Raising standards for pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) through monitoring and evaluation of provision in primary schools

The aim of the research is to further knowledge and understand how monitoring and evaluation of pupils who have English as an additional language (EAL) is undertaken in primary schools. This is a comparative study across primary schools using qualitative approaches to help gain insight into current good practice and identify future needs in EAL. Through interviews with senior leadership teams and key coordinators, we explore how structures and systems help to monitor and evaluate provision for pupils who have EAL. The findings of the study indicate a more systematic approach to monitoring and evaluation of pedagogic practice, so that staff in primary schools have a clearer understanding of how to meet the needs of pupils who have EAL more effectively, rather than leaving it to specialist staff. Our conclusion is that staff require training on data analysis to better target learning and attainment for pupils who have EAL.     

Professional learning among specialist staff in resourced mainstream schools for pupils with ASD and SLI

Supporting pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools is a challenging task. This article proposes a professional development framework for educational psychologists (EPs) to consider when supporting the development of specialist ASD staff. The framework focuses on training content, educator characteristics and organisational elements. Nine mainstream schools developing additional provision to support children with ASD and specific language impairment (SLI) participated in the research. Specialist staff were provided with training and took part in follow up interviews about their developing practice. A pre- and post-questionnaire of participants (N = 30) attending the specialist training is supplemented with longitudinal interview data from specialist staff (N = 20). A paired sample t-test of questionnaire data showed that staff self-efficacy significantly increased pre- to post-training with a large effect size (0.61). Thematic analysis of interviews provided evidence of sustained professional development over time, underpinned by supportive organisational factors.     

Understanding the role of the Teaching Assistant: comparing the views of pupils with SEN and TAs within mainstream primary schools

The number of teaching assistants (TAs) in schools in the UK has risen in recent years, but there remains a lack of clarity about the roles being undertaken by these support staff. This article reports findings from a study investigating how the TA role is understood both by the pupils being supported and by TAs themselves. Eleven students with SEN were interviewed regarding the support received from TAs within school. Following this, the TAs were also interviewed and asked to explain how they viewed their main support role. The data suggest a difference in the understanding of the role between the two groups, with pupils primarily focused on academic support and TAs focusing instead on behavioural support. Implications for practice include the need to clarify the TA role to support consistency across settings, and the importance of ensuring that pupils with SEN are supported to understand the role of TAs within schools.     

Teachers on perceived traits and academic achievements of regular pupils and pupils with special needs in mainstream primary schools

When looking for answers to the question of academic (non)achievement of regular pupils and pupils with special needs, it is necessary to take into account the extraordinary complexity of factors, ranging from psychological across instructional to home environment variables. The academic achievement is not only a reflection of the pupil’s knowledge, but is also influenced by the pupil’s behaviour, the teacher’s expectations and finally the relationship established between the teacher and the pupil. This paper contributes answers to the question which of the traits, perceived by teachers, explain the academic achievements of regular pupils and pupils with special needs. Our analysis shows that perceived traits that explain the academic achievement of regular pupils refer to academic as well as social behaviour, disruptive behaviour and self-regulatory behaviour; therefore, they cover all areas of perceived traits we studied. In pupils with special needs as a whole and in particular groups of pupils with special needs, the factor which presents disruptive social behaviour proved as insignificant, which consequently means that the academic achievement of pupils with special needs depends more on academic and self-regulatory behaviour, task activity and social inclusion.     

Tensions experienced by teachers and their views of support for pupils with autism spectrum disorders in mainstream schools

The number of pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who receive their education in mainstream schools in the UK has increased considerably over the last 10 years. Despite this increase, teachers and other support staff face a number of challenges in order to ensure that these inclusive arrangements bring maximum benefits to the children themselves, their parents and the school community as a whole. In this study we explore some of the tensions that teachers in mainstream schools may experience, many of which reflect the unique problems that the inclusion of pupils with ASD can present. In addition, we explore how these tensions may shape their views of support arrangements for those pupils. We observed 17 pupils with ASD ranging from 7 to 16 years, all of whom were placed in a regular class in one of eight mainstream schools on a full‐time basis, and carried out interviews with their teachers, teaching assistants (TAs) and special educational needs coordinator. Findings suggest that tensions reported by school staff are inherently shaped by the ASD‐related manifestations, particularly those pertaining to their difficulties in social and emotional understanding. These tensions determine the quality of the transactions and interactions between the teachers and the pupils with ASD. Based on these tensions, teachers form their views of the type of support that is needed for those pupils. Evidence from the data suggests that, in order for these tensions to be kept at manageable proportions, teachers rely heavily on the TA, whose role in working closely with the pupil is perceived as being indispensable. Building on the study’s findings, we suggest a generic conceptualization for the successful inclusion of pupils with ASD, which is grounded in the systems theory perspective of the relationship between the teachers and these children.     

The use of Makaton for supporting talk,through play,for pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the Foundation Stage

This study examines the use of Makaton, a language programme based on the use of signing, symbols and speech, as a pedagogic tool to support the development of talk for pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). The research setting was a Reception class with a high percentage of pupils who have EAL in the initial stages of learning English. Observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data to ensure reliability and validity of the conclusions. The findings suggest that Makaton can assist in the development of talk, as the data showed a positive correlation between the use of Makaton and the use of spoken English. This study has implications for practitioners and schools, not only those catering for the specific needs of EAL learners because Makaton® is a skilfully devised programme that is underpinned by the very principles that are documented to support pupils who have EAL.     

The views of Irish primary teachers towards the in-class versus the withdrawal models of support when working with children with dyslexia

This article focuses on the perspectives of primary school teachers on the current provision for students with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom. Five themes emerged from this research and these were (1) Diagnosis, (2) Inclusion, (3) Effective classroom practice, (4) Difficulties encountered in the classroom and (5) Teacher education. The focus of this article is on the theme of Inclusion. The data collected explores the perspectives of twelve primary teachers towards the in-class versus withdrawal models to support children with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom. As the concept of inclusive education has evolved in recent years, the objective of this research was to identify the most effective means of addressing the needs of the dyslexic student in the mainstream classroom. The insights provided by the teachers signify the need for in-class support, as much as possible, to support inclusion for students with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom.     

The social position and development of pupils with SEN in mainstream Dutch primary schools

Since August 2003, pupils with auditory, communicative, motor, mental or multiple disabilities, as well as severe behavioural/emotional problems, in The Netherlands have been entitled to receive a pupil‐bound budget when attending a mainstream school. The first experiences with this budget in regular Dutch primary schools are described in this paper. The focus is on the social position and development of 20 special educational needs (SEN) pupils who were placed in mainstream primary schools. The class teacher, parent(s) and peripatetic teacher of each of the pupils were interviewed; interviews focused on the cognitive, social and social‐emotional development of the SEN pupils. In addition, the class teacher, parent(s), peripatetic teacher and classmates assessed the social position of the SEN pupil via interviews and a sociometric questionnaire. The results showed that teachers and parents and, to a lesser extent, peripatetic teachers, had a more positive view of the social position of the SEN pupils than did classmates. The results of the sociometric questionnaire indicated that the social position of the SEN pupils and that of their non‐SEN classmates did not differ significantly, however. In addition, a panel of five independent assessors assessed the cognitive, social and social‐emotional development of the 20 SEN pupils by examining anonymous pupil dossiers, which comprised information derived from interviews with class teachers, parents and peripatetic teachers, together with results of the sociometric questionnaire and a copy of the individual education programme (IEP) of the SEN pupils. The assessments showed that the panel had concerns about the development of 35% of these pupils; it was (very) positive about a further 35% of the SEN pupils. An expected relation between the social position of the SEN pupils and satisfaction of the panel concerning the development of the SEN pupils, however, was not found.     

Bullying among pupils with and without special needs in Slovenian primary schools

Bullying and violence pose widespread problems for contemporary society. In this paper, special attention is given to violence against pupils with SN. The empirical research analyses perceptions of peer violence according to differing roles in relation to violent acts (observer, victim and perpetrator) among pupils with and without SN, regarding gender and age. We used the School Bullying Scales measuring instrument, translated and adapted for Slovenia. The main findings of the research are as follows: there is no statistically significant difference between pupils with and without SN in terms of the different roles of peer violence in regular Slovenian primary schools. Among specific subgroups of children with SN, pupils with long-term illnesses (including pupils with activity deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder) were statistically significantly less often observers of violent acts compared to other groups of pupils with SN.     

城乡小学英语教师培训差异研究

小学英语教师培训由于面对城乡两大不同的培训群体,两者在诸多方面都存在差异。本文立足重庆,调查研究重庆市主城区及周边农村地区小学英语教师培训现状,剖析两种培训在参训对象、培训需求和培训内容等方面反映出的差别。     

What are effective strategies to support pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) in mainstream primary schools? Findings from a systematic review of research

This article describes the processes and findings of a systematic review of research into the effectiveness of strategies to support pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) in mainstream primary schools. A search for studies carried out from 1975–1999 resulted in 265 citations, of which 96 were found to be within the scope of the review topic. Of these, 27 reported on 28 research studies, which could address the review question. Findings from these 28 studies indicated that a number of strategies, based on a range of theoretical frameworks, showed some positive impacts on pupil behaviour. However, the review highlighted a dearth of good quality research on strategy effectiveness. There is a need for higher quality research into strategies currently being used in schools. Practitioners, parents and children should all be involved in setting the parameters for interventions and research concerned with EBD.     

Researching the influence of teaching assistants on the learning of pupils identified with special educational needs in mainstream primary schools: exploring social inclusion

As a result of their high contact time with children, particularly children identified with special educational needs, it is widely acknowledged that teaching assistants (TAs) have great influence on pupils' education (Balshaw). However, recent research into the impact of TAs on pupils' learning has questioned TAs' usefulness in improving pupils' learning (Blatchford, Bassett and Brown; Higgins). This paper argues that TAs' influence on pupils' education has not yet been researched effectively. Previous research has primarily focused on determining TAs' influence on pupils' achievement in terms of academic outcomes and has neglected to explore social outcomes. Two interconnected literature bases are reviewed in this paper; the current research exploring TAs' role and influence on pupils' learning is first explored, followed by a critical discussion of the literature regarding the process of social inclusion in mainstream primary schools. This paper concludes that for TAs' influence on pupils' learning to be effectively researched, TAs' influence on the process of social inclusion must be researched within mainstream primary schools.     

小学全科型卓越教师的内涵、特征与培养路径

儿童的认知世界并无学科之分,在启蒙教育阶段实施综合性养成教育,可以更好帮助儿童从立体的生活世界过渡到具有整体图式的认知世界,全科型卓越教师的提出与素养教育的现实诉求相契合。儿童认知规律和国内外全科教师研究都表明,小学全科型卓越教师的本质内涵不是能胜任全部科目的教学,而是能否遵循儿童认知发展规律,有效整合各学科知识,并具备设计和实施这类整合性课程教学的能力,更好促进儿童品性的发展。但是,目前小学全科型卓越教师的培养在教师教育的课程体系和师资队伍中都还存在若干挑战。可从师资队伍建设、课程与教学改革和增强职业吸引力三个路径入手,探索小学全科型卓越教师的有效培养。     

改善待遇充电进修定期流动——提高农村中小学教师素质的深度思考

要提高我国农村中小学教师的素质,关键在于提高他们的物质生活待遇,让他们摆脱长期的贫困状态;让他们尽快从繁重的教学事务中解脱出来,有闲暇时间学习充电;改革传统的教育教学评价制度,让教师积极行动起来;改革传统的教师培训制度,让教师主动去进修提高;加大全国城镇教师支援农村中小学教育的力度,建立教师定期流动制度,让教师定期合理流动,以避免职业倦怠,激发他们的工作热情.     

The role of the special needs assistant supporting pupils with special educational needs in Irish mainstream primary schools

In this article the author describes a small‐scale study into the role of the special needs assistant (SNA) supporting the inclusion of pupils with learning difficulties in the Irish Republic. The findings regarding the perspectives of teachers, principals, SNAs, pupils supported by SNAs and their parents on the support offered to three pupils are also described. The actual (as distinct from the prescribed) role of SNAs, including the issue of SNAs working in a general rather than a pupil‐specific capacity, and the nature of the SNA‐teacher relationship are discussed. The main findings emerging from the data were that the role of the SNA is one of both education and care and that SNAs are a welcome support for inclusion. Issues emerging from the study include the need for effective communication and planning, shared understanding of the role and responsibilities of SNAs and ongoing monitoring of the way in which support is provided.     

河源市源城区农村小学英语教师能力素质调查及分析

英语教师的能力素质直接影响到教学质量。作者以在农村小学进行实践教学的经验为基础,对河源市源城区农村小学英语教师能力素质进行调查,从性别、年龄、学历水平等方面分析了农村小学英语教师的素质现状,从而提出了一些提高教师素质水平的对策,以期对提高农村小学英语教育质量有所帮助。     

合肥市小学体育师资现状调查与分析

采用文献资料、问卷调查和数理统计等方法,对合肥市小学体育师资的类型及人数比例,体育教师的编制及配备情况,现有体育教师的年龄、学历和职称结构以及职业态度等进行研究,并根据调查结果有针对性地从教育主管部门、学校和体育教师等环节为合肥市小学体育师资建设提出建设性意见。     

河北省中小学班主任现状调查与对策思考

近年来,中小学班主任队伍建设取得了很大成效,如班主任的工作积极性、整体学历水平比较高,年龄结构比较合理等.但同时也存在很多问题,如性别比例失调、工作强度和难度都比较大、整体培训状况不理想问题.因此,必须采取切实有效的措施加强班主任队伍建设.     

The impact and the implications of policy regarding the organisation of support for pupils with dyslexia in Irish primary mainstream schools

There have been vast changes in relation to the way educational teaching support provision is organised for pupils with dyslexia in Ireland. A qualitative research approach was utilised to examine the impact and implications of the General Allocation Model (GAM) regarding the organisation of support for pupils with dyslexia in Irish Primary mainstream schools. At the time of the research, GAM was the model of resourcing which allowed autonomy at school level in terms of organising support for pupils with dyslexia. Since then, a new model of resourcing [Department of Education and Skills (DES). (2017). SP ED 13.17: Circular to the Management Authorities of all Mainstream Primary Schools Special Education Teaching Allocation. Dublin: Stationery Office] has been implemented which also generates autonomy at school level albeit using a different allocation process. This paper raises concerns that the needs of pupils with dyslexia were not always met by the GAM model. Issues around the effectiveness of whole school approaches, the intensity of support for pupils with severe dyslexia, group size for this support, the application of differentiated approaches, and teacher expertise may have implications for how the new model for allocating resources is organised in schools. In conclusion, it is proposed that schools require further guidance and support in operationalising resourcing models to effectively meet the needs of pupils with dyslexia.