From Novice to Exemplary: Creating Highly-Effective Special Educators within an Alternative Certification Program

Abstract

This capstone aims to support KIPP DC’s Fellowship in Education as they support novice special education teachers through their alternative certification program. This study aimed to determine the practices employed by special education alternative certification programs to develop novice special educators into highly-effective practitioners. A modified, sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was used to answer the central research question. Based on the findings of this study, alternative programs supporting early career special education teachers should incorporate a balance of increasing content knowledge and practical application of new skills using research-based practices.