An investigation: South Carolina and Georgia elementary principals' perceived need for special education training related to legal issues

The study investigated the perceived need for special education training related to legal issues of South Carolina and Georgia elementary principals. 300 surveys were mailed to South Carolina elementary principals and 300 surveys to Georgia elementary principals. The survey asked elementary principals to rate, from “very low” to “high need” their perceived need for training in the area of special education related to legal issues. In addition, the survey ascertained the preferred times and methods for elementary principals to receive special education training and attempted to ascertain any relationship between prior course work in special education, present/past experience in administration and special education training needs. The data indicated that Georgia and South Carolina elementary principals (combined) perceived low to moderate need for training in special education related to legal issues. A closer look at the data revealed that South Carolina elementary principals indicated a moderate need in the Regulations of Federal Mandates related to Special Education, Implementation of Federal Mandates related to Special Education, Implementation of State Mandates and Disciplining Students with Disabilities. In addition, South Carolina and Georgia elementary principals' preferred time and method for receiving training was in the summer and through local workshops/one-on-one conversations.