Education Commons^™

Teacher Acceptability Of Curriculum Based Measurement As A Universal Screener In Reading, Brooke Adams

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to extend the existing literature concerning teacher perception of acceptability of universal screening, specifically examining the use of Curriculum Based Measurements (CBM) as a universal screening tool in reading. Eighty-three first through fifth grade teachers from Washington State participated in an online survey utilizing the Acceptability Rating Profile – Revised (APR-R), a 6-point Likert scale measuring practitioner acceptability for a tool. The APR-R was revised to reflect the use of CBM measuring Oral Reading Fluency as a universal screener with response options ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree). In the present …

Preparing Those With Developmental Disabilities For Adulthood And Work: Parent Perspectives On Support Services Available In Washington State, Amy Mcalindon

All Master's Theses

Services designed to support the transition periods for individuals with special needs from high school to employment vary throughout the state of Washington. There is little information available regarding the opinions of parents and their experiences while navigating supports available in their area, and recommendations for system improvements. This paper derived from an in-depth study regarding these experiences and questions how the Diffusion of Innovation theory could be used to impact public policy, leading to improvements in high school to employment supports for individuals with special needs. This study presents the findings of a survey sent to parents of children …

Do Homework Trackers Affect Students’ Academic Performance?, Luisdaniel Barrera

All Master's Theses

With new state assessment requirements for high school graduation, teachers are focusing on different strategies to assist students to achieve those goals. Many teachers state that students who complete homework perform better academically. The current study analyzed whether homework planners (trackers) had any positive effect on the academic performance of 16 seventh grade students in a very small and rural school district. This was a mixed study (quantitative and qualitative). Students’ grades, district assessments, state assessments, and teacher surveys were analyzed. The results showed that students improved their math and English Language Arts (ELA) district assessment scores when compared from …

Reducing Off-Task Behaviors In First Graders With Disabilities Through An Adaptation Of The Good Behavior Game, Chelsey Martin

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this mixed methods, single subject quasi-experimental study was to measure if an adaptation to a group-based contingency intervention, known as the Good Behavior Game, lead to decreases in off-task behaviors for first-grade students with disabilities during whole group instruction, and if the classroom teacher viewed the intervention positively. Three first grade, male students with disabilities, their first-grade teacher, and the first-grade class were participants in the study. The class was split into two teams and reminded of the expectations for on-task behavior. Positive reinforcement in the form of verbal praise and a team point were rewarded at …

Literary Devices: Effects Of Classroom Management On Student Engagement With 1:1 Devices, Elizabeth Parker

All Master's Theses

The study compares two different classroom management strategies in a 5th and 6th grade classroom using an iPad based intervention. The students participated in 10 sessions of a language and grammar intervention on the Moby Max program. During five of the sessions, the teacher actively monitored the classroom, walking around the room, and redirecting students as necessary. For the other five sessions, the teacher used data from the intervention and monitored and redirected students from her computer screen. The data collected included the number of corrections given to each student by the teacher, the number of minutes the program considered …

The Impact Of The Arts For Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Rebekah Fuss

All Master's Theses

Students with moderate to severe disabilities are often left out of arts programs, especially in rural areas where resources are limited and drama, music and art classes are often not available. This action research study focused on a small group of students in a self-contained classroom in a high school. The classroom teacher worked with a teaching artist to start an art program for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Even though there are limited resources in rural areas, it is still possible to create a quality arts integration program which requires planning and effective collaboration with other teachers and …

Music And Attention For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Mallory M. Bentley

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of the use of music in the form of a song with instructional lyrics on the attention of children with developmental disabilities. The study took place in a self-contained special education classroom, which served third through fifth grade students. A single-subject with ABA or reversal design (Creswell, 2012) was utilized, including five days of baseline, 15 days of intervention, and five days of reversal data collection. During the intervention phase, the teacher sang a cappella an original song with instructional lyrics that explain the type of attentive behaviors that students …

Effective Learning Strategies For College Students With Asperger's Syndrome, Jamie Susanne Gilbert

All Master's Theses

More and more students with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) are being accepted into college without having the proper foundation in place to successfully graduate with a Bachelor’s degree. Students with AS need support systems in place to properly prepare them to face the challenges of college. The purpose of this study is to discuss the current research in regards to effective learning strategies that lead to academic success for college students with AS and to further discuss how to implement the learning strategies in higher education institutions. A single-subject study, using both qualitative and quantitative analysis, was performed. It involved one …

Silent Reading Before Oral Reading On The Iri: Implication For Diagnosis And Instruction, Catherine P. Benedetti

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of silent pre-reading on the number of oral reading errors a student makes on an IRI. Twenty children read passages silently and then orally read passages without pre-reading. The results supported the null hypothesis that there would be no statistically significant difference on oral reading performances for disabled second and fourth graders. Implications for diagnosis and instruction are discussed.

The Effect Of An Intensive Study Skills Approach On Grade Point Average Of Secondary Learning Disabled Students, Jeanne Lancaster Vaughan

All Master's Theses

This study compared an intensive study skills approach with remedial instruction in basic skills for their effects on grade point average of secondary learning disabled students. The experimental group consisted of 12 students, as did the control group. Grade point was tabulated at the onset and conclusion of the study. The statistical analysis consisted of a t-test which showed no significance at the .05 level. The null hypothesis was retained. Discussion follows.

The Effect Of Intelligence Quotient Scores On Special Education Teacher Expectations For Job Success Of The Mildly Handicapped, Janice Ann Tornow

All Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether intellectual deficiency connotes vocational deficiency in programming decisions made by educational personnel who work with secondary age mildly handicapped students. The influence of the two levels of job difficulty and teacher attitude toward the importance of academic skills for job success on educators' judgements of vocational potential were also evaluated. Questionnaires were sent to 30 educators identified as "leaders" in secondary special education in the State of Washington. Analysis of the data revealed that educators rate the vocational potential of a mildly handicapped person with a high IQ (IQ= 80) …

The Development Of A Comprehensive Preschool Screening Instrument, Jana Lee Johnson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this paper was to research criteria for screening for young, handicapped children with the intent of developing a single, comprehensive screening instrument. Analyses of existing screening devices and data from educators in the field were also included in the study.

The resulting screening instrument was designed to assess the developmental acquisition of skills. Major developmental areas included in the screening instrument are language skills, motor development, perceptual skills, cognitive development, social skills, and self-help skills.

Assessing Some Side Effects Of A Contingency Management Program, Charles M. Atkinson

All Master's Theses

This study applied a contingency management program to a single behavior while measuring multiple behaviors. Reinforcement was made contingent upon increased addition rate. The experimental group made significantly greater gains in addition rate. There was no significant difference in the gains made in subtraction rate, reading rate, reading comprehension, or classroom behavior. The study was limited by a small sample, six week time span, and the use of mentally retarded subjects to assess side effects of reinforcing an academic behavior.

The Effects Of Systematic Phonics And Contingency Management On Reading Achievement With Intermediate Special Education Students, Allena Marie Hayes Combelic

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the effects of systematic phonics and contingency management on reading achievement with intermediate special education students. The thirtysix week program was divided into four phases. The four equivalent forms of the Gray Oral Reading Tests were used as measuring devices. No statistically significant results were found by using the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices. Statistically significant results were found on graph data.

Recommendations included: (1) the use of different reading tests other than the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices and (2) that the study be conducted longer than thirty-six weeks.

The Effect Of Reading Achievement Of Seventh Grade Special Education Students Involved In A Tutoring Program, Kenneth A. Mattson

All Master's Theses

Many variations of the tutorial concept have been presented and analyzed. Some programs have been professionally designed and have received federal grants while others have been organized by teachers and other innovators. These programs have involved graduate students, college students, interested members of the community, high school dropouts, and public students from elementary to high school. The greatest portion of these studies has been concerned with the effects of tutoring on those who received the benefits - the tutee. Few programs have been concerned with the effects of the tutoring sessions on the tutor. The problem then is to determine …

Management Of Problem Behavior Through Peer Social Reinforcement, Nancy E. Bingell

All Master's Theses

For many years a difference of opinion has existed regarding the classroom placement of "emotionally disturbed" children into special classes. The majority of public school districts offer two placements into their special classes: heterogenous or homogeneous grouping. Homogeneous grouping of these children seems to cause a "boomeranging" effect on reinforcement of their disruptive behavior. We have not always found our answer for helping emotionally disturbed children through heterogeneous grouping. Since emotionally disturbed children usually have the ability or an above average ability to learn, a heterogeneous grouping may not be academically stimulating. Their classroom peers (children that are retarded, slow …

A Comparison Of Seven Teaching Traits Between Experienced Special Education Teachers And Experienced Regular Education Teachers, James Edward Thomas

All Master's Theses

There seems a need for educational research to find if special education teachers have unique behavioral traits in dealing with children in the classroom. Many studies have been conducted with this general goal in mind. Unfortunately, most of the studies have dealt with such things as personality traits, attitudes, and characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any significant differences among experienced special education teachers and experienced regular classroom teachers on seven teaching traits. It was hoped that this investigation would point out some behaviors unique to special education teachers since it is believed by …

A Survey Of The Integration Of Exceptional Children In Regular Classrooms, Catherine A. Greene

All Master's Theses

Educational practice in the past has been to segregate exceptional children by placing them in self-contained special education classrooms. Recently, however, this method has been questioned by leading special educators. Proponents of segregation of exceptional children admit to inadequacies in the present situation, but they argue that such inadequacies can be remedied and do not justify placing exceptional children in regular classrooms. Proponents of integration maintain that exceptional children live in a heterogeneous world and as adults will live and work in a heterogeneous world; therefore, these children should have a school setting that is like the world in which …

The Effects Of A Behavior Modification Program On The Self Concepts Of Children In Special Education, Barbara M. Scott

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine whether using a behavior modification approach to teaching children will help to raise a child's self concept.

The Impact Of Establishing Group Homes On Public Schools Special Education Classes, Stewart Glen Egbert

All Master's Theses

This study had two purposes: to give a descriptive analysis of group homes, and to determine whether the establishment of group homes has had any impact on public school districts' special education classes in the State of Washington. The factors examined were: who is providing a formal education for the residents; to what extent are group home residents receiving public services.

A Comparative Study Of Open Court And Slingerland Reading Programs When Used With Special Education Students, Steven L. Richards

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this investigation to determine the effectiveness of Open Court and Slingerland reading programs when used with intermediate students who perform at the educable mentally retarded level.

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Various Methods Of Teaching Reading In Special Education Classrooms, Mary Ann Fisher

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two reading programs, Sullivan's Programmed Reading and the Psycholinguistic Color System, and to try to determine if one program did, in effect, have a particular value over the other when used with children in an intermediate special education program. A secondary purpose of the study was to determine if a teacher-centered program brought about different results than one which was student-centered.

Special Education Vocational Rehabilitation Cooperative Work Experience In Washington State, James C. Mcconnell

All Master's Theses

The cooperative program now has been in operation six years, long enough for both parties to have experienced success and also frustration in their efforts to mold a true partnership. Ten separate programs now operate within this framework; however different personnel and philosophies shape each program in distinctive ways. In any program demanding cooperation between not only individuals but also separate agencies, success or failure is partly dependent upon how well objectives can be shaped for the common good. The intent of this study is to explore how well this shaping process is proceeding, to what degree objectives are cooperatively …

Increasing The Verbal Response Rate Of A Mentally Retarded Girl, Preston W. C. Smith

All Master's Theses

This investigation was instigated to assess the effectiveness of a systematic application of reinforcement on the verbal response rate of a withdrawn, educable mentally retarded student in a junior high school special education class. The purpose of this study was to test the following hypothesis: There will be no statistically significant difference in the subject's verbal response rate between the baseline average and under conditions of systematic application of reinforcement.

Contingency Management In A Language Development Program, James E. Clark

All Master's Theses

The problem was two-fold. The first part of the problem was the investigation of whether a person with no formal training in speech could successfully administer Gray's (1970) language development program. The second part of the problem was the investigation of whether the two subjects involved would gain the ability to use new language structures.

A Descriptive Study Of Focus Room As A Method Of Integrating The Educationally Disadvantaged With The More Abled Student, Edward J. Novak

All Master's Theses

The problem was to develop a descriptive method of meeting the needs of underachieving students in the junior high. Focus Room was then decided upon as a method of meeting these needs by integrating the educationally disadvantaged with the more abled students. The general purpose of Focus Room was to attempt to establish a method of providing reparation experiences that would enable the student to evaluate and rebuild in these areas in terms of his own needs. The specific intent of student assignment to Focus Room was intended to be as varied and individual as the needs of the students …

Clarification Of The Role Of The Teacher Of The Elementary Educable Mentally Retarded Child In Tacoma, Washington, Stephen Melseth

All Master's Theses

The basic problem is what role expectations does the teacher of elementary EMR children think she has compared to what her principal thinks her role should be? Role expectation statements from four areas were considered: (1) Curriculum and Instruction; (2) School and Community Relations; (3) Administration and Organization; (4-) Guidance and Evaluation.

Three specific questions are cited:

(1) Is there consensus for selected role norm items, among teachers of the elementary EMR child?

(2) Is there consensus for selected role norm items among the building principals?

(3) Is there consensus for selected role norm items between the focal and counter …

A Description And Analysis Of Children With Learning Problems Referred To A Reading Teacher, Patricia M. Olsen

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (1) to analyze remedial classes in an average school for one school year, (2) to make as thorough a study as is possible of individual learners and to identify the factors present in their problems, (3) to describe the factors to make them more easily recognized, and (4) to find possible solutions for the problems found to be present most often.

Spontaneous Use Of Manual Precision Skills By Trainable, Educable And Average Children, Sister Ellen Ward Snjm

All Master's Theses

Since manual precision skills are vital for some tasks and for successful manipulation of objects in the environment, it is important to ascertain whether or not young trainable mentally retarded and educable mentally retarded children are as apt to use these skills as are young average achieving elementary school children.

Conditioning Expressive Language In A Nonverbal Child, Frederick R. Moll

All Master's Theses

The problem of treating the child with delayed speech acquisition has generated a considerable amount of research and these studies have pointed out the need for further work in this area. The purpose of this study is to test the procedures of one particularly effective study, that of Dr. Burl B. Gray at the Monterey Institute for Speech and Hearing in Monterey, California. By removing it from the clinical setting of the Institute, with its unusually well-trained and highly specialized staff, and by successfully employing its procedures using comparatively untrained personnel, it was felt that this program might be applied …