Exploring Classroom Factors and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use in Qualitative Interviews

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Title: Exploring Classroom Factors and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use in Qualitative Interviews
Language: English
Authors: Emily D. Quinn (ORCID 0000-0002-5684-5825), Kristi Atkins (ORCID 0000-0003-2456-6634), Alexandria Cook
Source: Grantee Submission. 2023.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 71
Publication Date: 2023
Sponsoring Agency: National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) (ED/IES)
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (DHHS/PHS)
Contract Number: R324B190024
HS026370
Document Type: Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Early Childhood Education, Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Personnel, Barriers, Attitudes, School Culture, Teamwork, Administrator Role, Students with Disabilities
Geographic Terms: Oregon, Washington, California
DOI: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00041
Abstract: Purpose: This qualitative study explores classroom contextual factors influencing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use in early childhood classrooms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six special education teachers, 13 speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and one SLP assistant. Interviews were analyzed inductively in a systematic, multi-step coding process using the constant comparative method with member checking. Results: Seven themes were identified that affected AAC use in the classroom. Each theme was organized into three categories: individual-, classroom-, or school-level factors. Three themes were categorized as individual-level factors: "students' AAC systems are unavailable," "professionals face challenges obtaining AAC knowledge and skills," and "students' disruptive behaviors reduce access to AAC." One theme was a classroom-level factor: "classroom demands prevent AAC use." Finally, three themes were considered school-level factors: "the culture of AAC influences AAC acceptance," "team collaboration is essential for successful implementation," and "teams need administrative support to deliver AAC interventions effectively." Conclusion: Teachers and SLPs felt that collaborative teams with AAC expertise, a school culture that endorsed AAC, and solid administrative support accelerated AAC adoption by normalizing AAC use in the classroom. Due to classroom demands, they struggled to use strategies such as aided AAC modeling and responsiveness during group instruction. Finally, participants emphasized that while it was necessary to customize AAC systems for each student, this individualization makes it harder for staff to learn each system and integrate them into classroom activities. [This paper was published in "American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology" v32 n5 2023.]
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED679715
Database: ERIC
FullText Links:
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  Data: Exploring Classroom Factors and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use in Qualitative Interviews
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Emily+D%2E+Quinn%22">Emily D. Quinn</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5684-5825">0000-0002-5684-5825</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kristi+Atkins%22">Kristi Atkins</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2456-6634">0000-0003-2456-6634</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Alexandria+Cook%22">Alexandria Cook</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Grantee+Submission%22"><i>Grantee Submission</i></searchLink>. 2023.
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  Data: 71
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  Data: 2023
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  Data: National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) (ED/IES)<br />Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (DHHS/PHS)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Oregon%22">Oregon</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Washington%22">Washington</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22California%22">California</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00041
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Purpose: This qualitative study explores classroom contextual factors influencing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use in early childhood classrooms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six special education teachers, 13 speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and one SLP assistant. Interviews were analyzed inductively in a systematic, multi-step coding process using the constant comparative method with member checking. Results: Seven themes were identified that affected AAC use in the classroom. Each theme was organized into three categories: individual-, classroom-, or school-level factors. Three themes were categorized as individual-level factors: "students' AAC systems are unavailable," "professionals face challenges obtaining AAC knowledge and skills," and "students' disruptive behaviors reduce access to AAC." One theme was a classroom-level factor: "classroom demands prevent AAC use." Finally, three themes were considered school-level factors: "the culture of AAC influences AAC acceptance," "team collaboration is essential for successful implementation," and "teams need administrative support to deliver AAC interventions effectively." Conclusion: Teachers and SLPs felt that collaborative teams with AAC expertise, a school culture that endorsed AAC, and solid administrative support accelerated AAC adoption by normalizing AAC use in the classroom. Due to classroom demands, they struggled to use strategies such as aided AAC modeling and responsiveness during group instruction. Finally, participants emphasized that while it was necessary to customize AAC systems for each student, this individualization makes it harder for staff to learn each system and integrate them into classroom activities. [This paper was published in "American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology" v32 n5 2023.]
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00041
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 71
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Early Childhood Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Special Education Teachers
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      – SubjectFull: Speech Language Pathology
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      – SubjectFull: Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: School Culture
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      – SubjectFull: Teamwork
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      – SubjectFull: Administrator Role
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      – SubjectFull: Students with Disabilities
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      – SubjectFull: Oregon
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      – SubjectFull: Washington
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      – SubjectFull: California
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      – TitleFull: Exploring Classroom Factors and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use in Qualitative Interviews
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