The attrition and retention of special education teachers in Southern California: what factors contribute to this troubling phenomenon?

The purpose of this investigation is to examine teacher workload manageability as it relates to the continued national shortage of Special Education teachers, and in particular, to the shortage in Southern California. The supply and demand of special educators has been of concern to education policy makers for several decades (Morsink, 1982; Smith-Davis, Burke, & Noel, 1984; Smith-Davis & Billingsley, 1993). Many research studies cite heavy caseloads, poor salaries, working conditions, administrative support, student conduct, and extensive paperwork as reasons for the shortage. Our nation faces an ominous crisis in the retention of highly qualified educators who teach students with disabilities.\ud According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of special education teachers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2012" (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Ed.). This research examines this national trend and focuses particularly on special educators in the public schools of the North San Diego County area. It also explores ways in which the special education attrition rates are influenced by concerns such as managing paperwork; making accommodations for instruction and testing; developing and monitoring IEPs; scheduling students; and collaborating with teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and related services personnel. Results of this study may assist education policymakers in their future planning in which they attempt to minimize teacher shortages and maximize teacher retention in special education