Date of Award

Spring 5-3-2025

Document Type

Dissertation - University of Massachusetts Global access only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Len Hightower, Ph. D

Second Advisor

George Sziraki, Ed. D

Third Advisor

Annica Meza-Dawe, Ed. D

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine secondary educators’ perceptions of the impact on special education students returning to school after the trauma of a pandemic for 2 years with regard to behavior, academic achievement, mindset, and social connections.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 12 secondary teachers who taught before, during, and after the pandemic in Kerman, CA. Semi-structured open ended interview questions was the main source of data collection with other sources including observations, and artifacts. Data was coded and the researcher analyzed the data for themes and patterns.

Findings: This study revealed that secondary students returned to in-person learning with lowered self-efficacy skills after spending their time at home due to COVID-19. Secondary educators noticed that students had difficulty with completed assignments by their due dates, a decline in the students’ soft skills, and reduced engagement with their academics.

Conclusions: This study supported the literature of Bandura confirming that self-efficacy is a vital role in accomplishment and self-motivation. When students are placed in situations that they believe they can, they are much more likely to achieve the learning outcomes and meet the learning objectives. If students have a low sense of self-efficacy, it can have a negative impact on their mindset, behavior, academic achievement, and social connections.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends that educators continue to establish welcoming classroom, and school, environments that allow the students to feel comfortable in their settings. The learning objectives and learning opportunities need to be meaningful to the student and have real-life connections.

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