What Factors Contribute to Self-Efficacy

Authors

  • Hildy Straus, Ph.D. (Author) Fordham University image/svg+xml
    Hildy Straus, Ph.D. is a special education teacher for the Kiryas Joel UFSD in Monroe, NY. As a classroom teacher and administrator, she has worked with paraeducators for over 25 years.
  • Rhonda Bondie, Ph.D. (Author) Fordham University
    Rhonda Bondie, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in special education at Fordham University. Rhonda’s research focuses on differentiated instruction and teacher preparation through digital teaching platforms. Rhonda maintains two websites for teacher learning, Project REACH Online.org and ALL-ED.org.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.282
This study examined the self-efficacy of paraeducators serving students with moderate to severe disabilities in a specialized public school. Quantitative methods explored the relationship among paraeducator self-efficacy, personal factors (including work experience, age level of teaching assignment, and disability served), and organizational factors (including role of paraeducator, collaboration, professional development, job satisfaction, and supervision). Seventy-five paraeducators working in a suburban public school responded to the Paraeducator Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale and the Paraeducator Descriptive Questionnaire. Findings indicated that overall, personal or organizational factors were not predictors of self-efficacy. However, the organizational factor of job satisfaction was a significant predictor of self-efficacy, suggesting that paraeducators should be encouraged to express their wants and needs. Additionally, strong relationships were present between supervision and role definition and also between job satisfaction and collaboration.

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There are 24 references in total.
Straus, H., & Bondie, R. (2015). What Factors Contribute to Self-Efficacy. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 10(3), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.282

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Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted August 19, 2015
  • Published October 15, 2015
  • Issue Fall 2015
  • Section Articles
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