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Full-Text Articles in Education

Case Study: La Bisutería De La Escuela Especial De Nebaj, Amos Pomp, Leah Dunlevy Apr 2019

Case Study: La Bisutería De La Escuela Especial De Nebaj, Amos Pomp, Leah Dunlevy

The International Undergraduate Journal For Service-Learning, Leadership, and Social Change

In the Ixil Region of Guatemala’s Quiché Department, there is social stigma against people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parents of children with special needs are often ashamed of their children and reluctant to take them outside or send them to school. Worldwide, children with disabilities are less likely to attend school, receive academic support to attain educational goals, and to experience familial and emotional support that increase quality of life. A similar lack of support for children with disabilities in Guatemala perpetuates their lack of access to opportunities for academic, social, and professional development, which contributes to stereotypes …


Increasing Self-Efficacy In Providing Inclusive Practices To Students With Diverse Learning Needs, Teresa K. Nagy Jan 2019

Increasing Self-Efficacy In Providing Inclusive Practices To Students With Diverse Learning Needs, Teresa K. Nagy

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was designed to determine if teachers in an elementary school in South Suburban School District in Chicago, Illinois increased their self-efficacy as it relates to serving students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment after receiving professional development. The study began with a historical review of students with disabilities and the current requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Reauthorization Act of 2004. Educational systems within the United States are required to provide services to students with diverse learning needs in the least restrictive environment. These supports are most commonly referred to as inclusive practices. …


Co-Teaching And Its Effect On Student Growth, Troy Weiss Aug 2017

Co-Teaching And Its Effect On Student Growth, Troy Weiss

All Capstone Projects

With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1990 and again in 2004 Congress stated that students with special needs were to be educated in the least restrictive environment to the greatest extent possible. In order to meet the federal mandate many districts used co-teaching as a service delivery option for special needs students who are in a general education classroom. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of co-teaching on academic growth, particularly for students with an Individualized Education Plan. When reviewing the literature it was found that co-teaching has been studied and …


The Effect Of Electronic Text Reading On Reading Comprehension Scores Of Students With Disabilities, Rachel Krieger Apr 2017

The Effect Of Electronic Text Reading On Reading Comprehension Scores Of Students With Disabilities, Rachel Krieger

All Capstone Projects

The growing use of technology in the classroom necessitates investigation into the effect technology has on learning. This causal-comparative study examined whether students with disabilities comprehend text better when it is presented electronically or in print. Thirty-one 11th and 12th grade students with varying disabilities read and answered questions on five print and five electronic reading comprehension passages. The results, examined using paired t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes, determined that the participants scored significantly better on electronic comprehension passages than print. Similar additional analyses were conducted on mean scores of students with a learning disability, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, and …


Teacher Perceptions Of The Social Emotional Learning Standards, Stacy N. Fischer Apr 2017

Teacher Perceptions Of The Social Emotional Learning Standards, Stacy N. Fischer

All Capstone Projects

Today’s students do not come to school with the traditional set of academic proficiencies and emotional competence they once used to. In recent years, Social Emotional Learning has gradually gained a positive reputation in the educational community. The purpose of this investigation was to assess teachers on their knowledge and use of the Social Emotional Learning Standards, as well as their perspectives on the importance of these standards in the educational development of their students. A small pool of licensed teachers from the Cook County, Illinois area were polled by means of an electronically disbursed, anonymous survey. The overall results …


Reading Comprehension And Self Efficacy, Brittany Conway Apr 2017

Reading Comprehension And Self Efficacy, Brittany Conway

All Capstone Projects

This study investigated whether or not there is a correlation between the self-efficacy of high school students and their reading comprehension scores at Smith High School. There were 24 students that participated in this study. Eight of those students were in special education and have an identified reading disability, eight were students in general education, and eight were in honors level reading. There were two instruments used in the study. One instrument used in the study was the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Assessment (Northwest Evaluation Association, 2017), which was used to measure reading comprehension. The Reader Self-Perception Scale (Henk …


Perceptions Of The Paraprofessional’S Roles, Rachela Nicholls Jan 2017

Perceptions Of The Paraprofessional’S Roles, Rachela Nicholls

All Capstone Projects

This action research project was designed to survey the perceptions of special educators and paraprofessionals on the various paraprofessional roles and levels of training offered. The most common paraprofessional roles and types and amounts of training opportunities available were analyzed so that school districts would have the essential data to make programming decisions regarding the effectiveness of the paraprofessional programs within their schools. By using a survey process, paraprofessionals and special educators were asked a series of questions pertaining to the frequency of participation in each paraprofessional role, levels of formal and/or on-the-job training provided, and how the paraprofessionals’ jobs …


Assessing General Education Teacher Training On Idea And Section 504 Law, Yolian Cintron Jan 2017

Assessing General Education Teacher Training On Idea And Section 504 Law, Yolian Cintron

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess how much general education teachers actually know about the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in order to identify training needs for general education teachers regarding these two laws. A survey was created to cover several areas within the legal mandates of IDEA law (2004) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Results showed that teachers have a lot to learn about 1) the referral, assessment, and placement process; and 2) requirements of the IEP team meeting and the IEP document; and …


Teacher Knowledge And Use Of Universal Design For Learning, Katherine D. Mavrovic-Glaser Jan 2017

Teacher Knowledge And Use Of Universal Design For Learning, Katherine D. Mavrovic-Glaser

All Capstone Projects

Today's classrooms are composed with a wide variety of students. It is important for all teachers, both special and general education, to have the ability to teach a diverse group of students. In recent years, Universal Design for Learning {UDL) has gained a positive reputation as a scientifically validated teaching method that considers individuality. The purpose of this investigation is to assess teachers on their knowledge and use ofUDL. A small pool of licensed teachers in the Chicago metropolitan area were polled by means of an electronically disbursed, anonymous survey. The results show 55% of participants claim to be familiar …


Teacher Awareness Of Social Emotional Learning Standards And Strategies, Mary Reynolds Jul 2016

Teacher Awareness Of Social Emotional Learning Standards And Strategies, Mary Reynolds

All Capstone Projects

This study investigated teacher knowledge and attitudes of both special education and general education teachers towards social emotional learning. A total of twenty-five certified special education teachers and twenty-five certified general education teachers were surveyed regarding their familiarity with the State of Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards. Teachers’ perceptions of the competency of their higher education preparation and professional development to meet their students’ social emotional needs were solicited. The data gathered from this study suggests that universities should prepare teachers more adequately in the areas of social emotional learning. The data also supports that there is a need for …


Student Perceptions Of The Check-In/Check-Out Intervention, Kara Noland Jul 2016

Student Perceptions Of The Check-In/Check-Out Intervention, Kara Noland

All Capstone Projects

This study investigated student perceptions of the Check-In/Check-Out intervention. Twelve students, who participated in the Check-In/Check-Out intervention were surveyed regarding their opinions and understanding of procedures. The data gathered from this study suggests that educators should look closer at the implementation of Check-In/Check-Out as well as those students who are unresponsiveness to the intervention. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.


Co-Teaching: How Do Teachers Rate Barriers To Effective Co-Teaching?, Christopher Ratcliff Jul 2016

Co-Teaching: How Do Teachers Rate Barriers To Effective Co-Teaching?, Christopher Ratcliff

All Capstone Projects

Students with disabilities are increasingly more present in high school general education class due to the pressures from federal legislation and disability advocates. In response, co-teaching model are being implemented by many school districts within the United States. The purpose of the study was to examine how teachers rate the effectiveness of co-teaching and the barriers to success. The study reflected a quantitative, descriptive approach using a survey design. A 20 item questionnaire was used to collect data on the perceptions of the participants. The participants for this study included professionals in the field of education, specifically teachers from both …


Adapted Physical Education: Where Does It Stand?, Danielle M. Wilkins Jul 2016

Adapted Physical Education: Where Does It Stand?, Danielle M. Wilkins

All Capstone Projects

Sixty-six teachers were surveyed regarding adapted physical education. The three types of teachers surveyed were physical education, special education, and general education. The teachers' perceptions to the importance and necessity of adapted physical education were analyzed. The findings showed most physical education teachers felt training was inadequate in their preservice program, as well as in professional development to teach students with disabilities. Discussion of the results and implications for further research are provided.


Investigating Special Education Teachers’ Knowledge And Beliefs Of Learned Helplessness In Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities, Jennifer Engemann Apr 2016

Investigating Special Education Teachers’ Knowledge And Beliefs Of Learned Helplessness In Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities, Jennifer Engemann

All Capstone Projects

This research study investigated educators’ knowledge and beliefs of learned helplessness in student with mild to moderate disabilities. Prior research indicates that students with disabilities are more prone to developing the learned helpless condition in comparison to their non-disabled peers. Studies provide evidence of a direct correlation between school failure and learned helplessness. A quantitative descriptive research method was used to collect and analyze data. A survey design method was used to assess special educators’ perceptions of the learned helpless condition. There were 40 special education teachers from suburban Chicago high schools who participated in this research study. Based on …


Special Education Instruction And Its Effect On Student Efficacy, Melissa Bonavia Apr 2016

Special Education Instruction And Its Effect On Student Efficacy, Melissa Bonavia

All Capstone Projects

The key idea that is studied for this research is self-efficacy among special education students. The purpose of this study to look at the relationship of self-efficacy and special education students in both the general education classroom and the instructional classroom. There were a total of 28 special education students who participated in the study. They completed a survey on self-efficacy. The results found that special education students in the instructional classroom had slightly higher self-efficacy than the special education students in the general education classroom. Discussion and implication regarding education and further research is provided.


The Efficacy Of Structured Repeated Reading As A Method To Increase Reading Fluency, Ryan Capriotti Apr 2016

The Efficacy Of Structured Repeated Reading As A Method To Increase Reading Fluency, Ryan Capriotti

All Capstone Projects

Since reading is such a significant component of student success, it is important to perform research to determine which reading strategies and approaches are most effective. The purpose of this study was to explore Structured Repeated Reading as a beneficial reading strategy, in particular with students diagnosed with a reading disorder. There were eight students that participated in the study, all with similar reading difficulties and all that have been diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in the area of Reading. Specifically, four of the students were educated in an instructional, resource room setting (I), and four of the …


Improving Phonics And Fluency Skills Using A Multisensory Language Intervention, Lisa M. Davi Apr 2016

Improving Phonics And Fluency Skills Using A Multisensory Language Intervention, Lisa M. Davi

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this single case design study was to examine the efficacy of multisensory language instruction, specifically the Wilson Reading System, on the phonetic analysis skills and reading fluency of a single student identified as dyslexic. Data was collected for a period of eight weeks and analyzed using visual representations to determine participant growth in all areas assessed. Data showed growth of 20 words read correctly per minute (WCPM) with a projected gain of 16 WCPM according to Hasbrouk and Tindal's (2006) reading fluency normative chart. The education implications of the study are discussed and recommendations for further research …


Beyond An Aide: Perceptions And Attitudes Concerning The Self-Efficacy Of Paraprofessionals In Special Education, Nicolas Jones Apr 2016

Beyond An Aide: Perceptions And Attitudes Concerning The Self-Efficacy Of Paraprofessionals In Special Education, Nicolas Jones

All Capstone Projects

This action based research study was conducted to examine the self-efficacy of paraprofessionals working with students in special education in a specific school district (School District A). The study used a survey design and the paraprofessionals were currently working with students from grades 9-12 in a Chicago Area, south suburban high school district in Illinois. The study was conducted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Multicategorical Special Education program at Governors State University in the spring of 2016.


Determining Whether Classroom Dojo Will Decrease The Number Of Behavior Referrals, Venessa Martinez Apr 2016

Determining Whether Classroom Dojo Will Decrease The Number Of Behavior Referrals, Venessa Martinez

All Capstone Projects

This is a quantitative study that uses A-B design to determine whether the use of classroom management behavior intervention Classroom Dojo would decrease the amount of behavior referrals. This intervention was implemented in a special education classroom in the south suburbs of Chicago with 8th grade students that attend an alternative school for behavior issues that were exhibited while at their district school. All of the students were exposed to the intervention while two students with the highest number of behavior referrals were progress monitored on a weekly basis using a data collection system called SWIS Data. This data collection …


Teachers' Perceptions Of Educational Barriers To Preschool Special Education Services, Carolyn Stone Apr 2016

Teachers' Perceptions Of Educational Barriers To Preschool Special Education Services, Carolyn Stone

All Capstone Projects

This study focuses on teachers' perceptions of educational barriers to special education services for preschool aged children. The purpose of this study was to determine what teachers saw as barriers to obtaining services for young learners. A review of related research was included in this study. A survey was electronically distributed to general education and special education preschool teachers in the area, and 22 were completed and returned. Overall, teachers identified many possible barriers to services in four (4) sub-groups; parents/families, administrative and support staff, process/procedure, and Early Intervention transition. There was at least one identified barrier in each of …


Planning For Transition In Special Education, Esther M. Crockett-Love Apr 2016

Planning For Transition In Special Education, Esther M. Crockett-Love

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to investigate special educators’ perceptions of transition plans for students with disabilities. The research also investigated parents’ perception of transition plans for their students’ with special needs. The researcher examined the barriers that can effect transition planning. Previous research indicates that parents of diverse learners feel unprepared for this time period after post-secondary education. Educators may feel ill-equipped to prepare students for this time. Additionally, previous research indicated that the severity of the disability has a direct correlation to the success or lack thereof of student transition after post-secondary education. Furthermore, research indicated the …


Identification Of English Language Learners In Special Education, Sonia George Apr 2016

Identification Of English Language Learners In Special Education, Sonia George

All Capstone Projects

This study investigated the knowledge and opinions of teachers with regards to the identification of English language learners (ELLs) for special education services. The participants were 22 general education and special education teachers at two schools in a school district in the Chicago suburbs. The data collected included responses to a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked teachers to consider different factors that influence the placement of ELLs in special education. The results indicated that teachers did not believe there is a disproportionate amount of ELLs being identified for special education. On average, approximately 90% of the teachers surveyed believe that teacher …


The Effectiveness Of Peer Support To Increase Positive Social Interaction For Students With Special Needs, Candace Pickens-Cantrell Apr 2016

The Effectiveness Of Peer Support To Increase Positive Social Interaction For Students With Special Needs, Candace Pickens-Cantrell

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of positive peer support to increase social interaction of students with special needs. This study followed a teacher action research design with data collected on a single student in two different preschool sessions within the same school and classroom. The participants included two special education students, and two typically developing peer supporters and the student's teacher. Observations and a questionnaire were used to collect and analyze data. The results indicate that special needs students benefit from having peer support from peers to help increase social interaction. Both students progress supported …


An Evaluation Of Suspension Days Between Students In Special Education And General Education, Richard Tarbunas Apr 2016

An Evaluation Of Suspension Days Between Students In Special Education And General Education, Richard Tarbunas

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the number of suspension days accumulated by students in general education compared to students in special education in a south suburban Chicago public high school. Data was collected from the school to determine if there was a large disparity between suspension days between the two groups based on population size. If a large difference was discovered, then a possible plan to remediate and resolve the issue would be proposed to the school's administrators.


The Effect Of District Provided Training And Paraprofessional Self-Efficacy, Meredith Madden Jul 2015

The Effect Of District Provided Training And Paraprofessional Self-Efficacy, Meredith Madden

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect(s) district provided training, or lack thereof, had on paraprofessional self-efficacy. This study was a descriptive action research study using a survey design. The participants of this study were selected from a south suburban, Cook county high school district. All participants, when surveyed, were currently employed paraprofessionals working with students with disabilities in grades 9-12. This study was conducted as part of a Multicategorical Special Education graduate student culminating project at Governors State University in summer 2015.


Adult Initiated Transition Of Students With Autism And Self-Injurious Behavior, Courtney N. Quinn Jul 2015

Adult Initiated Transition Of Students With Autism And Self-Injurious Behavior, Courtney N. Quinn

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to discover if adult initiated transitions from center to center cause students with Autism self-injurious behavior. An ABC chart was used to gather data based on how many times the student inflicts self-harm upon himself, and what time of the day the self-injurious behavior occurs. With the data that was gathered on the student it was noticed that the most self-injurious behavior occurred when the student had to leave one center provided with adult initiation, and when he did not want to leave the activity of choice. As the behavior came more problematic, interventions …


Individualized Education Program: Members Attitudes On Collaboration And Communication, Maura Gallagher Jul 2015

Individualized Education Program: Members Attitudes On Collaboration And Communication, Maura Gallagher

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore professional's attitudes towards collaboration and communication in relation to the Individualized Education Program development and implementation. The one question that guided the focus of this study was: "How do IEP team members rate the skills needed for collaboration and communication in order to successfully implement an individualized education program?" The study was conducted as a quantitative study using a cross-sectional survey with a simple random sampling in conjunction with a snowball sampling in order to distribute the survey to possible participants. Certified staff members and parents that participate on an Individualized Education …


The Effectiveness Of Content Retention When Using A Chromebook™ With A Student On The Autism Spectrum, Marykay Shropshire Jul 2015

The Effectiveness Of Content Retention When Using A Chromebook™ With A Student On The Autism Spectrum, Marykay Shropshire

All Capstone Projects

A student identified with Autism participated in a single case design study in which note taking was conducted in traditional and technological (Chromebook™) fashion. Participation is used on the general education curriculum and daily exercises completed in the classroom. This research was completed in two phases with the first phase collecting baseline data to be compared to the second phase of data that was collected during the intervention. Each phase lasted 3 weeks and was carried out in the special education classroom within the student's usual Extended School Year program. This research was conducted for the cumulative project at Governors …


Teacher Knowledge And Perception Of Students With An Adhd Label, Carrie Ballantine Apr 2015

Teacher Knowledge And Perception Of Students With An Adhd Label, Carrie Ballantine

All Capstone Projects

This descriptive, quantitative study utilized a cross-sectional survey to determine if there was a relationship between teacher knowledge of ADHD and their perception of students with the label, and it investigated the potential difference between general education and special education teachers. A three-part survey will be disseminated to participants. This includes demographic information, true-false questions about ADHD, and vignettes with a Likert scale measure of perception of the events described. A Pearson correlation may be used to analyze the degree of relationship between the level of teacher knowledge about ADHD and their perception of students with the label. T-tests were …


Parental Involvement And Academic Achievement, Rosie Thornton Apr 2015

Parental Involvement And Academic Achievement, Rosie Thornton

All Capstone Projects

The parent-school relationship for families of students with disabilities is clearly prescribed by law and is one of the main systems of belief of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 2004. The purpose of the study was to focus on homework, parental involvement, parental involvement in homework, and parental involvement in homework of students with special needs. This study was designed to analyze parents and teachers beliefs on parent involvement in their child’s homework as it relates to higher student outcomes and achievement within a traditional urban elementary school setting. Participants consisted parents of primary grade level students in …