Bridging the Gap (if Any) Between Theory and Practice: Special Education Teacher Licensure Validation in Light of a Job/Practice Analysis
List of Authors
Yusef AbuAyash
Keyword
Licensure, validation, job analysis, test framework
Abstract
Licensure tests play an important role in ensuring that professionals possess the necessary knowledge and skills for their respective fields. This study examined the validity of the UAE special education teacher licensure test framework through the lens of job analysis. The study employed a mixed-method research approach, utilizing a job analysis questionnaire and in-depth semi-structured interviews. While 407 special educators completed the survey, 18 agreed to participate in interviews. The study revealed that the existing UAE special education teacher licensure test framework is largely valid with strong alignment to core professional responsibilities. However, the study also identified the need for reconsideration of content and/or weightage of a specific knowledge area (special education philosophy and history) in the framework to enhance relevance to actual practice. Based on findings, several recommendations were made to policymakers and licensure tests specialists. These included, but were not limited to, conducting a comprehensive job analysis before developing any future licensure tests frameworks and ensuring that existing licensure tests frameworks undergo empirical validation through job analysis.