Education Commons^™

Serving Students With Asperger Syndrome In The General Education Classroom, Jennifer Dawn Hendricks

All Graduate Projects

The identification and prevalence of students with Asperger Syndrome (AS) in schools throughout the U.S. appears to be rapidly increasing (Barnhill, 2001a). Lamarine (2001 ), states that, "Epidemiological evidence suggests that AS may affect approximately 7 out of every 1,000 people" (p. 152). Many students identified as having AS are served in both special and general education classrooms. The purpose of this project was to emphasize the necessity of early identification and interventions, to review the characteristics of AS, and delineate best practice strategies for serving these students in the gen\:ral education classroom. The literature concerning teaching and learning for …

Effective Reading Strategies That Enhance Reading Comprehension For Students With Specific Learning Disabilities, Angela Erin Hinkle

All Graduate Projects

This curriculum project provides reading comprehension strategies for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). This project material can be used with either narrative texts or expository texts, that teach academic subjects. The use of graphic organizers, summarization techniques, strategic reading techniques, and vocabulary instruction techniques are described and examined. Lesson plans that may be used with current classroom curriculum guides and based on the researched reading comprehension strategies are described.

A Manual For Transitioning Students With Disabilities Into Post High School, John Mcdonald

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the components of an effective transition plan to help students at the secondary level have successful post-high school outcomes. The review of cun-ent research indicates that when families, students, teaching of self-determination skills, and collaboration with adult service agencies occun-ed the likelihood of a positive outcome increased. Included is a secondary level transition planning guide that focused on family and student participation in the transition planning process, several example lessons on self-determination skills, and adult service agencies to link students with before exiting the public school system. The overall purpose of the guide was to increase positive …

Educating And Transitioning Students With Emotional Behavioral Disorders: A Working Manual For Teachers, Counselors And Administrators, Alessandra Whitehall

All Graduate Projects

This project examines incarceration rates, education, employment, substance abuse and intervention models for young adults with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). The results of the data demonstrate the discrepancies between persons with EBD and the general population. A manual is provided as a tool for teachers, counselors and administrators to use at the secondary level to assist them with the diverse educational and transition needs of students with EBD.

A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny

All Graduate Projects

A literature review was conducted to illustrate that there is an achievement gap in education between minority and white students. Probable causes contributing to the achievement gap and possible solutions to the gap were studied. The knowledge that high standards, a challenging curriculum and good teachers (Haycock, 2001), increases student achievement of minority students, inspired a project geared toward providing teachers with strategies to support minority students with learning difficulties in the area of reading. A model reading strategy guide featuring reading strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners was developed for presentation to Springbrook Elementary School. The guide …

Supporting Reading Instruction Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities By Using Wynn Software, Linda Kilgore

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a student/teacher handbook, which contained information for the successful integration of the WYNN computer software into the general and special education classroom. Students with learning disabilities struggle with the general education curriculum and new technology provides an individualized approach to the accommodation of their needs. Research concerning learning disabilities and how the use of computers can support these students in the classroom was included.

A Model Resource Guide For Jr. High Classroom Teachers To Support Students With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Amy Lynn Low

All Graduate Projects

The need for reading strategies in the general education classroom was studied. Research showed that students who struggled with reading, including students with learning disabilities, benefited when content area teachers, not just Language Arts teachers, implemented specific and effective reading strategies into their curriculum. The results also demonstrated a need for teacher resources in the area of reading strategy application. This project is a simple and effective tool that all teachers can use in their classrooms based on current related research.

A Third Grade Special Education Pre-Referral Assessment Tool For Inner City African American Students, Richard Dean Newton

All Graduate Projects

A disproportional high number of African Ametican students are referred by regular education teachers for placement in special education programs and services. Recent implications of state wide uniformed student testing has intensified special education placement trends. The purpose of this project was to develop an alternative third grade special education pre-referral intelligence assessment tool, which would be used to provide alternative placement other than special education programs and services.

A Living Skills Curriculum For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Patricia Merz Ubelaker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a living skills curriculum for adults with developmental disabilities. It will present many of the necessary skills for succeeding at living independently in the community. This curriculum was designed to be taught in a community college setting, using the ten week quarter system. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research was conducted. The review found few curricula available for teaching living skills and none on the postsecondary level. The research established a need for a curriculum ofliving skills for adults and this project is offered in partial fulfillment …

Special Education Discipline: A Procedural Manual, Barbara Townsend

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project is to create a systematic procedural manual for the disciplining of students protected under the mandates of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Research on the IDEA Amendments of 1997, as it pertained to the disciplining of students with disabilities was studied. A procedural manual, for administrators, and teachers was created. The manual includes case histories, which helped develop the discipline changes in IDEA Amendments of 1997. It also includes information and sample forms, which can be used to help navigate the discipline process.

Status Of Students Exiting Special Education Programs From The Ellensburg School District, Robin Christman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop empirical data, considered to be meaningful in the assessment of local program's effectiveness related to the successful transition of students from Ellensburg High School's Special Education Programs into the adult world. The project utilized a telephone survey of past graduates who were served by the Special Education Program between 1994 and 1998. The survey paralleled a statewide effort to establish a database of similar findings from students who exited special programs in the spring of 1998. Recommendations for local program maintenance and improvement, based upon the findings of this project, were then …

A Transition Plan For High School Special Education Students, Michael J. Torres

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a transition plan that would facilitate the movement into the post-school setting for high school students with disabilities. Research on the factors that contribute to successful transition plans was examined. A four year transition plan for students with special needs was created that would detail specific requirements for each of the grades 9-12. These requirements would encompass vocational education/training and instruction, community experiences, life skills, functional vocational evaluation and assessment, interagency collaboration, parent involvement, and post-school education. The attainment of these requirements would be demonstrated by a cumulative portfolio.

Effective Reading Programs And Strategies For Students With Learning Disabilities, Tina Irene Baggett

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed to identify effective reading programs and strategies for students with learning disabilities. Teachers need many different instructional strategies and techniques to effectively teach the increasing number of students with learning disabilities. Appropriate interventions have been compiled to assist teachers in teaching students who have reading disabilities in grades kindergarten through third.

Art Lessons For The Middle School Special Education Student, Pete S. Soleto

All Graduate Projects

The literature and research regarding art for the middle school special education student were explored. Data were presented to support teaching art using a combination of normalizing approaches and task analyses. Lessons for use in the middle school art class room were developed to use as models for additional lessons created by the author or others.

The Transition Portfolio: A Portfolio Project Designed To Facilitate Successful Transition For High School Special Education Students, Darla R. Biever

All Graduate Projects

A transition portfolio has been developed for high school students to aid them in preparing for life after graduation. The project focuses on strategies to increase the involvement of students in transition planning. Also emphasized are the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Communication.

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

Instructional Strategies For Middle School Math And Science Teachers With Mainstreamed Students, Amy Kay Trueblood Lindh

All Graduate Projects

Instructional strategies used with mainstreamed students were studied. When teachers modify curriculum, simplify instruction, and teach study skills the mainstreamed student can participate more successfully in the regular classroom. Enhancing classroom behavior management procedures, providing a positive cooperative learning environment and having positive teacher attitudes and beliefs create a classroom climate where all students can succeed. Strategies for doing the following were presented in a workshop format. Recommendations and conclusions were presented.

The Effect Of Simultaneous Signing And Pronouncing Of Printed Words On Recall Of Sight Words By Students With Mental Retardation, Marilyn Ardene Milton

All Graduate Projects

The effect of combining Signing Exact English signs with verbal practice of sight words was studied with students having low mild to moderate mental retardation. Five students with IQ scores ranging from untestable to 65 were shown sight words printed on cards. Words were divided into two treatment groups. Treatments included sight word instruction which involved simultaneously signing the word while saying it and sight word instruction without signing. Analysis of the data allows acceptance of the null hypothesis which states signing will have no effect on acquisition of sight words. However, results varied widely between individual students. Recommendations from …

Self Advocacy For Middle School Students With Serious Behavior Disorders And Other Learning Disabilities, Judith Carole Riddell

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a leaflet designed to teach the motivational value of student participation in development of their own Individualized Education Program (IEP). The leaflet, entitled It's My IEP, provided suggestions for teaching students about the IEP process. It also provided information and justification for teachers and parents to encourage their students' participation, in order to teach the skill of self advocacy. The informative leaflet was intended to promote collaboration between handicapped students and their IEP team. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and research was conducted. Recommendations were made for the implementation …

Parent Involvement In The Education Of Their Children With Special Needs, Cindy Ann Cole

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project is to develop an information packet teachers may use to encourage and enhance parental involvement, in ways that are suited for each child's and parent's needs. Analysis of literature, relevant to parents of children with special needs, has been used to draw conclusions and recommendations regarding appropriate techniques teachers may use to encourage parent involvement in their child's education. The packet includes the following: 1) a questionnaire to assess parents' preferred method of involvement; 2) a parent involvement evaluation form; 3) telephone numbers of support services and resources for parents; 4) recommended activities to help …

School To Work: Community Based Transition Of 18-21 Year Old Students With Mild Disabilities, Jammie Caryle Axon

All Graduate Projects

A community based service delivery plan was developed to meet the individual transition needs of 18-21 year old students with mild disabilities. The transition service was designed to ease the movement of students into post-secondary community life by providing prepatory experiences and community linkages. Students may receive services in the areas of recreation and leisure, vocational, and independent living activities depending on individual need.

The Utilization Of Music Therapy Strategies For Increasing Prosocial Skills In Students With Behavioral Disorders, Marlene Lennia Anunson

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of music therapy strategies was developed for use by general music teachers in elementary schools. A literature search was conducted in effective social skills training methods and music therapy techniques. The strageties developed can be used by elementary general music teachers to help improve prosocial skills in students with behavioral disorders.

A Model Diversified Occupations Curriculum And Instructional Program Designed For Special Needs Students In Snohomish School District #201, Beth C. Vanderveen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a Model Diversified Occupations Curriculum and Instructional Program designed specifically for special needs students in Snohomish School District #201, Snohomish, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature concerned with serving special needs students in diversified occupations programs were reviewed. Additionally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

A Resource Handbook For Planning And Implementing An Integrated Preschool Program, James Wallace Holden

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a resource handbook to assist teachers and administrators responsible for implementing an integrated preschool program. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature relative to current integration delivery models, primarily those in Washington State were reviewed. The handbook developed was piloted in the Taholah, Washington School District.

Transition Programming For Secondary Special Education Students, Colleen Patricia Obergh

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project will be on the design of a transition program for special education students, ages 14- 21, enrolled at Cascade School District, Leavenworth, Washington. The project is designed to fulfill state, federal, and district guidelines relating to transitioning of special education students into post-secondary settings. The goal of the project is to ease the movement of students into post-secondary community life by providing preparatory experiences. Specific programming experiences include academic/vocational training, career exploration, work experience, and social skill development.

Teachers' Beliefs Regarding School-Wide Integration Of Mildly Handicapped Students In The Ephrata School District, Charlotte Throgmorton

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine the attitudes of teachers in the Ephrata. Washington. School District regarding the school-wide integration of mildly handicapped students in the classroom and the supports needed to insure its success. To accomplish this purpose, a survey instrument was designed and administered to elicit teacher responses. Survey responses were tabulated by frequency, rank order, percentage, and average, and provided a basis for descriptive analysis of data obtained.

An Assessment Of The Impact Of Resource Room Placement On Elementary Student Self-Esteem, Michael F. Hopkins

All Graduate Projects

An assessment, in the form of an interview, was conducted to measure the effects of resource room placement and full-time classroom integration on special education student self-esteem. Sixty students in the Wenatchee School District participated in the project during the 1990-1991 school year. The results of the project indicated that the placement of special education students in a full-time integration program does not insure a greater enhancement of their total self-concept; although it may be of benefit to certain areas in their self-esteem. The project included conclusions and recommendations.

Integrated Instruction Procedural Manual, Cynthia S. Sloan

All Graduate Projects

Advantages and disadvantages of integrating Specific Learning Disabled and Seriously Behaviorally Disabled students into the regular classroom were studied. The integration process relied on collaboration between regular and special education staff. Results showed integrated instruction to be a viable option to the traditional "pull-out" model. The "pull-out" model should remain an instructional option for students who cannot function in an integrated setting. An Integrated Instruction Procedural Manual is included as a reference tool for developing collaborative education for this population.

Early Childhood Special Education Philosophy And Procedures Manual For Walla Walla School District, Sandra Kay Lee

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a philosophy and procedures manual for the Walla Walla School District's center-based special education preschool program. Twenty-five school districts were asked if they possessed a philosophy and procedures manual. Six of those school districts possessed a parent manual. None of the districts possessed a procedures manual.

A manual was developed through interview of staff members and adaptation of Head-Start procedures. The manual contains procedures for abuse and neglect reporting, emergency/health, referral, child-find, extended school year, transition, teacher planning, and a parent orientation manual.

Achievement Gains And Losses Of Integrated 5th Grade Resource Room Students: Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Yakima School District, 1989-1990, Patricia F. Kincheloe

All Graduate Projects

The achievement gains and losses of integrated 5th grade resource room students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the Yakima School District were studied. Nine resource room students were pre and post tested for achievement in reading, spelling, and mathematics. Teaching methods included cooperative learning, small and large group instruction, and peer tutoring. The results showed support for the integration of learning disabled students into a whole language, cooperative learning, regular education environment.