Education Commons^™

The Use Of Offensive Language By Middle School Students In The Special Education Classroom: Student And Staff Perspectives, Matthew Francis Hillis Byrnes

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students'use of offensive language often leads to behavioral problems, such as fights, that impede learning in the classroom environment. Through comparing and contrasting the perspectives of students and staff in a program for middle school students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders, this research seeks to understand why students use offensive language. Both students and staffwere interviewed. The students were sixth and eighth graders who spend 60-100% of their time in school in a special education classroom. The staff who were interviewed include special education teachers, an educational assistant, a teacher in the mainstream program, and a school psychologist. All of …

Parent Perspectives On The Parent-Teacher Relationship In The Case Of Parents Of Children With Special Needs In Doha, Qatar, Corinne Lorence

Theses and Graduate Projects

Parent-teacher partnership is a key element to student achievement and success. While there is a large body of literature that supports the importance of parent-teacher partnership, and literature capturing teacher and parent perspectives alike, there are fewer studies involving perspectives of parents of children with special needs in the Middle East. This qualitative study sought the perspectives of such parents living in a small country in the Middle East. Three mothers of children who attended a special education school were interviewed, and the data was transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes. Despite their diverse backgrounds, participants shared a love for …

What Is The Perception Of Struggling Readers On The Impact Of Computer Games On Working Memory?, Kathleen Anderson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students with learning disabilities are faced with a lifetime of struggles to meet the demands of academics and daily activities. How can special education and classroom teachers effectively ensure that interventions provided to students will meet their needs? Research reports that working memory is no longer fixed but can be improved through targeted training. Computerized working memory training programs are promoted as a means to improve working memory. The purpose of this research was to discover the perception of struggling students on the impact of computerized working memory games on their working memory. In this qualitative research, data was collected …

Perspectives Of Educators In Care And Treatment Programs On The Educational Needs Of Students, Jill F. Kramer

Theses and Graduate Projects

This qualitative research study examined the perspectives of educators working in a care and treatment facility on the educational needs of students enrolled in those programs. This research was conducted by interviewing six educators who were employed with an urban Midwest school district and were assigned to the care and treatment program examined in the study. Data was gathered to determine the participants' views and experiences with the field of education, specifically in the care and treatment program, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and curriculum. The results indicated participants perceived building relationships with students, collaboration between service providers, and engaging …

A Non-Traditional Learning Environment And Student Success From The Perspectives Of The Students Themselves, Arika R. Mareck

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this action research study is to examine a non-traditional learning environment and student success from the perspectives of the students themselves. This study defines a non-traditional learning environment as a hope- inspired and relational environment with a person a\ized, and relevant curriculum. It is an environment where teachers model collaboration, restorative practices, and compassion through intentional culturally relevant instruction, strength-based assumptions, whole-sfudent relationships, confl ict resolution, and sfudent advocacy and empowerment. The study seeks to understand if typically unsuccessful students (also commonly referred to as at-risk students) can find success if the delivery of their education is …

Increasing Consistency, Accuracy And Compliance Through District Wide Fbas And Bips, Elizabeth A. Ott

Theses and Graduate Projects

This leadership application project set out to increase the consistency, accuracy, and compliance of FBAs (Functional Behavioral Assessments) and BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans) in one school district. Prior to streamlining the process, the district had upwards of 10 different forms that teachers were utilizing. By referencing studies and research conducted by the state of Wisconsin (Cooperative Educational Service Agency l2), Zirkel (2011) and other researchers, present forms were evaluated by set criteria to determine compliance to best practices. The result was adopting a traditional form that encompasses all necessary components of a FBA and BIP, the creation of a more …

College Readiness Among High School Students With Special Education Needs, Crystal Wolfgram

Theses and Graduate Projects

A large number of students who are graduating from high school are not prepared to be successful in a postsecondary environment. The purpose of this study was to determine what college readiness skills high school students with special educational needs developed prior to graduation. Through qualitative methods, interviews were conducted and data was collected with four high school students with differing categories of disabilities, gender and post secondary expectations. Findings from the study indicated that the students' high school experiences impacted their high school performance, time management and self-advocacy skills, knowledge of services offered at college and meaningful relationships with …

Parents' Perspectives On Community Integration And Social Inclusion Of Children With Autism, Sue Bresnehan

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to examine parents' perspectives on community integration and social inclusion of their elementary and middle school age children with autism and developmental cognitive disabilities. The information obtained addresses the research question: How can I as a teacher help parents with community integration and social inclusion of their children? The data was collected through four face-to-face interviews. All of the participants' children have developmental disabilities of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as cognitive delays and communication disabilities. Four themes emerged from the data; (a) what is working, (b) what is challenging, …

The Perspectives Of Special Education Teachers On The Processes Involved In Ruling Out Language When Considering English Language Students For Specific Learning Disabilities Evaluations, Debra Wynn

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand how special education teams are making decisions regarding ruling out language proficiency when considering English Learners for a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) evaluation. This information was obtained through the perspectives of multi-categorical special education teachers. Data was collected through interviews with seven teachers from five different elementary schools. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) Let's start with Interventions (Tier 2), (b) Next let's figure out what is going on (Pre-referral team), (c) Who can we rely on to help us? (Trust of team members), (d) What can we use …

Beyond A Planner: Effective Study Skills Instruction For Student With Disabilities In Preparation For Success In Postsecondary Education And Training, Marlene R. Desmarais

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students with disabilities face many unique challenges in life but one of the most impactful and challenging moments they will face is the transition from high school to postsecondary education. This new phase in their lives is filled with dramatic changes and can prove to be especially troubling for students with disabilities. Yet, if these students receive the proper training prior to leaving high school, they may experience a smoother transition and ultimately achieve their goals and dreams. Through qualitative methods using narrative and descriptive approaches, this research investigated what study skills are the most important to teach to high …

Soaring Above The Stigma Of Special Education, Kayla M. Krebs

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to identiff an educational issue and provide a

solution. The educational concern covered in this paper is parents who reject special education services. The methods of producing a solution involved a literature review and survey of parents. Conclusions from the literature review demonstrated that good communication, nefworking, and technology fosters more success befween parents and educators. Recommendation of a solution is in the form of a video clip feafuring parents who share their struggles and positive experiences with receiving special education services.

The Impact Of Sensory Processing Disorder On An Adolescent: Jamie's Story, Julie Trebtoske

Theses and Graduate Projects

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the natural process of taking in or receiving stimuli from your surroundings and body are intemrpted due to a neurological impairment of normal sensory processing. The ability to function normally when presented with sensory stimuli is taken for granted by most. Sensory processing includes five external senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, taste, and two internal senses: balance and muscle/joint control. Dr. Jean Ayres who coined the term SPD first pioneered SPD. The existence of SPD and the classification of the inability to successfully process information as an actual disorder are contentious. …

Why Are We Still Talking About This? Making Inclusion Work In The General Education Classroom Setting From The Perspective Of One Minnesota Charter School, Alison Tanner

Theses and Graduate Projects

Those familiar with inclusion understand that legislation including Public Law 94-142,the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA), and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), was put into place to ensure students with disabilities received free and appropriate education. Decades after these laws have been put into place, student access to equitable education is still hotly debated. This qualitative study investigates how inclusion is working in an inclusive, urban public elementary school. The research illustrates current successes and challenges associated with implementing inclusive practices. Using textual analysis of interview transcripts …

Inclusion: A Transformation In A Charter School, Katherine Petty

Theses and Graduate Projects

Schools and governments across the United States are trying to figure out how best to educate students with special needs. Several schools have turned away from mainstreaming students and are now implementing an inclusive education program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the full inclusion model; summarize the literature on the advantages and disadvantages of the full inclusion model; identify the components of inclusion; describe an informal sunrey (given to teachers from two different schools) used to determine what teachers need to know about the full inclusion model; and present the results of the teacher …

Factors That Contribute To Successful General Education And Special Education Teacher Partnerships, Karen L. Lampi

Theses and Graduate Projects

Regardless of ability level, all students are entitled to an education in their least restrictive environment. This has come to mean greater inclusion in our general education classrooms. To meet the needs of students, schools have implemented collaborative models to deliver instruction. The roles of general and special education teachers in collaborative classrooms have required a cornbination of skill, expertise, and hard work. Through qualitative methods using narrative and descriptive approaches, this study investigated teacher's views of inclusion, student and educator needs that must be met, barriers to overcome for successful implementation, and understanding what elements have worked within the …

The Effectiveness Of Video Modeling In Teaching Positive Social Behavior To Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kellie Cleary

Theses and Graduate Projects

This srudy investigated the cffectiveness of using a video modeling teaching strategy coupled with guided practice lesson to teach students on the autism spectrum (ASD) functional social skills. Four students and their parents or guardians elected to participate in this study. Interviews with parents or guardians were conducted to determine student's level of performance in l3 social areas. Sfudents then participated in social instruction using video modeling, particularly using to video "Fitting in and Having Fun", as a key strategy. Video modeling is a teaching strategy that involves watching a video that models a desired behavior then practicing the desired …

Juvenile Probation Officers' Perspectives Of The Special Education Process, Lauren Trainer

Theses and Graduate Projects

This qualitative research study examined juvenile probation officers' perspectives of special education. Juvenile probation officers who work with youth who receive special education services agreed to participate in this study to help the researcher learn more about how they view special education. Since the two professional groups (juvenile probation officers and special education teachers) often work with the same demographic, learning more about their perspectives can help improve their working relationships. However, even more importantly, the services youth receive may also be improved through gaining a better understanding of others' perspectives. A combination of formal interview questions and observations were …

Participation In High School Sports By Setting Iv Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (Ebd), Jennifer S. Nerison

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study analyzes the link between students with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) and their participation in sports while attending high school. Young men and women who participate in sports are positively linked in a reduction of delinquent behaviors and show an increase of making positive choices and receiving/earning good grades. Sports can instill confidence in a child, and he/she can learn to excel at something they enjoy doing and could raise this confidence participating in a sport. This is an opportunity to overcome struggles a child may be having emotionally and socially. (Ireland, 2011) Adolescents who are a part …

Experiences Of Students With Special Needs In Public Achievement, Alissa Blood-Knafla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The outlook for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities is not a hopeful one. In schools these students are often separated from their peers and miss out on many opportunities to engage in unique experiences because of their behavior. Public Achievement can provide these students with an opportunity to engage in real-world experiences and positively impact issues that matter to them. This opportunity can impact how students view themselves, their behavior and their abilities. This research presents the student perspective on Public Achievement. Findings show that students view Public Achievement as having a positive impact on their lives in and …

The Impact Of Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder Medication On Academic Achievement, Diana Carter

Theses and Graduate Projects

This purpose of this study was to determine if the use of stimulant medication has an effect on academic success at the elementary school age. Participants in the study included 4th and 5ft grade children who have been diagnosis with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Groups 1 consisted of three children diagnosed with ADHD and were taking a stimulant medication. Group 2 consisted of three children diagnosed with ADHD and did not take any medication of any kind. Information was gathered from the teachers and students during one-on-one interviews; data was compiled and analyzed to identify common themes. Two themes …

The Retention Of Special Education Teachers: What Makes Special Education Teachers Stay Teaching Longer Than 10 Years?, Debra June Goodman

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is qualitative action research project shows how a group of teachers was able to stay in the field of special education for more than 10 years, and in some cases, even retire from this area of education. It examines reasons why and how these teachers were able to teach for so many consecutive years: In it for the kids, First career, Administration, and Good co-workers.

Self-Efficacy Issues Through Curriculum For Teachers Of Students Labeled With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Eduardo Adolfo Regalado

Theses and Graduate Projects

Teachers have the responsibility of providing appropriate education through curriculum content and instructional practices regardless of student population. Teachers cannot tackle this huge task without the necessary components, such as curriculum that is appropriate, engaging, challenging, interesting, culfurally responsive and differentiated. Curriculum availability and quality are essential for program, school, or district-wide achievement and student participation. They are also critical for students to engage in the learning process, Therefore, there is little doubt that teachers need some form of curriculum to do their job well. Through qualitative methods using narrative and descriptive approaches, this sfudy investigates special education teacher self-efficacy …

Factors That Affect Math Learning In The Classroom, Lauren Katherine Hoyt

Theses and Graduate Projects

This action research case study examines how five academically at risk students manage math anxiety and other problems in the classroom. These five participants are from a suburban high school in Minnesota. These students were recruited from remedial math classes. Three students had the educational label of Specific Learning Disability (SLD), and two students were academically at risk and were English Language Learners (ELL). This action study is based on qualitative data collection (field notes, participant observer comments, student journals, student interviews and, participant observations) and data analysis to understand these issues from a student perspective. Four themes emerged from …

Beginning Teachers' Knowledge Of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder And Classroom Interventions, Summer Beth Lamontagne

Theses and Graduate Projects

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is so prevalent among children that it is likely that most teachers will have at least one student with ADHD in every class they teach. Because of this, it is important for teachers to have knowledge of the disorder and the interventions they can use in their classrooms to help students succeed. The basic knowledge of ADHD and classroom interventions of three beginning teachers was assessed through a rating scale, checklist, and one-on-one interviews. The results show that improvement is needed in the following areas: teachers' knowledge of ADHD, teachers' knowledge and use of interventions, …

Differences And Commonalities In Adult Expectations Regarding Adhd Referral, Nate Christopherson

Theses and Graduate Projects

During the process of ADHD referral and intervention, there are often problematic and divisive differences of opinion within the adult team on how best to address the symptoms of ADHD. This study is an action research project interested in identifying areas of agreement and dischord between parents and teachers related to how best to support a child with ADHD. Data was collected through interviews and observations with parents and teachers from a suburban elementary school community. The findings from this study suggest that: 1. Parents tend to view their child as able to make change and, but that they do …

Correlation Between Basc And Iep Daily Point Sheets, Ruth E. Rautio

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study investigated the correlation between the classroom based IEP driven daily behavioral point sheets and BASC (Behavioral Assessment System for Children) subset scores using linear regression analysis. Students receive behavioral point sheets as a tracking device to monitor behavior for class by class and day by day basis as well as their promotion to mainstream classrooms. The BASC is a comprehensive behavioral analysis tool used for diagnostic services (primarily Emotional Behavioral diagnosis) in schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the daily behavioral point sheets and BASC scores (if any). Results indicated weak correlations …

Factors That Influence Classroom Engagement, Tracy Lynn Wilk

Theses and Graduate Projects

In schools throughout the country, students are not engaged in classroom learning. When students not engaged in the classroom, they become disenchanted with the entire school experience, which may eventually lead them to drop out of school before their high school graduation. There are groups of students who are at higher risk for dropping out of school early. Students who receive special education services are among some of those who are at risk for dropping out of school. I had often encountered students who were not engaged in the classroom and I did not want my students to become dropout …

Factors Of Effective Teaming Of Special Education Paraprofessionals And Special Education Teachers., Heidi Zisla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that lead to effective teaming of special education teachers and special education paraprofessionals. These teams face many challenges in teaming effectively. Teachers and paraprofessionals were surveyed and interviewed to gather their perspectives. Communication, clear roles and expectations, demonstrating appreciation and respect emerged as some of the main factors leading to effective special education teaming.

Developing A Neighbor-Like Enviornment Between Home And School, Rebecca J. Butters

Theses and Graduate Projects

Parental involvement is an aspect of education that will never go away. It is not a new concept, but continually remains a critical component of student success and achievement. There are many barriers to parental involvement and ultimately student success. Neither parents nor educators can do it alone. The goal of student success and achievement needs to be a collaborative effort from both sides. As a teacher of students with Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders, developing a solid relationship with parents is crucial. In this study, parents of four students in an E/BD program were interviewed to explore their perspectives on …

Factors Of Effective Co-Teaching Between Special And General Educators, Jake Zisla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that lead to effective co-teaching relationships between special and general educators. With an increasing focus on inclusion of students with special needs into the general curriculum, co-teaching provides special education teachers an opportunity to provide services within that general curriculum, while giving general educators necessary support. The sfudy was conducted in the form of an initial survey with seven participants, as well as four in-depth case studies of special and general educators currently in co-teaching relationships. The results were analyzed along three major theme areas: collaboration, roles and outcomes. Compatibility, …