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Full-Text Articles in Education

Historical Practices And Modern Interpretations: Understanding The Wai Khru Ceremony As A Thai Educational And Cultural Tradition, Ryan V. Guffey, Anothai Kaewkaen Sep 2017

Historical Practices And Modern Interpretations: Understanding The Wai Khru Ceremony As A Thai Educational And Cultural Tradition, Ryan V. Guffey, Anothai Kaewkaen

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

While working in Thailand, education professionals from Western backgrounds often remark on a certain social eminence accorded to teachers by Thais, and many will also experience, especially in abridged form, the rituals of the Wai Khru, or Homage to Teachers, ceremony. However, it could be that few without direct cultural orientation can appreciate these traditions to the depth such long-standing cultural practices deserve. More detrimentally, they may not be aware of the social expectations these traditional views place on educators within Thai society. Drawing on primary sources from Thai literature and media and their own experiences as educators in Thailand, …


The Impact Of Federal Level Special Education Policy Internships In Preparing Special Education Faculty: A Preliminary Investigation, Katie Miller, Lisa A. Finnegan, Wilfred Wienke, Angel Lopez Sep 2017

The Impact Of Federal Level Special Education Policy Internships In Preparing Special Education Faculty: A Preliminary Investigation, Katie Miller, Lisa A. Finnegan, Wilfred Wienke, Angel Lopez

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

In this manuscript, the authors examine the reaction of special education doctoral scholars and their response to a federal policy internship. Six doctoral scholar participants participated in a summer federal policy internship opportunity and partook in the study. Doctoral scholars responded to a survey about their knowledge of federal legislation and their perceptions of the federal policy internship. Data were collected and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Three themes emerged after completing their doctoral internship which include: importance of advocacy and its impact on policy, importance of evidence based practices and their role in policy making, and increased knowledge of …


Alternative Ways For Treating The Characteristics Of Autism Without The Use Of Medication, Heather Coleman Sep 2017

Alternative Ways For Treating The Characteristics Of Autism Without The Use Of Medication, Heather Coleman

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects one out of 66 children worldwide (Autism Speaks, 2015). Although, some people feel that medication is a benefit for treating individuals with autism, nevertheless, there can be alternative methods in the treatment of how the brain develops that does not include medication: such as brain based exercises, reducing primitive reflexes, and using a holistic approach. Through a series of extensive brain based exercises, in conjunction with reducing the primitive reflexes, as well as incorporating natural vitamins, minerals and essential oils, parents may able to see the brain grow in unison. Once the brain …


From Railways To Radiators: How Support Teams Can Use Special Interests To Promote Success Among Individuals With Autism, Maggie Bredlau Sep 2017

From Railways To Radiators: How Support Teams Can Use Special Interests To Promote Success Among Individuals With Autism, Maggie Bredlau

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently being diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 68 children (Katz, Malow, & Reynolds, 2016). According to the DSM-V a diagnosis of autism carries with it two identifying characteristics: 1. consistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across more than one context; 2. restricted, repetitive interests that are evident through highly fixated odd interests. Children with autism can have difficulty finding ways to incorporate these highly-fixated interests into their daily lives. Research indicated that when individuals on the spectrum can incorporate their fixations into daily interactions and routines their self-esteem, social connections, career …


Use Of Technology For Children With Autism: Academic Success In The Least Restrictive Environment, Laura Scott Sep 2017

Use Of Technology For Children With Autism: Academic Success In The Least Restrictive Environment, Laura Scott

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a prevailing neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many aspects of a child’s life. Their communication and emotional regulation are hindered which makes it more challenging for them to thrive in the general education setting. Every child has the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment with needed support provided by its local school. Research has shown the use of technology to be a major contribution to student engagement and success. The focus of this article is to examine how a child’s communication and emotional regulation affect their academics and offer research based solutions. It …


Leading Through Logic Modeling: Capturing The Complexity, Ann Sebald, Heidi Frederiksen Sep 2017

Leading Through Logic Modeling: Capturing The Complexity, Ann Sebald, Heidi Frederiksen

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Logic modeling supports project and program development and implementation through specific design, planning, communication, evaluation and learning considerations and are typically used for the purposes of explanation, resolutions and assessment. Logic modeling was used in one teacher training program in the U.S. experiencing substantial leadership change. Leading change requires the facets of both leadership and management. This paper will discuss leading change through strategic management; logic modeling as a way of supporting program development and evaluation; share two forms of logic modeling (Theory of Change and Program) used to put into focus one teacher preparation program; discuss the methodology used …


Housekeeping Chores Or Quality Education: The Dilemmas Faced By Lectures In Public Universities In Kenya, Zedekia Sidha, Justine Magutu Sep 2017

Housekeeping Chores Or Quality Education: The Dilemmas Faced By Lectures In Public Universities In Kenya, Zedekia Sidha, Justine Magutu

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This paper explores the relationship between task prioritization by university lecturers and quality of university education. It is based on the assumption that universities, like most street level bureaucracies, are chronically under-resourced for the work the public expects them to do. The lecturers must therefore make a choice on which of their numerous activities will be done first, which one second, and which will not be done all together. In making these decisions it is assumed that they would make choices that are in the best interest of the students and the university at large. However, lecturers also have their …


One Treatment Plan For Autism Does Not Fit All, Diane Hassebrock Mar 2017

One Treatment Plan For Autism Does Not Fit All, Diane Hassebrock

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising prevalence rate. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (2014) the rates were reported to be one out of every 68 children. Autism affects social interaction, interest, activities, communication, and causes restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviors. When a child is diagnosed with autism, it is important for the family to decide on a treatment plan. Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s family and a team of professionals. The focus of this article is to explain the …


Identifying And Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jennie Mcfadden Mar 2017

Identifying And Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jennie Mcfadden

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Twice-exceptional students are being over looked because the identification process is one sided and/or eliminates dual diagnoses. Twice-exceptional refers to students who are both gifted and have a disability (Segen’s Medical Dictionary, 2011). The method in which this research was completed included reading scholarly journals, textbooks, and educational websites. Although some children with autism are also gifted, never the less, the gifted talents of these children are often overlooked and not supported, because the disability masks their abilities, testing criteria, and behavior. The results identified that, because the students’ disability camouflaged their areas of giftedness is being over looked. By …


Classroom-Based, Teacher-Led Action Research As A Process For Enhancing Teaching And Learning, Craig Mertler, Adam Hartley Mar 2017

Classroom-Based, Teacher-Led Action Research As A Process For Enhancing Teaching And Learning, Craig Mertler, Adam Hartley

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This paper examines the nature of classroom-based, teacher-led action research in schools. The process of action research is described, along with its potential applications and benefits—including, but not limited to, the empowerment of teachers and staff, and the support structure for a program of customizable professional development for educators. One school’s venture into school wide action research is presented and discussed, largely from the perspective of the building administrator. Both challenges and the successes are openly discussed. Finally, the authors make a case for the widespread and large-scale benefits associated with the implementation of an action research initiative in schools …


International Higher Education As Catalyst For Social Change, Fay Patel Mar 2017

International Higher Education As Catalyst For Social Change, Fay Patel

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Developing cultural awareness and competence among learners and employees has been a topic of concern and challenge in higher education for several decades. The general focus in many organizations, including higher education, is on the development of cultural awareness and competencies with a general focus on intercultural communication and cultural diversity training. The paper revisits the notions of cultural awareness and competency development initiatives reframing them within a critical perspective seeking socially responsible actions for social change. It introduces and clarifies global community building, glocalization, social responsibility and justice as requisites for social change. Finally, recommendations are made to ensure …


Independence Starts With Teaching: Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies To Build Self-Advocacy And Independence In Students With Autism, Kelsey Tobey Mar 2017

Independence Starts With Teaching: Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies To Build Self-Advocacy And Independence In Students With Autism, Kelsey Tobey

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Although children with autism are dependent on educators to provide guidance; never the less, students also need opportunities to exhibit independence and advocate for themselves. If they are always dependent on adults, students with autism are not able to increase their independence in functional and adaptive skills. Through ongoing studies and observations, educators found students who are taught through research-based structures, such as the least-to-most prompt hierarchy and Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children (TEACCH) tasks, are better prepared to exhibit independent living skills during further education and independent living.