Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating Home Language Practice For Children With Disabilities: Insights From Korean-American Mothers' Online Communications, Jemma Kim, Young Suk Hwang, Yeon Kim, Sang Seok Nam

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This study explores the home language practice (HLP) of Korean-American mothers with children who have developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. Data was collected from an online forum where these mothers discussed their experiences and decision-making processes following their child's diagnosis. Thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data to identify and develop themes related to their experiences. The study's framework is based on family-centered practices, emphasizing the importance of equal partnerships, cultural responsiveness, and information sharing between families and early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) professionals. Factors that influence HLP decisions include mothers' perceptions of disabilities, professional …

Navigating Iep Meetings: Effective Approaches For Supporting Asian Families Of Children With Idd In Special Education, Kristina Rios, Wei-Mo Tu

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Family involvement is an essential component of the special education process for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In addition to the legal requirement that parents should be equal partners in the decision-making of the student’s IEP program (IDEA, 2004), a bulk of empirical research demonstrates the positive impact of parent involvement on student outcomes. However, many families face barriers to participation in the special education process. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD), including Asian families, especially face systemic barriers when accessing services for their children with disabilities. In order to better understand parents’ perceptions of stress in relation to …

A Group Reading Intervention With Individualized Error Correction For Middle School Students With Reading Difficulties, Shengtian Wu, Kasee K. Stratton, Daniel L. Gadke

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Reading difficulties are common among middle school students in the US, especially among those with disabilities. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of professionals (e.g., special educators) who can provide high-quality reading interventions. Small group (SG) intervention is a group instruction that helps more students in need per intervention session and may mitigate the aforementioned shortage. SG intervention packages often include various intervention components that address skill and performance difficulties. However, SG reading intervention research has mostly focused on helping elementary school students without disabilities. Also, many SG reading interventions used one-size-fits all approach which restricted individualization of error correction …

Editor's Note

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Using Behavior Skills Training And A Group Contingency To Promote Mask-Wearing In An Early Childhood Special Education Classroom, Kaitlyn Smith, Hannah Macnaul, Marie Kirkpatrick

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the resulting pandemic had widespread implications on the safety of the job tasks teachers are charged with each day. The Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2020) recommends people age 2 years and older should wear masks in public settings; however, for children with disabilities, wearing a mask may be difficult and as such, is not required. Special education teachers and students in particular are at high risk for exposure and contracting COVID-19. Therefore, behavior-analytic strategies that can teach and reinforce appropriate mask-wearing should be evaluated. Given the environment of schools at the time of the study, mask-wearing …

Pursuing Professional Learning By Using Social Media: How Do Instructional Designers Apply Self-Regulated Learning?, Pauline Salim Muljana, Tian Luo

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

The instructional design and technology field are dynamic, requiring instructional designers to stay abreast through timely professional learning. Social media offers characteristics to collapse the time, geographical, and financial limitations of informal professional learning, but challenges exist. Continuous professional learning requires proactive actions, wherein self-regulated learning (SRL) plays an important role. However, not all professionals know the effective strategies to promote SRL skills. This study examines instructional designers’ (N = 17) experiences of professional learning on social media through an SRL lens. Data collected through semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings include SRL strategies conducted by instructional designers …

Editor's Note

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Early Childhood Educators’ Readiness Embrace Inclusion For Preschool-Age Children With Disabilities In California, Sachi Kondo, Andrea Golloher, Lisa A. Simpson, Peg A. Hughes

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Despite the push to increase inclusive early childhood (EC) care and education programs to support the learning and development of all children, such programs remain rare in California where most preschoolers with disabilities receive special education services in special day classrooms. Developing inclusive programs requires EC educators who are committed to supporting inclusion. Using a survey of EC teachers in public and private programs, this study sought to identify factors that influenced the teachers’ attitudes toward and self-efficacy for providing inclusive programs for young children with disabilities. While most of the teachers reported positive views of inclusion, they reported less …

Creativity In The Virtual Classroom: Engaging Online Special Education Teacher Candidates In Their Own Learning, Rob Shauger, Kathleen A. Boothe, Marla J. Lohmann

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2022), the number of college students enrolled in at least one online course was approximately 11 million during the 2021-2022 school year. Knowing that institutes of higher education (IHEs) are responsible for teaching students who are primarily online learners, special education teacher preparation programs at IHEs need to change their focus on how to meet these online learners' needs. There is plentiful research on what faculty should include in their online classes, but finding specific strategies and activities that engage students in their own learning can be challenging. This article provides teacher …

Comparative Effects Of Presession And Interspersed Attention On Disruptive Behavior In An Inclusive Elementary Classroom, Kerry Kisinger, Charles L. Wood

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This study evaluated the comparative effects of presession and interspersed attention on the disruptive behavior of an at-risk student in an inclusive fourth-grade classroom. Data indicated a decrease in disruptive behavior during both presession and interspersed attention conditions with the interspersed condition producing the lower level. Social validity measures also indicated the student was satisfied with the intervention and felt that it had a positive impact on his behavior. Additionally, social validity measures completed by the teacher indicated that while both interventions were reasonable to implement, appropriate for addressing the student’s disruptive behaviors, did not detract from the learning environment, …

Examining The Effectiveness Of A Multimedia Video On Pedestrian Safety With Postsecondary Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Kristina N. Randall, Shanna E. Hirsch, Abigail A. Allen

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Prior research suggests that the use of multimedia instruction along with video modeling increases the ability of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) to independently complete tasks. However, the previous research has not always included instruction of the underlying vocabulary, nor has it always resulted in skill maintenance. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia instruction using video modeling to teach pedestrian safety signs to participants with ID to support skills needed for community. The effectiveness of the multimedia intervention was measured using a randomized control trial utilizing a pre-/posttest design. Participants’ knowledge grew significantly …

Interprofessional Practice Aligns With New California Teacher Performance Expectations For Students With Complex Communication Needs, Kai J. Greene, M.C. Kate Esposito

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Educators are bound to encounter students with a broad range of speech-language and communication needs in their respective classrooms. According to federal mandates, current and future teachers are required to implement inclusive practices, which involves providing access to communication for all students. This practitioner-focused article shares an interprofessional practice collaborative project developed between a university teacher preparation program and the speech-language pathology division of a large urban school district. As part of a requisite credential course on language development and early literacy skills, pre-candidate students in the education specialist credential program complete a course assignment led by a school-based speech-language …

Chronic Health Conditions, School Attendance, And Socioeconomic Factors: A Literature Review, Kristin Wikel, Andrew M. Markelz

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Students with chronic health conditions experience many challenges, such as increased school absences, that may impact academic success. Additional academic problems exist for students with chronic health conditions who also have socioeconomic status (SES) factors. A systematic literature review as conducted to study the interactions between chronic health conditions, absenteeism, and factors associated with SES. Findings suggest that asthma, the most common chronic health condition in children, is the leading cause of health-related school absences. Findings also suggest that factors associated with SES, such as family income, also impact school attendance for students with chronic health conditions. Although the results …

Ready Or Not, Here We Go! Preparing For The Education Specialist Teaching Performance Assessment, Rosalinda J. Larios, Calli Lewis Chiu, Rohanna Ylagan-Nicanor

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

In the state of California, the Education Specialist Teaching Performance Assessment (EdSp TPAs) is the latest accountability measure to be required of aspiring education specialists. Existing literature has been overwhelmingly critical of the TPAs (Dover, 2022; Valdez et al., 2020). And now, in the dawn of the EdSp TPAs, there must be a candid conversation about preparing candidates sufficiently for the TPAs in order to avoid exacerbating the field that is struggling to recruit teachers. This article discusses three significant obstacles in preparing candidates for the assessment: challenges associated with identifying focus students, insufficient preparation among mentor teachers, and program …

Factors Of Special Education Teacher Attrition Rates, Christopher Berry

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Special education teacher attrition rates negatively impact school districts, special education students, and parents. Replacing teachers is costly, inefficient, and leads to a constant turnover cycle that impacts student success. A quantitative research method was used to survey special education teachers in a large school district in southern California. Results indicated that administrative support was the most important factor teachers at both elementary and secondary settings reported,. Additionally, a comparison between novice and veteran teachers resulted in administrative support being the most important factor across all four categories. Future research should investigate using a mixed methodological design to gain a …

Best Practices For Inclusive Education Based On Perceptions Of Stakeholders In Southern California, Bianca Zubia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Purpose. This study aimed to explore the best practices for inclusive education perceived by teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. It was designed to identify: (a) training, (b) resources, (c) frameworks, (d) instructional practices, (e) classroom strategies, and (f) administrator attributes that support inclusive education.

Methodology. This qualitative case study research design study used a semi-structured

interview protocol to explore the best practices of twenty participants. Five participants from each group were selected. Through a qualitative case study, the researcher wanted to explore the participants' experiences through rich dialogue.

Findings. Through this study, nine best practices were …

The Components Of Professional Development Design And Methods That Teachers Perceive As The Most Valuable., Elizabeth Esquivelhofstedt

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the key design components of transformational teacher professional development programming using sensemaking theory and adult learning theory. This research study was comprised of five phases: 1) needs assessment pre-survey of participating teachers, 2) follow-up interviews with participating teachers, 3) construction of professional development session using the needs assessment pre-survey and follow-up interviews 4) professional development session presentation to teachers 5) post-survey after the professional development session repeating the needs assessment survey to compare pre to post surveys

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Effectiveness And Use Of Behavior Management Strategies, Lucia Mariah Smith-Menzies

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research indicates that punitive school discipline practices are ineffective and continue to marginalize students of color and students with disabilities. Historical and societal conceptions of punishment offer insight as to why these punitive practices persist. The legacies of school discipline and how teachers understand the role of punishment have implications for which behavior management strategies are employed in the classroom. This study examined the relationship between teacher perceptions of the effectiveness and use of behavior management strategies, their opinions of the utility of punishment, and their understanding of the outcomes of punishment. Descriptive analyses, an analysis of variance and correlational …

Xinachtli: Exploring The Experiences Of Young Resilient Latinas In A Rural And Under-Resourced Community, Deborah Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This interpretive phenomenology study aimed to explore the lived experiences of young Latinas in a rural and under-resourced community. The analysis of the messages received by young women in educational institutions, at home, and in science and math classes was necessary due to the underrepresentation of Latinas in STEM fields. Using an interpretive phenomenology lens, the researcher collected journals from seven participants. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all seven participants every week for 16 weeks by the Xinachtli facilitator. The data collected from the journals were transcribed in a line-by-line analysis and affirmed using qualitative analysis. The codes were …

Exploring Teacher Perceptions About Cultural Practices During Transitions, Katherine Lee Haberstroh

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This dissertation explores teacher perceptions of cultural practices and language that teachers use during transitional times between class-to-class and assignment-to-assignment. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is more to cultural practices than what current literature defines for critical life events and transitions. Artifact analysis from 18 school mission statements, semi structured interviews with eight participants, and rich observations were conducted. The content analysis defined, reviewed, and analyzed teacher perceptions of cultural practices and the language which they produced during their practices. From the exploration of the class-to-class and assignment-to-assignment, specific examples of cultural practices and language …

Development Of A Sustainable Social Emotional Learning Workshop Series For Kindergarten To Second Grade Teachers, Claire Reyes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

In this project, I propose a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) workshopseries for kindergarten through second-grade teachers. In the recent decade, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on mental health, SEL programs have gained attention, and many have recognized the need for these programs in the classroom (Katz,2020). Early integration of SEL (e.g., in early childhood and elementary school classrooms) is essential to lifelong social and emotional development and positive outcomes (Mondi et al., 2021). However, SEL may feel difficult for teachers to incorporate in the classroom; teachers may learn about SEL broadly and inconsistently; thus, they feel …

Cezzartt: Building Community Through The Arts, Cesar Aguiar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this project, I propose Building Community through the Arts in San Bernardino California. In the recent decade, the city of San Bernardino has lost so much of its motivation and dedication to care for the art community. The local art community has always been present, however, overseen by the lack of resources and efforts in bringing the art community back to life through events, art shows, gatherings, or awareness within the city. The purpose of this project was to educate and bring awareness to the city and its people regarding the forgotten art community in the city of San …

With Liberty And Justice For All? Examining The Role Of Hegemony Throughout U.S. History In Influencing Multilingual Discriminatory Practices Within Academic Policies And Legislation, Katie Olivia Wallen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The discriminatory systems that multidialectal and multilingual users experience in the United States have historically influenced how educators and policymakers approach the construction of academic policies and curricula. These hegemonic systems shape and inform linguistic attitudes that have continually imparted prejudice against non-White language users, resulting in a gap of inclusivity for diverse student populations. Research aiming to address this gap has traditionally approached linguistic discrimination by specifically examining the use of dialects or non-English languages in the classroom rather than the underlying systems that affect both multidialectal and multilingual users similarly. Through the lens of policy and social construct …

Effective Resources For Online Learning A Study On Elementary Aged Children, Marlene Mora-Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify which resources have been most effective by examining an elementary school site with 22 parent and teacher participants. The increase in online learning in the past 5 years across kindergarten through 6^th grade students required educators and students to know which are the most effective and relevant resources that supplement learning. Online Google surveys were used to gather data which was inputted into SPSS to examine a univariant analysis. The results determined Lexia Core 5 to be the best resource for academic improvement and Google Classroom to be the most effective …

Editor's Note

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Design And Development Of The “Making Molecules” Simulation: Students’ Perceptions And Recommendations, Pauline Salim Muljana, Jodye I. Selco

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

Students perceive molecular bonding as an abstract concept; therefore, learning this concept seems uninteresting and difficult. A strategically designed learning object (LO), such as in the form of a simulation, can be used to help students acquire accurate mental images and build appropriate schema in addition to providing a concrete learning experience and encouraging knowledge construction. This paper presents an evaluation of the design and development of the Making Molecules simulation through students’ perceptions of the previous version and recommendations for improving a future version. Data were collected from two online chemistry courses (N = 159) through an anonymous online …

Peer-Mediated Instruction And Intervention To Support The Academic Achievement Of Secondary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Michael W.M. Mahoney Ph.D.

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

The purpose of this paper is to review peer-mediated interventions (PMI) as an effective teaching strategy in supporting the academic achievement of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and additional learning needs. Using a systematic review of the literature, eleven (11) peer-reviewed articles met the criteria for inclusion. Results of this search identified four models of PMI that were used to promote on-task academic achievement and increases in correct academic responding. This paper concludes with suggestions for future research and recommendations for implementing peer-mediated interventions in larger inclusive secondary classroom settings.

Functional Analysis In Simulated Environments, Claire Donehower Paul, Jennifer Walker, Cathy Thomas, Matthew S. Taylor, Jamie Best, Morgan Diaz, Chad A. Rose, Eleazar Vasquez

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

The need for highly effective and qualified special educators continues to be a national concern. One of the primary reasons why teachers leave the profession is a lack of effective behavior management skills. Learning how to assess challenging behavior and its causes through functional analysis is one method to enhance teacher skillset in this critical area. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a simulation environment to train pre-service and in-service general and special education teachers to conduct functional analysis procedures with fidelity and compare those results to traditional didactic instruction. The results of the study …

A Practical Guide To Writing Behavior Intervention Plans For Young Children, Johanna P. Higgins, Samantha Riggleman, Marla J. Lohmann

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers support children who qualify for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). ECSEs generally serve children under the age of five and are often asked to guide the development of a plan to decrease persistent challenging behaviors of children in classrooms. IDEA indicates that a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), based on the results of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), be developed, written, and implemented when a child engages in behaviors preventing him/her or children in the classroom from learning. This article is designed to guide ECSEs and …

Characteristics Of Special Education Field Placements: An Exploratory Study, Karin M. Fisher, Angela Norris

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Research and policy in the field of teacher education recommend that special education (SPED) programs include opportunities for candidates to practice in supervised field experiences. Such field experiences (a) engage candidates in professional practice, (b) reduce their anxiety, (c) gain confidence, and (d) allow them to view themselves as educators. However, there is a lack of research on the characteristics of field placements in SPED. As a result of the dearth in the literature, the researchers discussed the results of an exploratory single survey study of 42 faculty members from institutes of higher education (IHE) from across the United States …