Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research is to explore factors that contribute to special education teachers leaving their positions, and the development of effective work environments that sustain the retention of special education teachers including the exploration of perceptions of building principals and their role in the retention of special education teachers.
Research Questions
1. What factors do special education teachers identify as influencing high special education attrition rates? 
2. What factors do building principals identify as influencing high special education attrition rates?
3. Is it possible for school districts to increase the retention rate of special education teachers if the building principal has a deep understanding of their role and reasons why they choose to leave teaching in the special education field?

Research Design: This descriptive mixed method research design will utilize a quantitative online survey, which will be administered to building administrators and special education teachers. A survey will be administered to all 12 public school districts in Chester County to both building administrators and special education teachers. The survey will include 4 sections: Part I will request specific demographic information from the respondent, including current position, level of education, years of experience, and current school facts.  Part II will include the respondent’s knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and practices.  Part III will gather information pertaining to the respondent’s perception of the building principal’s role in the special education process and level of involvement required.  Part IV will probe the respondent’s for possible interventions and solutions to assist in the retention of special education teachers. Follow-up interview of building principals and special education teachers will be conducted to gather additional information as well as validate the survey data collected on factors relating to the high factors of high special education attrition rates.   Approximately 15% of participants will be used with a distributed mix of districts, levels and positions. 

The results of this research will expand the knowledge of literature and provide specific preparation required in order for administrators to meet the needs of new special education teachers within their buildings.