Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Am I eligible?

A: If you are a special education teacher who provides instruction in ELA, reading and/or math in grades 3-8, then yes! We are seeking to work with special educators who work across a variety of settings, including small group classrooms and general education classrooms.

Q2: What will I do? How much will this require of me?

A: We know you’re busy. Teachers have demanding and busy jobs, especially special education teachers. We want to make this as easy as possible for you. There are two components to the study: video recording four lessons, and completing two brief ten-minute surveys. One will be administered at the beginning of the year, one at the end.

Q3: My days are packed, and video recording sounds like yet another thing to set up, track, and do. How will I be supported?

A: Our research staff is here to support you! We will work with you to find a day and time to videotape that will work with your schedule, and we will do everything we can to limit time demands outside of the videotaping.

We all also use modern equipment that is very intuitive and unobtrusive. We don’t want the equipment to be a distraction from your lesson or other responsibilities.

Q4: Is this a formal observation or evaluation? What will you do with this information?

A: This is not a formal observation or evaluation of any kind, and you can participate in the study regardless of whether or not you are formally being evaluated this year. No one will have access to the video recording or responses to the surveys except for the study staff, all of whom have been trained in maintaining the confidentiality of the information you provide. We’re very careful with your information, and work with Boston University to keep your confidentiality protected.

Q5: What’s the purpose of the study? How will you use the information you gather?

A: Many of us are former K-12 educators ourselves, and a number of us have taught special education as well. We recognize that it is a specialized field, and we’re interested how observation tools designed for traditional classrooms work for special education teachers. If there are ways that the tools don’t work as well for special education teachers, we’ll recommend changes.

Q6: OK. This sounds worthwhile. Who should I contact to participate?

A: Great! Please contact the research staff at Project VOISE. You can submit your information on the homepage and we will get in touch with you. If you have additional questions, contact Dr. Nate Jones at ndjones@bu.edu. We’d be happy to answer any questions and work to accommodate your needs as best we can.