Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Group problem solving; Special education -- Iowa; Iowa;
Abstract
The historical legislation mandating multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in schools is well known. Relatively little attention has been directed toward either evaluating systematic processes that would lead to the desired outcome ,of better services to all students or educating team members in problem solving content and process. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that influence problem solving outcomes and other aspects of service delivery in MDT settings. Team members' roles, problem solving steps, family involvement, and team building activities were measured by mailing a confidential Decision-Making Practices in Iowa Schools questionnaire to elementary principals (n = 114), elementary regular education teachers (n = 193), and elementary special education teachers (n = 212), representing each Area Education Agency in Iowa. Data analysis revealed elementary regular education teachers and elementary special education teachers, most responsible for implementation of team decisions, are the individuals who. participate in teaming the least and are least satisfied with the process. In addition, lack of parental involvement was one barrier likely to impede the effectiveness of the decision-making process. The results also indicated group process and team effectiveness training activities rarely occurred. Future research is needed to help identify and refine leadership skills necessary for facilitating MDTs.
Year of Submission
2001
Degree Name
Specialist in Education
Department
Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations
First Advisor
Annette Carmer
Date Original
2001
Object Description
1 PDF file (96 leaves)
Copyright
©2001 Debra S. Meyer
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Meyer, Debra S., "Multidisciplinary team decision-making practices in Iowa schools" (2001). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 1142.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1142
Comments
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