Date Submitted
6-12-2024
Faculty Advisor
Amy Sickel
Abstract
Selective Mutism (SM) is a rare mental health disorder that usually has an onset when children are entering school. It often presents as a lack of speech in a setting where speech is expected, however, the child can and does speak freely in other settings. Given its rare prevalence rate, many school professionals are unfamiliar with the disorder. This can lead to children not being identified and getting the treatment they need. This dissertation was a pilot study designed to measure the effect of professional development on teachers’ understanding of SM. The professional development seminar focused on three key areas in which research suggests teachers need support. 1) Recognition of SM symptoms in students and how to refer them for services, 2) distinguishing between acculturation and SM in English language learners, and 3) knowledge of technology-based interventions and comfort in implementing them. The researcher recruited 41 teachers from schools in various states and districts. Data was collected using a pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up questionnaire. The items asked teachers to rate their prior knowledge of SM, their confidence in working with ELL students with SM, and their comfort in implementing technology-based classroom interventions. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the results from this study found statistically significant findings that can aid in providing future recommendations for research and supporting educators in working with students with SM. These findings suggest that professional development trainings are effective in increasing teachers’ knowledge and confidence in working with SM students. Specifically, teachers reported increased knowledge of SM traits, increased comfort in working with ELL students with SM, and increased confidence in utilizing technology-based interventions. Lastly, the study revealed that initially reported misconceptions about children with SM changed to more accurately reflect the anxiety disorder.
