INVESTIGATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES AND EFFICACY PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS WORKING WITH FAMILIES

Abstract

One of the most important variables affecting student success in education is teachers and the other
is families. Teachers working in collaboration with families and families participation in education
contributes positively to the development of students. It is also critical that special education
teachers collaborate with the families of students with special needs. Special education teachers’ knowledge and attitudes towards working with families are formed
during their undergraduate studies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the attitudes and
efficacy perceptions of special education preservice teachers towards working with families in
terms of different variables. Correlational survey model is used as a research model. Data were
analyzed using SPSS 24.0. From seven different universities which were chosen randomly, 490
special education teacher candidates volunteered to participate in the study. The variables of
gender, university, grade level and different experiences with families were examined in relation to
their attitudes and efficacy perceptions. The results showed that attitudes and perceptions of
efficacy towards working with families differentiated in relation to experiences with families and
taking a course about families. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the attitudes
towards working with families and the perception of efficacy.