction: In disability studies, a posit that nondisabled people socially construct an idea of disability as inferior ( Rossa, 2017 ; Taylor, 2006 AU85: The in-text citation "Taylor, 2006" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Key Publics: Defined groups of people by various segments whose unique relationship is important for the success of the person, organization or effort. Generally used within a public relations context (Theaker & Yaxley, 2013 AU82: The in-text citation "Theaker & Yaxley, 2013" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Hidden Disability: A disability that is not immediately visible, including but not limited to developmental, behavioral and intellectual disabilities. Can also apply to physical conditions that are internal, such as a heart condition A person who identifies as disabled who is non-disabled “passing.” (Jarman, 2017 AU79: The in-text citation "Jarman, 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Valeras, 2010 AU80: The in-text citation "Valeras, 2010" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Teacher Preparation: The postbaccalaureate process a teacher goes through in order to become a teacher which typically involves a credential program, an induction program and sometimes a Master’s degree, depending on state and program ( California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 ).
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Flexible designs for learning and teaching which naturally accommodate many different kinds of learners and unique abilities ( Rose, 2001 ).
Frame: Context and meaning related to how to think about complex matters (Bolman et al., 2017 AU75: The in-text citation "Bolman et al., 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Borah, 2011 ; Cacciatore et al., 2016 ; Fairhurst, 2005 ; Forlin, 2010 ; Goffman, 1974 ; Pan & Kosicki, 1993 ; Schedin, 2017 ; Scheufele, 1999 ; Valentino et al., 2001 ).
Inclusion: Removing barriers to full participation in everyday activities including addressing policy, attitude, perspective, physical spaces, and communication ( Hassanein, 2015 ; Sansosti & Sansosti, 2012 ).
Framing: A process from Communication Studies that focuses complex issues by placing emphasis on certain aspects of information over others (Bateson, 1972 AU76: The in-text citation "Bateson, 1972" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Goffman, 1974 ).
Preliminary Credential: The authorization given by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in the state of California. There are single subject and multiple subject credentials, with the primary difference being that single subject credentialed teachers teach grades 7-12 or specialized subjects like music or art while multiple subject credentials teach at the elementary level ( California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 ).