Education Commons^™

Improving A Family’S Overall Quality Of Life Through Parent Training In Pivotal Response Treatment, Trevor W. Buckley, Angela P. Ente, Michael B. Ruef

Graduate Studies in Education

As the diagnoses of autism in young children continually increase, the need for families to have access to research-based treatment models that are effective and efficient has become clear. Current research demonstrates the demand for parent-delivered behavioral interventions. The aim of this single-case study, conducted as part of an integrated Masters in Education/Special Education Credential Program, was to examine the relationship between one parent trained in pivotal response treatment (PRT), her implementation of PRT techniques, and the correlated gains of behavioral compliance in her 6-year-old boy with high-functioning autism (HFA). Visual analysis of collected data as well as calculation of …

The Role Of Collaboration In Developing The Cultural Sensitivity Of Preservice Special Education Candidates, Kathleen C. Harris, Jennifer Brannies, Adam Dale, Ashley Fletcher, Sadie Pinotti, Rebecca Ziemba, Michael B. Ruef

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Orthographic Transparency Ratings For Spanish–English Cognates From The Paivio, Yuille, And Madigan Imagery Norms, José A. Montelongo, Tasha Roehrick, Anita Hernández

Graduate Studies in Education

Cognates are words that are orthographically, semantically, and syntactically similar in two languages. There are over 20,000 Spanish-English cognates in the Spanish and English languages. Research has shown that cognates facilitate vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension for language learners when compared to non-cognate words. Language researchers often require calibrated materials to study the effects of word characteristics on learning and memory. In this study, orthographic transparency ratings for five hundred nouns drawn from the Paivio, Yuille, and Madigan (1968) imagery norms were collected.

Learn By Doing: A Collaborative Model For Training Teacher-Candidate Students In Autism, Michael B. Ruef, Nicolette Nefdt, Daniel Openden, Sharon Elmensdorp, Kathleen C. Harris, Suzanne Robinson

Graduate Studies in Education

A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource. With the large number of students with autism entering the educational system, the need for empirically supported treatment (EST) in the classroom and special education teachers with training in autism and ESTs is necessary now more than ever. This paper describes a collaborative model between 2 universities aimed at providing teacher-candidate graduate students training and community-based practice in an EST, pivotal response treatment (PRT). Three components of the model are described: (1) the community-based service delivery system, (2) the Masters/special education credential program and (3) training in PRT. Additionally, …

Time-Lapse Video As A Self-Reflection Tool For Collaborative Learning Projects, Louis B. Rosenberg, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

For many disciplines, students are required to learn to work collaboratively in groups and to perform team-based activities such as brainstorming, collaborative problem solving, and cooperative decision-making. To support the learning of such team-based processes, many university courses require students to engage in short “group challenges.” These challenges often comprise in-class experiences in which students form small teams and attempt to solve a simulated problem of practice. Upon completion of the challenge, students are usually asked to reflect upon their experiences and to evaluate their group dynamics, their collective time management, and other factors that might have contributed to the …

Cohort Doctoral Preparation Programs: Neo-Institutional Perspectives, Joe Donaldson, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

In response to societal, pedagogical, and economic pressures for change, colleges of education and departments of educational leadership have sought alternative formats for the professional development of educational leaders (Clark and Clark, 1997; Glasman and Glasman, 1997; Short, 1997; Petersen and Barnett, 2005). A major programmatic development that is illustrative of responses to these pressures is the use of cohorts, which have emerged as a popular program delivery strategy (Murphy, 1999). Cohorts are touted for providing clear program structure and course sequencing, a supportive peer group, and increased contact with instructors (Norris & Barnett, 1994; Yerkes, Basom, Norris, & Barnett, …

What Teachers Think: An Investigation Of Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding The Superintendent’S Influence On Instruction And Learning, George J. Petersen, Chad W. Sayre, Victoria L. Kelly

Graduate Studies in Education

Using the conceptual lenses of superintendent instructional leadership and instructional capacity, this investigation explored teachers’ views of their superintendent’s ability to influence classroom instruction and teachers’ ability to produce student learning. Data were drawn from seven medium sized school districts in the Midwest. Two hundred and seventy nine teachers completed a questionnaire that examined factors related to teachers’ perceptions of the superintendent’s role in fostering instructional capacity as well as involvement of teachers in their own professional development. Specifically this study addressed the following research questions: What are teachers’ views of the superintendent in his role as an instructional leader? …

Facing And Uncertain Future: An Investigation Of The Preparation And Readiness Of First-Time Superintendents To Lead In A Democratic Society, Theodore J. Kowalski, George J. Petersen, Lance D. Fusarelli

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

School Reform Strategies And Normative Expectations For Democratic Leadership In The Superintendency, George J. Petersen, Theodore J. Kowalski

Graduate Studies in Education

The ability of the superintendent to communicate ethical leadership to the community and demonstrate a positive relationship with the board president and the board of education has considerable influence on communities’ perceptions of the quality of educational programs and the academic achievement of children. This investigation employed social capital theory as a conceptual lens to investigate these relationships. Our findings suggest that district superintendents tread a fragile bridge where the sustainability of their leadership is dependent upon their mastery of the interplay among ethics, advocacy, and community relations.

The Design Of A Constructivist Learning Experience That Uses Gps Technology, Louis Rosenberg

Graduate Studies in Education

A constructivist learning experience using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was conducted with second and third grade students in a public elementary school in Cupertino, California. The students made a map of their school by recording location information with handheld GPS devices and then graphing the data. The effort, performed by three classes of 20 pupils each, seemed to help students gain intuition about the abstract relationship between maps and the physical spaces that maps represent. The experience also seemed to help students grasp complex concepts such as the accuracy of their data, the scale of their maps, as well …

Learning Theory And Its Application To At-Risk Programs For Elementary School Children, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

One of the most salient problems in our nation's schools has been to educate the students who experience academic difficulties and eventually drop out of school before mastering the skills and knowledge required for successful participation in society. Research literature focused on at-risk/dropout prevention programs indicates that potential dropouts can be identified in elementary school. Yet, the literature is scant with regard to the impact of programs designed for at-risk elementary students. Synthesizing research of effective at-risk/dropout prevention programs and the learning theory articulated in the American Psychological Association's Leamer-Centered Principles, this study examined the essential components present in an …

24th David L. Clark Graduate Student Research Seminar Convenes In Chicago, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Ucea Program Centers & Ucea Program Center Adviosory Board, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The primary purpose of a UCEA Program Center is to work in a target area of interest over a substantial period of time through identifying and coalescing the interests and resources of UCEA-member and non-member institutions, school districts, and governmental agencies. Currently UCEA has eight program centers. Each of these centers has contributed greatly to UCEA's mission through their involvement of faculty in timely and significant work in focused areas of inquiry. The presence of these centers has also added a vibrant dimension to their respective departmental academic activities. They have made substantial contributions to knowledge production and exchange of …

Using Neo-Institutionalism To Examine Cohort Practices In Educational Leadership Preparation Programs, Joe F. Donaldson, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

The National Commission For The Advancement Of Educational Leadership Preparation: An Introduction, Michelle D. Young, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The fall calendar of 2001 was awash in meetings focused on the future of educational leadership. In August of 2001, the Wallace-Reader’s Digest Funds sponsored a conference on educational leadership at Manitou Springs, Colorado. In September, the National Commission for the Advancement of Educational Leadership Preparation (NCAELP) planned to hold a meeting on the future of educational leadership preparation,1 and in October, the Danforth Foundation, the Land Grant Deans and Affiliated Private Institutions organization, and the U.S. Department of Education focused meetings around educational leadership. Each of these organizations was proactively responding to the increasingly urgent calls for changes in …

Ucea Program Centers Review, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The primary purpose of a UCEA Program Center is to work in a target area of interest over a substantial period of time through identifying and coalescing the interests and resources of UCEA-member and non-member institutions, school districts, and governmental agencies. Currently UCEA has eight program centers. Each of these centers has contributed greatly to UCEA’s mission through their involvement of faculty in timely and significant work in focused areas of inquiry. The presence of these centers has also added a vibrant dimension to their respective departmental academic activities. They have made substantial contributions to knowledge production and the exchange …

Building Schools That Are Responsive To Student Learning, Peggy R. Riggs, George J. Petersen, David Stockburger

Graduate Studies in Education

This study analyzed perceptions regarding newly created facilities to staff and student needs and the enhancement of learning. Inclusion of future occupants in the planning was rare. This study investigated: 1. perceptions of the educational structure’s ability to meet the programming needs of students; 2. perceptions of the building’s impact on the academic achievement of students; 3. the role of evaluation in planning of the school building; 4. perceptions regarding the responsiveness of the facility; and, 5. differences in perception between the participating districts. Findings indicate significant differences in perceptions regarding the responsiveness of the new facility. Responses revealed district …

The Complexity Of Substantive Reform: A Call For Interdependence Among Key Stakeholders, Michelle D. Young, George J. Petersen, Paula M. Short

Graduate Studies in Education

The field of educational leadership in the United States faces serious challenges in the 21st century, including the shortage of principals and superintendents, the growing demands of leadership positions, the struggle for adequate resources, the increasing trend to seek leaders from outside of education, and the content and effectiveness of school leadership preparation and professional development. Although each of these challenges could be viewed as a separate issue that warrants sustained and serious attention, it is also important to point out their interdependencies. The challenges facing educational leadership are complex and interconnected. This article explores the challenges facing educational leadership …

The Administration And Supervision Program In The Department Of Leadership, Foundations, And Policy, Curry School Of Education, University Of Virginia, Margaret Grogan, Whitney Sherman, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Singing The Same Tune: Principals' And School Board Members' Perceptions Of The Superintendent's Role As Instructional Leader, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

Understanding the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of the district superintendent as an instructional leader has proved to be a long-standing and sometimes elusive endeavor. In spite of the consistency of research findings, instructional leadership remains one of the more controversial characteristics associated with the examination of the district superintendent. The findings reported here are part of a larger study on the role and responsibilities of the superintendent as an instructional leader. Specifically, this investigation examined the covariance between school principals' and school board members' views of the instructional leadership of the district superintendent. Results from this correlational and regression analysis …

Stakeholder Opinions On Accessible Informational Products Helpful In Building Positive, Practical Solutions To Behavioral Challenges Of Individuals With Mental Retardation And/Or Autism, Michael B. Ruef, Ann P. Turnbull

Graduate Studies in Education

The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to explore the perceptions of administrators and policy makers, families, friends, individuals with challenging behavior and mental retardation and/or autism, researchers, and teachers regarding current behavioral information and dissemination and (b) to elicit suggestions on the kinds of userfriendly, low-cost informational products that they thought would be most helpful in increasing quality of life while reducing or eliminating behavioral challenges in individuals with disabilities. A qualitative method of inquiry using telephone focus groups and individual interviews was used. The study points to the importance of receiving condensed positive behavioral support information on …

Changing Times, Changing Relationships: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Superintendents And Boards Of Education, George J. Petersen, Lance D. Fusarelli

Graduate Studies in Education

Historically in the United States, states have delegated much of their authority over educational policy to local school districts. However, reform and restructuring efforts as well as a weakening economy have placed enormous political and financial pressure on schools to do more with less, yet continue to demonstrate effective leadership at the district level. Research literature focused on district leadership indicates that the relationship between the superintendent and board of education has a significant impact on the quality of a district's educational program.

This conceptual paper explores the implications of three distinct trends on the relationship between superintendents and boards …

The School Board President’S Perception Of The District Superintendent: Applying The Lenses Of Social Influence And Social Style, George J. Petersen, Paula M. Short

Graduate Studies in Education

This exploratory study used components found in social influence theory and social style to examine the school board president’s perceptions of the district superintendent’s ability to influence the construction of the board agenda and voting decisions made by school boards in 131 randomly chosen school districts. Social influence theory and social style suggest that credibility, social attractiveness, assertiveness, and emotiveness are effective and compelling elements of influence. Results from this study suggest that favorable board decision making for superintendent-recommended action items is closely related to the superintendent’s trustworthiness (perceived use of skills and knowledge for the good of the district), …

The Complexity Of Substantive Reform: A Call For Interdependence Among Key Stakeholders, Michelle D. Young, George J. Petersen, Paula M. Short

Graduate Studies in Education

The field of educational leadership faces serious challenges in the 21st century. To name but a few, these challenges include the shortage of principals and superintendents, the growing demands of leadership positions, the struggle for adequate resources, the increasing trend to seek leaders from outside of education, and the content and effectiveness of school leadership preparation and professional development. Although each of these challenges could be viewed as separate issues that warrant sustained and serious attention, it is also important to point out their interdependencies. Like many issues confronting our nation today, the challenges facing educational leadership are complex and …

Exceptional University Programs: Fordham University, George J. Petersen, Barbara L. Jackson, Bruce S. Cooper

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Ucea Program Centers Review, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The primary purpose of a UCEA Program Center is to work in a target area of interest over a substantial period of time through identifying and linking the interests and resources of UCEA-member and non-member institutions, school districts, and governmental agencies. Currently UCEA has eight program centers. Each of these centers has contributed greatly to UCEA’s mission through their involvement of faculty in timely and significant work in focused areas of inquiry. The presence of these centers has also added a vibrant dimension to their respective departmental academic activities. They have made substantial contributions to knowledge production and the exchange …

Exceptional University Programs: University Of Missouri-Columbia, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Wie Personen Mit Autismus Und Geistiger Behinderung Das Eigene Problemverhalten Sehen - Eine Qualitative Untersuchung Unter Einbeziehung Von Fokusgruppen, Michael B. Ruef

Graduate Studies in Education

In dieser Untersuchung wurde den Fragen nachgegangen, a) wie Personen mit einer geistigen Behinderung und/oder autistischen Störungen das eigene Problemverhalten hinsichtlich seiner Auslösung und Überwindung interpretieren und b) welche hilfreichen Vorschläge die Betroffenen entwickeln, die eigene Lebensqualität zu verbessern, um dadurch auch das eigene Problemverhalten zu reduzieren bzw. zum Verschwinden zu bringen. Methodisch wurde mit qualitativen Forschungsansätzen gearbeitet. Die Informationen wurden an sog. Fokusgruppen und anlässlich von Interviews erhoben. Die aus der qualitativen Forschung geläufigen Techniken der Informationssammlung und Datenreduktion, der Generierung von thematischen Kategorien und Kodes und der Interpretationen von wiederkehrenden Themen führten zu bemerkenswerten Ergebnissen. So zeigte sich, …

Applying Positive Behavior Support And Functional Behavioral Assessments In Schools, George Sugai, Robert H. Horner, Glen Dunlap, Meme Hieneman, Timothy J. Lewis, C. Michael Nelson, Terrance Scott, Carl Liaupsin, Wayne Sailor, Ann P. Turnbull, H. Rutherford Turnbull, Donna Wickham, Brennan Wilcox, Michael B. Ruef

Graduate Studies in Education

Positive behavior support (PBS) and functional behavioral assessment (FBA) are two significant concepts of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These two concepts are not new, but they are important for improving the quality of efforts to educate children and youth with disabilities. The purposes of this article are to describe (a) the context in which PBS and FBA are needed and (b) definitions and features of PBS and FBA. An important message is that positive behavioral interventions and supports involve the whole school, and successful implementation emphasizes the identification, adoption, and sustained use of effective …

School Violence And Adolescent Suicide: Strategies For Effective Intervention, Kathryne M. Speaker, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The public school system in the United States has always presented itself as representing the hallmarks of vital socialization, equality in education, hope for the future and sense of community. This picture has changed drastically in the past 20 years. Chaos seems to be replacing community. This fact is only too apparent when we read recent accounts of the tragedies that have unfolded in the past 3 years in Pearl, Mississippi, West Paducah, Kentucky, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Springfield, Oregon or Littleton, Colorado. As a result of the deteriorating social environment and a significant growing fiscal crisis faced by our nation’s schools,children …