What Factors Contribute to Self-Efficacy

American Academy of Special Education Professionals. 3642 East Sunnydale Drive, Chandler Heights, AZ 85142. Tel: 800-754-4421; Fax: 800-424-0371; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.aasep.org

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15

Self Efficacy; Performance Factors; Paraprofessional School Personnel; Severity (of Disability); Statistical Analysis; Questionnaires; Public Schools; Predictor Variables; Predictive Validity; Likert Scales; Organizational Culture; Organizational Climate; Individual Characteristics; Job Satisfaction; Institutional Characteristics; Regression (Statistics)

2325-7466

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.

As Provided

2015

EJ1134254