Teachers' opinions about the roles of subject specialists and generalist instructors for early adolescents

Abstract

This study is essentially exploratory in nature due to a paucity of research concerning teacher opinions about subject specialists and generalist instructors for early adolescents. The purpose of the study is to examine teachers' expressed preferences for the use of subject specialists at upper elementary school levels and Grade 9 and the relevant factors associated with their opinions. Data were obtained through the use of a survey questionnaire and analyzed by employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed some significant diversities along with some similarities in the opinions of secondary participants and their elementary counterparts. The results may suggest a need for increased use of subject specialists at the upper elementary level.