Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Short sprint or an endurance test: the perceived impact of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination

Brown, J. and Doveston, M. (2014) Short sprint or an endurance test: the perceived impact of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination. Teacher Development. 18(4), pp. 495-510. 1366-4530.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This paper evaluates the perceived impact of the National Award (NA) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordination in English mainstream schools. The Award was introduced in 2009 and has been mandatory for all new Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) since its inception. The framework used for the evaluation is based on the learning outcomes of the NA, which were formulated by the Training and Development Agency and focus on areas related to the pedagogical, managerial and leadership aspects of the SENCo role. Findings suggest that the NA has impacted most significantly on participants’ pedagogy and strategies for removing barriers to learning. Participants’ preparedness for training at post-graduate level is also investigated and consideration is given towards further training and study beyond the completion of the NA. Additionally, the paper investigates areas that are perceived as challenges (e.g. lack of time and leadership status) to the successful implementation of their coordination role and any impact the NA has had in this respect.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), Continuing Professional Development (CPD), post-graduate, leadership, pedagogy
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC3950 Exceptional children and youth. Special education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1705 Education and training of teachers and administrators > LB1775 Professional aspects of teaching and school administrators
Creators: Brown, Julian and Doveston, Mary
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Special Needs Education and Research
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Special Education Needs and Inclusion
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Special Education Needs and Inclusion
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Education and Research
Research Centres > Centre for Education and Research
Date: October 2014
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 495-510
Journal or Publication Title: Teacher Development
Volume: 18
Number: 4
Language: English
ISSN: 1366-4530
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/7211

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