Education Commons^™

Caregiver Rights, Virtual Meetings, And The Multidisciplinary Team: Communication Of Legal Rights Within Special Education, Amber Gordon, Kurustun Musick

Theses & Honors Papers

During the COVID-19 pandemic many professional settings used virtual platforms to conduct meetings that typically took place in person. Within the United States public schools, special education programs faced unique challenges when conducting students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. These meetings are mandatory and essential in creating an individualized plan to provide the necessary services and support for students or for monitoring their progress. As mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), it is a legal right of parents and/or guardians to be afforded the opportunity to attend any meetings regarding the “identification, evaluation, and educational placement” of …

A Textbook Case: The Connection Between Textbooks, Standardized Testing, And Student Achievement, Megan P. Miller

Theses & Honors Papers

The textbooks physical presence, though, is marginal compared to their theoretical presence, as textbooks can drive almost every decision a teacher makes when preparing for a day, a week, a month, the year. For example, in my 11^th-grade English classes at Grafton High School in York County, Virginia, there are two levels of understanding. One is that I am teaching American literature, its development, importance, people, and purpose; the other is that everything I teach will, in some way, better prepare my students for their SOL test at the end of the year. The textbook has been laid …

Text And Technology: Creating Open Educational Resources For Students And Teachers Of American Romanticism, Jeff Everhart

Theses & Honors Papers

American Romanticism Online (ARO) is an open educational resource that provides students and teachers with access to annotated primary texts, standards based lesson plans, and other multimedia resources. ARO leverages open source technologies on the WordPress content management platform to create interactive assessments and curricular materials that students and teachers can use, download, and repurpose to fit a variety of classroom situations. The goal of ARO is to create and curate a store of primary sources and curriculum resources based on the needs of classroom teachers in public institutions. Although electronic editions of canonical texts exist, there is no other …

Young Adult Literature In The High School Classroom: Explanation And Application Of Teacher/Scholar: Student/Scholar Pedagogy, Colleen Barnes Herndon

Theses & Honors Papers

This thesis investigates the ways in which literature is taught in high school English classes. The author expresses frustration with current methods and advocates an increase in teaching Young Adult Literature to high school students in order to encourage the students’ enjoyment of reading. She goes on to discuss how she has taught Young Adult literature in the classroom and includes example lesson plans.

Effect Of Education Tablet Applications On Beginning Reading Skills Of Students With Autism, Jillian Ratliff

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the effect of tablet computer applications and the reading skills of students with autism. Two subjects diagnosed with autism selected by using a convenient sampling method participated in this study. A single subject ABA design was used for collecting data regarding phonemic identification, letter identification, letter discrimination, ap.d sight word identification. Following the collection of baseline data, interventions in the form of different iPad applications were used in individual tutoring sessions and data were collected on the percent of correct responses given per trial. At the completion of a …

The Success Of Instrumental Music Programs In Public Schools In Rural Communities: A Guide In Organization And Instruction For The Development Of Successful Student Musicians, Shawn C. Batten

Theses & Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

Service Learning With Individuals With Disabilities: Emerging Themes, Angela Brickhouse, Jennifer Harris, Kelly Mcgraw, Lauren Wernli

Theses & Honors Papers

In this study, 92 students, enrolled in introductory level courses at a small liberal arts university in rural central Virginia, were asked to fulfill 15 hours of service learning with individuals with disabilities. Students were required to keep journal reflections after each hour they completed. The researchers analyzed this data qualitatively by looking at themes and changes in attitude toward individuals with disabilities across the service learning activities. Data was organized into case studies representing each service learning activity. Then, common themes across the activities were discussed to assess the impact the activities had on attitudes of the college students …

Making The Grade: Authentic Assessment Through Music Portfolios, Kendra June S. Aylor

Theses & Honors Papers

Research shows assessment is an important part of education. However, information on assessment in music is often limited to secondary education leaving elementary music teachers to devise their own systems of evaluation students. This teacher research addresses elementary music assessment by examining the implementation of student portfolios as a way to manage the data that is created in the music classroom. The portfolios were compiled using fourth grade student work which was divided into section that mirror the MENC National Standards. This research shows that student portfolios provide tangible evidence of student understanding to be shared with teachers, parents, and …

Why Size Matters: Flash Fiction In High School English, Wayne R. Ashby

Theses & Honors Papers

This action research project explores the value of flash fiction in the secondary classroom. Flash fiction draws heavily on oral traditions such as the joke, and the fable, to present complete stories in fewer than 1500 words. The form has flourished in recent years, particularly on the internet, where literary journals such as The Vestal Review, SmokeLong Quarterly, and Toasted Cheese, publish engaging, and provocative stories. By examining how students react to the unique characteristics of flash fiction, teachers can make the most this valuable and abundant resource.

This article describes how students at a public secondary charter school responded …

Transitioning The Struggling Reader: Evaluating The Effects Of Middle-School Direct Instruction On Traditional High-School Learning In The English Classroom, Sarah Tanner Anderson

Theses & Honors Papers

In this qualitative study, I investigate the academic performance of three current ninth-grade students who were tracked throughout middle school by the 1999 McGraw-Hill SRA Corrective Reading Direct Instruction program. To study their respective transitions from middle to high school, I investigate their test performance on the fifth- and eighth-grade reading and writing Virginia Standards of Learning assessments, analyze the quality of student work from sixth through ninth grades by evaluating student products and test documents, and conduct intensive interviews with students and their former and current teachers. By constructing a case-study of each student and conducting a cross-case analysis …

Effects Of Visual Distractions In The Classroom Environment On The Time On Task Of Elementary Students With Adhd, Kate E. S. Harris

Theses & Honors Papers

The focus of this study is to demonstrate that the visual distractions, narrowly defined as wall decoration, in an elementary classroom can be a factor in the amount of time students with ADHD spend on-task in that classroom. This study builds upon the information revealed by studies conducted by such researchers as Creekmore (1987), Cruickshank (1967), Doyle, Anderson, and Halcomb (1976), and Steinkamp (1980), which tested the effects of visual distractions on participants with ADD/HD . These studies did not use learning tasks and used distractions that are not typical to an elementary classroom. This study attempted to answer the …

Teaching Today's Diverse Student Population In Schools, Elizabeth F. Hurdle

Theses & Honors Papers

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate teacher candidates' attitude and knowledge level toward the adequacy of their teacher training for meeting the needs of a diversified school population and to make recommendations for any restructuring in a University teacher training program. A survey research method using a convenience sample size of (N = 240) was used to collect data for this study. The sample of 240 participants included graduate and undergraduate teacher candidates who had completed student teaching and alumni from the last five years. A self-developed questionnaire with 35 Likert-type questions and four open-ended questions was …

Methods Of Enhancing Communication In Preschoolers With Autism, Pam Headley

Theses & Honors Papers

Sixteen subjects were surveyed to determine their perceptions of four communication techniques used for increasing language in preschool children with autism: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT), Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The subjects included public and private special education teachers of children with autism. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X²) were used to analyze the data at .05 significance level. PECS was the technique used most often. ABA was the technique perceived as most effective. Significant relationships were found between choice of …

Special Education Teachers' Collection And Use Of Data To Measure Student Progress, Crystal Thacker

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not teachers use systematic and direct formative assessment techniques and if implementing these techniques has an effect on teacher efficacy. The participants (N = 89) were practicing special education teachers from urban and rural school divisions across Virginia and from one graduate-level course in special education. Data were collected using portions of the Data Collection and Analysis Survey (Cooke, Heward, Test, Spooner, & Courson, 1991) and selected items from the Teacher Efficacy Scale (Gibson, 1983). The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 89 surveys distributed, …

Current Special Educator And General Educator Perceptions Of Inclusion And Collaboration As A Service Delivery Model In A Middle School Educational Setting, Kathryn Wilkens, Peggy L. Tarpley, Ph.D.

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine, through quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, current special educator and general educator perceptions of inclusion and collaboration as compared to similar perceptions examined in 1995 (Tarpley, 1995). A self-made survey was implemented to explore educator perceptions. Quantitative selective response items were analyzed using a Chi Square procedure. Methods of naturalistic inquiry (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) were used to analyze qualitative open-ended questions. Significant values were noted based on the Chi Square analysis across four demographic areas: (a) current teaching assignment, (b) area of training, (c) number of years teaching experience, …

The Effects Of Direct Instruction Reading On The Behavior Referral Rates Of Rural Elementary Students, David Jarman

Theses & Honors Papers

What exactly is effective instruction? This heavily debated question is still at forefront of educational reform. Many factors contribute to effective instruction in the classroom, but it is critical to define effective instruction prior to describing its components. To understand the concept of effective instruction we must operationally define effective instruction as summarized by Rosenshine and Berliner (1978). they viewed effective instruction as those teacher characteristics that had a positive relationship on student achievement. We know that providing students with the most effective instruction will lead to an increase in student academic achievement. We also know these characteristics can be …

Effects Of A School-Wide Behavior Intervention Plan On A Rural Middle School, Patricia H. Rousis

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to collect office referral data from seventh grade students at a rural middle school in order to assess the effectiveness of a school-wide Positive Behavior Support System (PBS). Pre and post implementation data was collected and evaluated.

The results of the paired samples t-test were mixed and allowed for multiple interpretations. The raw data showed that office referrals actually went up for the second half of the year once the PBS was put into action. The causation for this increase is discussed.

Effects Of A Positive Behavior Support System On A Rural Middle School, Jessee Megan Helbert

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a positive behavior intervention system (PBS) on eighth grade students located in rural middle school. Office referral data was collected from the 2004-2005 school year---comparing September-December 2004 (Group 1) behavioral office referrals to January-April 2005 (Group 2) behavioral referrals. Group 1 data represented pre-PBS and Group 2 represented post-PBS. The data was analyzed with a paired sample t-test of dependence and showed an increase of behavior referrals for Group 2. However, due to the study's limitations and confounding variables alternative explanations are discussed.

A Review Of General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Classroom And Instructional Accommodations For Students With Disabilities, Jennifer Askue-Collins

Theses & Honors Papers

The primary purpose of this study was to find out whether general education teachers believe that accommodations for students with special needs help those students succeed. Secondarily, this study seeks to find whether general educators find accommodations to be practical (feasible for general classroom use and fair to students without disabilities) in promoting success for all students. This review will discuss special education laws, service models for special education, and how accommodations fit into these parameters. The researcher created an online survey for K-5 general educators in Virginia's Region 8 to complete. From the responses it was found that this …

Reducing The Stereotypic Behavior Of Individuals With Mental Retardation Using Response Cost Within Applied Behavior Analysis, Crystal Holmes

Theses & Honors Papers

The focus of this study is to demonstrate that using response cost through applied behavior analysis is an effective treatment for reducing the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. McEntee and Saunders (1997) conducted a study in which response cost was used as an intervention within applied behavior analysis successfully to reduce the stereotypic behaviors in four male individuals with severe or profound mental retardation. An attempt was made to replicate this study and provide further research on the effects of response cost through applied behavior analysis on the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. There were three …

The Effect Of Direct Instruction Reading Remediation For Fourth Graders, Jonathan Collins

Theses & Honors Papers

This study was to determine if below average readers in a reading remediation class receiving Direct Instruction reading would make larger gains in reading than average to above average readers who received whole language based reading instruction. These were 69 students in the study. Students were assigned to cohorts based on test performance on the Development Reading Assessment (DRA) and administrative recommendations. Instruction was provided for 5 months for the experimental group (n=36) using Scientific Research Associates Corrective Reading (a Direct Instruction reading program). The control group (n=11) received 5 months of reading instruction in a locally designed whole language …

The Effect Of Funnix Math On Pre-Kindergarten Student's Achievement In Mathematics, Michelle E. Andreoli

Theses & Honors Papers

It is imperative that mathematics education in the United States be effective and comprehensive in nature. Mathematical skills are a necessary component to functional and independent living. Much debate has aroused over which instructional methodologies to adopt, but the research clearly supports the use of explicit instruction. Direct Instruction is an expository approach to learning, which encompasses critical design principles that enable it to be sequential and thorough. Funnix Math is the newest program, which utilizes this methodology. The present study investigates the efficacy of Funnix Math on the pre-kindergarten population. The results of this study contradict previous research on …

The Relationship Between Religious Programs And Peer Relationships Of Adults With Mental Retardation, Cecilia D. Beasley

Theses & Honors Papers

This research was intended to look at the relationship between attendance at religious programs on the peer relationships and spirituality of adults with mental retardation. The literature reviews the benefits of spirituality for all individuals, the characteristics of individuals with mental retardation, and the influences of peer relationships. Fifty-nine surveys about the individual's spiritual development, happiness, peer relationships and criminality as well as the importance of religious functions were completed by adults with and without mental retardation. The results indicate that attendance at religious activities does in fact impact spirituality and peer relationships of individuals with mental retardation. They also …

Composite Index Score And Standards Of Learning Test Results: Is There A Correlation?, Leslie M. Murphy

Theses & Honors Papers

Researchers have studied various factors affecting student achievement ranging from school location to parental socioeconomic status. The study that follows examines whether the socioeconomic status of a school locality affects student achievement on standardized tests, particularly results on the 2002 Standards of Learning tests. For purposes of this study, the socioeconomic status of a school locality is referred to as the Composite Index Local Ability to Pay, or Composite Index Score (CIS). Findings from this study indicate a strong global correlation does exist between the factors, CIS and SOL test results; however, when the data is separated into two subcategories, …

Praise And Its Effects On Trust, Help-Seeking Behavior, And Self-Perception Of Students With Disabilities, Regina L. Rice

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this investigation was to examine praise and its effects on help-seeking behavior, trust, and self-perception as well as how different age groups respond to praise. the participants were 11 female students with disabilities and low achievers ranging in ages from 12-17 and up chosen through convenience sampling. Praise as a specific intervention was examined using a self-developed, Likert- type, 16 item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson 'r'. No significant relationship was found between praise and help-seeking (r=.36, P> .05) or praise and self-perception (r=36, p> .05). However, a significant relationship was found between praise and …

The Effects Of Extended School Year On Students With Mild Disabilities And Its Relationship To Regression Rate, Whitney C. Sears

Theses & Honors Papers

This study is an historical study comparing the spring and fall test scores of students who attended summer academic program of one particular private school for students with learning differences, including autism, Asperger's Syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and nonverbal learning disabilities. This study concluded that there was a statistical significance between the regression rates in both reading vocabulary and reading comprehension among those who attended the summer program and those who did not attend the summer program. Those students who did not attend the summer program regressed in skills significantly. Those students who attended the summer program maintained or …

Relationship Between Self-Perception Of Individuals With Learning Disabilities And Coping Strategies, Nicholas Frantz Pontius

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between one's understanding of his/her own learning disability (LO) and coping strategies he/she employs to mitigate the effect of the disability. The subjects (N = 120) of this study were students with learning disabilities who attended and graduated from a private school in Richmond, Virginia between 1976 and 1997. A self­-developed questionnaire with two parts was used to collect data for this study. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 120 surveys mailed, 55 (45.8%) subjects responded. Hypothesis regarding relationship between knowledge and coping strategies …

Teachers' Perceptions On Special Education Students' Social Skills And The Effect Of Peer Perceptions In The General Educational Classroom., Erin E. Harman

Theses & Honors Papers

This study identified inconsistencies between teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and parallels between the lack of positive peer perceptions and the inconsistent perceptions of general and special education teachers. To establish data this study used a selective group of seventh grade general and special education teachers from a middle school in central Virginia. This study also used one general education classroom containing students with and without disabilities. General and Special Education teachers were surveyed using the Profile/ Form Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment. Students used a modified version of the peer interpersonal assessment developed by Farmer, …

Reading And Phonological Awareness Gains In A Second/Third Grade Bridge Class, Lian Chen

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a fundamental skill that is used on a daily basis as we are bombarded with print. It is also the basis for the majority of formal education. When someone lacks the skills and strategies needed to read, reading becomes a frustrating experience. The key to overcoming deficits in reading is prevention utilizing research-based methodology. This widely debated topic has lead to the recognition of the necessity of the infusing of phonics into the instruction. In this study, a one-on-one, cross age peer tutoring program using systematic, explicit phonics instruction, Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons, …

Relationship Of Secondary Special Educators' Disciplinary Style To Teacher Burnout And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Ashley E. Wall

Theses & Honors Papers

Burnout and attrition among special education teachers has become a major problem in public schools today. Stress in the classroom, stemming mostly from inappropriate student behaviors, is one of the key sources of teacher burnout. Disciplinary styles and self-efficacy contribute to the risk of burnout. The authoritative disciplinary style is ideal in the classroom. Teachers work with students and negotiate with them, and the students develop a sense of responsibility in the classroom. Teachers who have a high sense of self-efficacy generally adopt the authoritative approach and have a lower degree of burnout. The results of this study indicate that …