Digital Commons Network^™

Sit With Us: Benefits Of Inclusion, Anali Vargas-Sanchez, Spencer Smith

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone project is on understanding the benefits of an inclusive classroom setting. This is important because, there is a stigma that special education students hinder the learning of general education students, but the data provided in this paper will show otherwise. The primary stakeholders perspectives that were surveyed were three special education educators familiarized with an inclusive setting, one being a teacher and the other two teacher aides. Three ways to improve inclusion include co-teaching, increased training, and using technology to assist students. Based on the findings collected from the interviews and research formulated in this …

Sit With Us: Benefits Of Inclusion, Spencer Smith

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone project is on understanding the benefits of an inclusive classroom setting. This is important because, there is a stigma that special education students hinder the learning of general education students, but the data provided in this paper will show otherwise. The primary stakeholders perspectives that were surveyed were three special education educators familiarized with an inclusive setting, one being a teacher and the other two teacher aides. Three ways to improve inclusion include co-teaching, increased training, and using technology to assist students. Based on the findings collected from the interviews and research formulated in this …

What Makes That Autistic Student Tick? Strategies For Classroom Behaviors, Amanda Puleo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Inclusion of autistic students in mainstream classrooms may make it difficult for teachers to identify and proactively address disruptive behaviors. That is, mainstream teachers may not know how to respond to these specific behaviors and their standard classroom management techniques may not work with autistic students. It will take commitment and hard work to identify strategies to regulate the disruptive behaviors of students with autism. To address this issue, the perspectives of directors and teachers who specialize in autism, as well as mainstream public or private school teachers were obtained through interviews. Three options for action emerged from an analysis …

Experiential Perspectives Of Teachers In An Inclusive Classroom, Evelyn Ifeoma Nwadinobi

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Inclusive educational settings have become the norm as schools aim to educate disabled students in environments least restrictive to their development (U.S. Department of Education, 2004). This study was conducted in order to assess teacher perceptions of inclusion academically, socially, and behaviorally for general and special education students. Informed by Sociocultural theory (Vygotsky, 1978), and Integrated Threat Theory (Bustillos & Silvan-Ferrero, 2013), this research aimed to give voice to those most instrumental in implementing inclusion successfully and effectively. Utilizing open-ended interviews and qualitative analyses coded by Excel and NVivo software, the study discovered that teacher participants perceived the main benefit …

Inclusion Of Students With Learning And Behavior Problems: Knowledge, Attitudes, And Inclusive Practices In Turkey, Hanife Ece Ugurlu

Doctoral Dissertations

Inclusive education has become one of the primary goals of education policy across the world in order to achieve education for all. However, there have been various interpretations with respect to what constitutes inclusive education. In addition, limited research exists on teachers’ perceptions, knowledge, and competencies related to inclusive education and students with special needs. The purpose of preliminary research in this study was to validate the Turkish version of the International Survey of Inclusion. The purpose of the second study was to examine Turkish teachers’ beliefs, knowledge, and skills about inclusion of students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. …

Understanding And Applying Emotional Intelligence: A Qualitative Study Of Tampa Veterans Administration Hospital Employees, Brenda Webb Johnson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Emotional intelligence (EI) has not been studied extensively within the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is the largest healthcare organization in America with over 360,000 employees and the organization invests heavily in competency development. The Tampa VA is a level 1 facility with over 5,000 employees in the Tampa Bay area. The facilities Education office offers competency development through soft skills training, leadership development, and contracted courses that include emotional intelligence for leaders.

The purpose of this study was to better discern ten Tampa VA medical center employees understanding and application of EI competence within their personal and professional …

Administrator And Teacher Attitudes Toward Inclusion, Heather N. Lemay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the attitudes of teachers and administrators toward inclusion in the classroom. Specifically this study analyzed grade level, years of teaching experience, and levels of education to examine the manner in which these factors relate to attitudes of teachers and administrators toward inclusion.

Participants in this study were located in 3 school districts in East Tennessee. All data were collected through an online survey distributed to prek-12 teachers by way of email from school principals. The analysis of data was based on the responses of 183 teachers and administrators from these 3 school districts. Findings …

Freshman Student Perception Of Institutional Engagement Strategies, Donald J. Comi

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Technology, socio-economic disparities, and an increasingly diverse population base have changed the nature of American communities and thus the educational and occupational landscape. Access to higher education is functionally the gatekeeper for technical and professional careers. The gap between the number of students starting a four-year degree and the number completing a degree is discouraging. As a student transitions to college, many factors influence personal resiliency. Familial support, pre-college preparation, peer-to-peer relationships, and institutional connection all influence a student’s resiliency. However, higher education’s traditional engagement and transitional programming does not always engender connection nor promote academic success. This qualitative case …

Exploring Patterns In Due Process Hearing Decisions Regarding The Usage Of One-On-One Inclusion Aides For Students With Disabilities, Joel K. Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

This study reviews due process hearing decisions from the years 2014 and 2015. This is primarily a legal analysis, specifically looking at legal and regulatory patterns regarding the provision of one-on-one special education aides for students with disabilities in general education settings. Our findings from the due process hearing decisions reveal that one-on-one aides for students with a wide variety of disabilities are being provided with greater frequency than we anticipated and that, specifically, behavioral aides are being provided for students with autism. Decisions of disabilities such as hearing impairment have higher provision rates, while other disabilities like autism and …

An Exploration Of One School Leader's Experience Of Creating A School Culture That Fosters Inclusion For Students In Special Education, Stephanie L. Chattman

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze a school culture’s response to the principal creating an inclusion program for students with disabilities. The present study specifically analyzed the principal’s traits of social justice leadership and how she applied them to fostering an inclusion program. The study also examined the principal’s actions to create an inclusion program and the characteristics of the school culture.

Method and Analysis: The study was conducted at one southeastern, urban K-5 public elementary school in a large school district. A case study design was used to guide data collection in a systemic manner and grounded theory was …

Lepidium Sativum Effects On Reproduction And Visceral Organ Development In Sprague-Dawley Rats, Jacob P. Westphal

Culminating Projects in Biology

Plants have been utilized as herbicides, insecticides, antimicrobials, antifungals, antivirals, cosmetics and therapeutic agents. Traditional medicine plays a pivotal role in health care around the globe. Lepidium sativum (LS) has been utilized in cooking for its peppery, tangy flavor and aroma and in traditional medicine. LS has been used to treat inflammation, bone fractures, hypertension, microbial infections, diabetes, bronchial asthma, osteoarthritis, constipation and other diseases. There have been no studies investigating the effects of LS seed extracts on preovulatory surge secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The highest level of inclusion of LS …

Factors Impacting Retention Among African American Students At Mississippi State University, Ariel Johnson

Honors Theses

African American retention is low at the college level, especially at Predominantly White Institutions. Factors such as resources, support systems, aggressions, and racism impact African American enrollment and graduation. Mississippi State University has low enrollment and retention rates for African American students, despite programs in place to increase these rates. This research uses anthropological methods to explore the experiences and knowledge of resources among African American students at Mississippi State University. Results indicate that the programs meant to combat low retention rates are ranked low and not widely known by participants. Understanding this will help increase effectiveness of retention programs …

Education As Counter Terrorism In Iraq, Thanaa Sulaiman

English (TESOL) Master Theses

There is not much research written about the relationship between education and the rise of terrorism. Some scholars have urged for educative response to end terrorism (Krueger and Maleckova, 2003; Brockhoff et al., 2015; Malazada, 2016; Illiteracy rates drop in Iraq: Government, 2014) In his study, Brockhoff et al., (2015) found that when country specific factors like the economic situation and political representation were unfavorable, education is the reason some individuals become terrorists. Abrifor (2008) concluded that abuse of students in Nigeria lead them to get involved in criminal activities, suicide bombing and terrorism. In light of these studies, it …

Developmental Impact Of Inclusion Classrooms On Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Emily E. Aller

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review examines the developmental impact inclusion classrooms have on children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An extensive review of current literature resulted in nine articles included in this study. The common themes identified in the literature include: social interaction; teacher preparedness; impact of age on education; and individuality of education. Results indicated that the educational setting alone does not impact the development of children with ASD. Further research needs to be completed in order to fill the gap in literature regarding the cognitive developmental impact educational settings produce and determinants of the best educational setting for children …

Building An Inclusive Peace: Lessons From El Salvador, Patrick C. Seed

International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE)

This paper argues that the peace created after a conflict becomes more sustainable when peace processes are inclusive. The Salvadoran peace process shows how including certain actors reduced political violence while excluding other actors allowed for social and economic marginalization to continue. Based on secondary literature, this paper addresses who was involved in the peace process and how their involvement shaped the evolution of violence within El Salvador. While the peace process erased political violence, not including the unique needs of women and men led to continued social and economic exclusion and marginalization of vulnerable populations. The lessons from El …

Transportation Related Challenges For Persons With Disabilities, Graydon Bascom

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Gaining access to transportation is essential for obtaining employment, education, healthcare, and social interaction. Individuals who face difficulties in gaining this access are considered ‘transportation disadvantaged’ and include individuals of lower socioeconomic status, aging individuals, and persons with disabilities. In our autodependent society, individuals with disabilities face even fewer opportunities to interact within their communities. In order to better understand how individuals with disabilities are limited by their access to transportation, two studies were conducted.

The first study specifically seeks to examine how individuals with disabilities gain access to transportation and the interpersonal relationships that affect opportunities for social participation …

Supporting The Communication Needs Of Students With Severe Disabilities In Inclusive Settings: Practices And Perspectives, Danielle L. Mehr

Culminating Projects in Special Education

This paper reviews several studies related to inclusive outcomes, as well as attitudes and perspectives regarding students with significant disabilities who utilize Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the classroom.

"I Am That Family Member That No One Talks About!" Latino And Lgbtq Students' Perspectives On Institutional Discourse Of Inclusion, Manuel Antonio Rodriguez Jr.

All Theses

There has been a vast amount of research that has focused on inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism within institutional settings (Cuyjet, Howard-Hamilton, & Cooper, 2012). Researchers such as Schedler, Glastra, and Kats (1998) have focused on the positive benefits of having a diverse population of people in a particular setting. How to best integrate these groups in a multicultural setting has been the focus of many researchers (Milem, Clayton-Pederson, Hurtado, & Allen, 1998). Despite the prior research dedicated toward inclusion, there are certain areas that remain neglected due to the complexities of multicultural identities, as well as institutional reluctance to address …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Video Modeling Other And Peer-Implemented Pivotal Response Training To Video Modeling Other On Positive Social Interactions Of Young Children With Developmental Disabilities, Maryssa Kucskar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Young children with developmental disabilities (DD) frequently have delays in social play skills. Students with DD may require social skills instruction in order to be successful in playing cooperatively with others. These opportunities to practice social play skills learned from specialized interventions must be available throughout the school day. Providing opportunities for positive social interactions, engagement, and play within a classroom setting allows children to make friendships, engage in higher levels of play, participate with peers in multiple social contexts, and lead to overall school success.

The purpose of this study was to answer two research questions. The first question …

An Analysis Of Inclusion In The Field Of Special Education, Sarah K. Jerome

Selected Honors Theses

This review of literature explores the many different aspects of including a student with disabilities into the general education classroom 100% of the school day. The topics explored include; the history of inclusion, the social and emotional effects of inclusion, the active engagement of included students, the importance of social acceptance from peers, the teachers’ attitudes and opinions of inclusion, the students’ opinions of inclusion, and the parents’ opinions of inclusion. The goal is to expose some of the negative outcomes of inclusion because of recent emphasis on inclusion in the last decade. The researcher found that inclusion should be …

Language And Academic Performance: Intensive Research And Field Inquiry To Study The Relationships Between Language, Communication, And Education, David Prescott

Honors Program Contracts

This independent research endeavor is focused on gathering information of, and further analyzing, content covered in the course “Language Acquisition and Literacy Development” (EDU 4500) available at Merrimack College. This specialized course from the education program focuses on studying theory and practice of Linguistics, its history, its development in children, and the ramifications of integrating it, as well as its deviations, into Education. This paper is intended to define certain material from the course as well as further analyze them and their roles in the field of Education. The introduction will consist of a basic summation of the content to …

Decreasing The Social Gap Between English Language Learners And Native Speakers Of English, Rachel Loayza

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This paper discusses the social gap between English Learners and native speakers of English and the importance of inclusion. EL students experience isolation in school today and share few positive social experiences with their non-EL peers, although some schools have had some success increasing the inclusion. Through a Systematic Literature Review this research attempts to find out whether teachers and administrators can have an affect on the frequency of intercultural social experiences. Heterogeneous classrooms emerged as the strongest factor for inclusion and pull-out ESL programs emerged as the strongest barrier to inclusion. Future research including international locations, a larger list …

The Effects Of Inclusion And Positive Reinforcement Within The Classroom, Danielle Morin

Honors Program Contracts

The concepts of inclusion and positive reinforcement in classrooms has been prevalent within many schools for a number of years, both practices slowly becoming more universal as research is released. Separate, these practices have significant positive effects on students, and when they are treated as a duo inclusion and positive reinforcement have tangible results on both students with and without disabilities. Several studies and interviews were conducted in pursuit of the significance of each practice, with one study in particular linking the two to provide for a successful, positive general education classroom environment. The research found indicates that both practices …

General Education Teachers’ Attitudes About Inclusion, Larry D. Monje

Dissertations

This study uses Q Methodology and semi-structured interviews to examine general education teachers’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions about inclusion of students with disabilities in their general education classrooms. As reported in the 38th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 2016, 94.8% of students with disabilities are being educated in general education classrooms for some part of the school day (U.S. Department of Education, 2016). For this reason, it is important to understand general education teachers’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions about the inclusion of students with disabilities.

In this study there were 50 Q …

What Gets Lost In The Numbers: A Case Study Of The Experiences And Perspectives Of Black And Latino Faculty In Academic Medicine, Sylk M. Sotto Santiago

Higher Education: Doctoral Research Projects

The doctoral research examines the experiences and perceptions of underrepresented minority faculty in academic medicine through a case study approach. The study focuses on several stages as presented through a model referred to as the faculty life cycle. Specifically, the study addresses the socialization, mentoring, and professional development experiences of URM faculty in academic medicine. How do URM faculty experience their environment, culture, and climate in academic medicine? And what is their perception of the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives and offices in academic medicine? This study utilizes the conceptual frameworks of Inclusive Excellence (IE} and Culturally Engaging Campus …

Barriers To Student Achievement, Dewey Hernandez

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

This mixed-methods study examined the impact of barriers on student achievement and how promising practices can overcome barriers and increase success. Results found that barriers impact success greatly, however, promising practices can help to overcome them. Significant findings included insights into the proficiency-based educational model, uncontrollable circumstances, and opportunities for students to provide evidence of learning in nontraditional ways. Recommendations consist of increasing paraprofessional training, bringing a bigger system of LCSW support, showing how to co-teach, and finding ways for inclusion to be solidly effective.

Middle School Administrator And Teacher Attitudes Towards Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities In The Inclusive Classroom, William James Kimble

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine middle school administrator and teacher attitudes towards inclusion in one local education agency (LEA) in North Carolina. Administrators and teachers from three middle schools were surveyed to determine factors that impact their attitude of inclusion with regard to years of experience, gender, extent working with students with disabilities, role in education, age, highest degree obtained, number of special education courses taken in college, and expected length in education. The Attitude Towards Teaching All Students Instrument (ATTAS-mm) was used for the quantitative portion of this study. The ATTAS-mm is organized into three components …

The Effect Of The Teaching Practicum Setting On The Beliefs Of Pre-Service Physical Educators About Inclusion In Physical Education, Jacob Cheek

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Abstract

The effect of the teaching practicum setting on the beliefs of pre-service physical educators about inclusion in physical education

Jacob Cheek

BACKGROUND: In order for students with disabilities to be successful in physical education, pre-service physical educators need to gain experience in applying the necessary skills and knowledge. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of placement experience on the beliefs of pre-service physical educators about inclusion and teaching students with disabilities in physical education. METHODS: The ‘Physical Educator’s Judgments on Inclusion’ (PEJI) instrument was completed prior to, and after, involvement in a practicum experience …

Administrative Leadership To Build Capacity For Inclusion Of Students With Emotional Disabilities, Nicole Corbett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In a New England school district, students with emotional disabilities (SWED) were educated in the most restrictive educational placement outside the general education classroom at higher rates than any other disability group The purpose of this qualitative, instrumental case study was to explore administrators' and teachers' perceptions regarding campus and district level systems and structures, professional development (PD) available, and the role of administrators in building capacity for the inclusion of SWED in the general education classroom. Vygotsky's theory of social development, Knowles's theory of andragogy, and Knoster's model for leading and managing complex change provided the theoretical framework for …

Inclusion Teachers' Attitudes And Practices Regarding Literacy Strategies, Lisa Christine Putt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students with disabilities (SWDs) at a combined junior/senior high school in a Midwestern state have opportunities to participate in inclusive education settings. However, they consistently score below proficient on state standardized reading assessments, despite an increased focus on literacy by content area inclusion teachers. Without improved literacy skills, many SWDs will experience a decrease in standardized test scores and graduation rates, which, in turn, will affect access to a college education and better careers and livelihoods. The purpose of this bounded qualitative case study was to explore 7th and 8th grade content area inclusion teachers' attitudes toward and perceptions of …