An Exploration of the Representation of Students with Disabilities in Distance Education

The primary purpose of this study was to address the dearth of research in the area of educating students with disabilities through distance education (DE). Corollary research questions investigated perceptions, beliefs, and expectations of secondary school principals and special education teachers. Data were analyzed to determine the existence of statistically significant differences in efficacy of secondary school principals and special education teachers related to location and size of the school site. The following research questions were addressed: (1) What is the level of participation of secondary students with disabilities in distance education courses?; (2) What is the representation of secondary students with disabilities participating in distance education courses compared with the total population of students with disabilities measured as a percentage of Oklahoma secondary students?; (3) What are the perceptions, beliefs and expectations of secondary school principals related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses?; (4) What are the perceptions, beliefs, and expectations of special education teachers related to students with disabilities participating in distanced education courses?; (5) Is there a statistically significant difference in efficacy perception of secondary school principals related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses according to demographics? (a) Secondary schools identified as urban, suburban or rural. (b) Secondary school enrollments categorized as large, medium, or small; and (6) Is there a statistically significant difference in efficacy perception of special education teachers related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses according to demographics? (a) Secondary schools identified as urban, suburban or rural. (b) Secondary school enrollments categorized as large, medium, or small. (Contains 7 tables.)