Devon Punchello

Date Approved

9-24-2012

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Learning Disabilities

Department

Language, Literacy, and Special Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Kuder, S Jay

Subject(s)

Bullying in schools

Disciplines

Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to (1) examine teachers' attitudes and perceptions regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, (HIB) behaviors displayed by public school students, (2) determine changes in teachers attitudes and perceptions regarding HIB as a result of specific training and, (3) identify the subsequent impact on their views and opinions of HIB. A survey was distributed to certified teachers to collect data. Both regular and special education teachers' perceptions regarding HIB before and after the training took place was measured. The results indicated that most teachers felt that the training was effective in creating awareness of what determines harassment, intimidation, and bullying, the serious effects of bullying, and how to appropriately respond to these behaviors. The results reflected a change in teachers' perceptions to view HIB as atypical and unacceptable behavior. The results also revealed that most teachers felt special education students were more likely than regular education students to be victims of HIB, but even more so, to engage in HIB behavior. It is the special education teachers who felt most strongly in both regards.

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