Education Commons^™

The Use Of A Token Economy To Decrease Problem Behaviors And Increase Task Completion For A Pre-Schooler With Autism, Dyana Schneider, Robbie Hanson

Theses

The execution of a token economy has been shown to be effective to decrease problem behaviors and increase task completion, communication, and other skills for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (Matson & Boisjoli, 2009). Although previous research has shown token economies to be effective, there remains criticisms regarding existing research, such as low experimental rigor, among others (Maggin et al., 2011). Additionally, although token economies embed evidence-based behavior-analytic strategies (Wong et al., 2015) there appears to be a disconnect between basic and applied research and implementation of token economies in a clinical context (e.g., relying on fixed …

The Universal Art Class: Integrating Disability Studies Into Art Curriculum To Create Engaging, Equitable, And Inclusive Lessons For Diverse Learners, Stephanie Mccoy

Theses

This paper examines the transformative potential of integrating Disability Studies into the Art Curriculum, establishing “The Universal Art Class” as a framework for creating engaging and inclusive lessons tailored for diverse learners. The exploration begins by illuminating the foundational principles of Disability Studies and its relevance in the context of art education. Subsequently, the study navigates the intersection of Disability Studies and Art Education, highlighting the significance of this interdisciplinary approach in fostering a more inclusive learning environment. The research expands on practical strategies for integrating inclusivity into the art curriculum. These strategies encompass adaptations and modifications, collaboration, and observation …

High School Curriculum Outline And Unit Plan For Unit 3: Researching And Referencing For The Comparative Study, Kendra Bomar

Theses

Before beginning the International Baccalaureate Art program, most high school students will have already spent a significant amount of time studying a variety of art genres and will have a solid understanding of art terminology and methods. This is because the program is designed to build upon prior knowledge and experience. This is true for the majority of schools that participate in the IB program. It is common practice for educational institutions that provide tough programs to insist that students complete prerequisite coursework before they are allowed to enroll in the challenging programs that the institution provides. This is done …

Using A Forward Chain To Teach Intruder Training To Children With Autism, Megan Clark, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Safety drills, such as tornado, fire and intruder drills are mandated in schools across the United States. These drills require prolonged compliance by students and are commonly taught using verbal instructions. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may struggle with complex routines, attending to verbal stimuli, or complying for long durations. Thus, when children with ASD transition to school these drills may be difficult for them to complete and little to no research has been conducted on this topic. Thus, the current study utilized a concurrent multiple baseline design across participants to examine the use of a forward chain …

The Effects Of Behavioral Skills Training On Staff Member Implementation Of Behavior Intervention Plans, Riley Young, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Behavioral skills training (BST) is a well-researched and empirically validated teaching method that typically involves the use of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback to improve staff and client performance (Leaf et al., 2015). Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of BST across a wide variety of populations and skill sets, including within educational environments (Kirkpatrick et al., 2019). However, limited research exists on the use of BST to improve staff member implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs), particularly for staff members who have a history of incorrect implementation. The current study examines the effectiveness of in-person BST in a school …

The Use Of Differential Reinforcement Of Other Behavior To Decrease Scripting, Kathleen Egbert, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Vocal scripting is a behavior commonly targeted for reduction with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when it occurs at a rate or severity that interferes with learning (e.g., Koegel & Covert, 1972). Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) has been shown to be effective for reducing scripting in previous research, however additional replications of these results would add to the research literature to continue to support its use for this issue. The purpose of this study was to implement a DRO schedule with a young girl with ASD to reduce vocal scripting. The results showed a slight decrease in …

The Effects Of Preference Assessments On The Duration Of Independent Play For A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Elise Amo, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Plays skills are important within typical development and independent play has shown to lead to the development of other skills, such as increased social interactions (Edwards et al., 2018). Previous research has demonstrated increases in independent play for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who display skill deficits in this area. However, research has been largely lacking for increasing independent play for individuals with ASD who simply display a preference for interacting with adults. The current study examined the effectiveness of incorporating a multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment to increase the duration of independent play for a child with …

Freshman Year English And Other Moments Of Discovery, Cassandra L. Boland

Theses

The following collection of personal memoirs takes place over a timeframe of fifteen years. Each essay is a narrative account of actual life events. Some stories are the typical coming of age accounts, but end with a twist. Al the conclusion of each essay, there is a short summary of how each experience influenced my personal growth. All essays share the common theme of ''self-discovery."

In order to show how these experiences contributed to this theme, the pieces have been arranged chronologically. This way, as you read you can see bow each event affects the next. For example, the story …

A Correlational Study Of The Effect Of Per Pupil Expenditure On Standardized Third Grade Reading Scores In Missouri, John Arthur Dunahm Jr.

Theses

Funding of education has long been a major topic of discussion in both the public and political arenas. How tax dollars are spent in the area of education is now at the forefront of this debate with the advent of mechanisms which are designed to hold schools accountable for their funding. The chief mechanism of accountability is standardized testing achievement by students.

In this study, per-pupil expenditures for schools districts in the state of Missouri, for the years 1998 and 2002, will be examined as a correlation to high student achievement on the Missouri Assessment Program third grade communication arts …

What Educators Must Know About The Effectiveness Of Behavioral Interventions For Children With Autism, Renee' L. Henke

Theses

The diagnosis of autism is on the rise. There are many misconceived definitions of autism, even in the educational profession. Educators in all areas must become informed of behavioral intervention and modifications to help autistic students succeed.

This paper will reveal facts and information regarding behavior intervention and modification based on the Lovaas theory and method. It includes a case study of an eleveny-ear- old high-functioning autistic boy who has made great strides and is successful.

The Impact Of The Utilization Of Connected Mathematics Project With Direct Instruction On Grade 8 Mathematics Map Scores, Kelly Helmick

Theses

Unavailable.

Beginning Principals And Their Educational Training Programs, Jeffrey Dale Francis

Theses

Summary. The Bureau of Statistics estimates there will be a l 0% increase in job employment for all types of school administrators by the year 2006. Also, by the year 2003 it is estimated that 50% of all current principals will retire. In the absence of seasoned administrators, school districts will be searching a field that is primarily composed of skilled teachers that lack the experience of administration.

Most college and university programs in Missouri present knowledge about school administration and require an internship regarding school administration. However, this framework does not fully help students develop skills that translate that …

Will Standards-Based Instruction Improve Student Achievement In The Areas Of Mathematics?, Robert E. Cowell

Theses

The author conducted this longitudinal study to gain an objective view of the instructional practices on student achievement. The author, an elementary principal, facilitated a change in philosophy and practice, especially in the area of mathematics.

This study confirmed that there is a statistically significant impact on student achievement when a standards-based instructional program is implemented. The data in the study also indicated that a significant number of students improved their achievement score based on CTB-McGraw Hill Terra Nova Assessments.

This study also indicated a significant demographic factor that will need to be further researched. Fifty percent of the students …

Putting Francis Howell On The Map, Christopner Matthews Greiner

Theses

One of the main responsibilities of a school system is to train citizens to be productive members of society. To that end, educators are charged with the responsibility of helping students learn knowledge and skills that will be beneficial to their existence beyond high school. In recent years, growing criticism has emerged from business leaders and parents that schools are not doing a good enough job preparing students for life after high school. As a result, educators have worked to implement accountability systems that would raise the stakes for its students. As a result, the development and implementation of exit …

Effect On Participation In High School Extracurricular Activities On Grade Point Average, Nancy J. Aberasturi

Theses

Historically, studies have debated the relationship between student grade point average and student involvement in extracurricular activities. The present study investigated that relationship. A group of 47 high school sophomores and juniors voluntarily completed and returned a questionnaire designed by the researcher, which gathered data on involvement in all-inclusive extracurricular activities, plans for attending a college or university, gender, age, and date of birth. The sample included 22 females, 24 males, and I subject who did not indicate gender. Cumulative grade point average was determined by student records. A correlation analysis indicated that a significant, positive relationship existed between grade …

A Study Of The Relationship Between A Character Education Program And Self-Esteem, Nina Musante

Theses

Not available.

The Adult Student In Higher Education And Training, Kathlee Despain-Rogers

Theses

This thesis will focus on the needs of the adult or nontraditional student. An in-depth look at bow non-traditional students came to be and how higher education is accommodating them today and tomorrow.

Before 1944, adult students were not commonplace on college campuses. At that time even high school graduation was a rare achievement. However, The Servicemen's (and women's) Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as "The GI Bill," changed all that. The Act provided many benefits but it is best known for giving former soldiers, both male and female, a chance at a college education or a degree from …

Using A Multiple Intelligence Checklist In Determining Multiple Intelligence, Rebecca Vee Ralston

Theses

Multiple Intelligence Theory was introduced in 1983 by Howard Gardner in his book Frames of Mind. Since the book was introduced. many educators who were searching for new methods to reach their students have utilized the theory of Multiple Intelligences in their classes. To assist in determining students' areas of strength in Multiple Intelligence. The Multiple Intelligence Checklist (MJC) was used in this study. Students, seven hundred seventy-seven, from a suburban elementary school were asked to complete the MIC. Data was collected from students in grades 2 through 5. A factor analysis was completed to determine if the checklist would …

Relationship Between Academic Burnout And Employment Status In Graduate Counseling Students, Teresa L. Ray

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between academic burnout among graduate counseling students and employment status. Students surveyed were employed full-time, part-time, or not at all. A correlational design was used to relate burnout scores as determined by the Meier Burnout Assessment to students' employment status. No correlation was found. It was concluded that based on t his research that no correlation exists between academic burnout and employment status for graduate counseling students.

The Relationship Between Residential Status And Perception Of Psychological Separation Among Young College Students, Stephanie G. Raines

Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between undergraduates' perception of psychological separation and residential status. Two groups of students, those who lived at home with their parents (n=3 I) and those who did not (n= 55), were surveyed using the Psychological Separation Inventory (PSI). Using the four subscale scores from the PSI, a t-test for independent samples found no significant relationship between residential status and psychological separation. Additional statistical analysis failed to find a relationship between the scores and independent variables such as gender, age and years in college. It was concluded that this research failed …

Personality Type As An Indicator Of Teacher Career Selection: Elementary Teacher Or Special Education Elementary Teacher, Amber L. Cope

Theses

This study examined the relationship between elementary teachers and special education teachers and their preferred MBTI type. The sample consisted of 49 elementary teachers (25 regular classroom and 24 special education) within the public school system in Lincoln and Warren counties in Missouri. The subjects were all Caucasian females ranging in age from 22 to 52 years with an educational level ranging from Bachelors degree to Masters degree plus. The sample reported from 1 to 30 years of teaching experience. Each participant was asked to complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and a demographic questionnaire. Chi-square analyses and the two-sample t-statistic …

Effect Of Adult Attachment On The Resiliency Of Youth In Behavior Disordered Classrooms, Rachel R. Henson

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that adult attachment has on the resiliency of at-risk youth . The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment was revised to measure the degree of attachment to a significant adult and was administered along with the Children' s Resiliency Attitudes Scale to students in behavior disordered classrooms (n = 41). The assessments were given during one class period in six behavior disordered classrooms at one school. The results found that those students who feel strong attachments to at least one adult were also more resilient and able to deal with …

The Relationship Between Burnout Among Secondary School Counselors And Selected Personal And School Variables, Paula P. Johnson

Theses

The purpose of the study was to: (1) assess the level of burnout and stress of public school counselors, (2) detem1ine if public school counselors differed in the reported level of burnout based on selected personal variables, and selected school variables. A convenient, volunteer sample was used from 42 public school counselors in a suburban area of St. Louis, Missouri. The instruments used for the study were the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Form Educational) and a demographic questionnaire.

The findings suggested that that level of burnout in the sample was in the moderate range on the Emotional Exhaustion subscale and in …

The Relation Of Job Satisfaction To Degree Of Disclosure About One's Sexual Orientation For Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Educators, Jane Ellen Miles

Theses

The threat of discrimination and job loss causes many gay, lesbian, and bisexual (g/ I/ b) Americans to keep their sexual orientation a secret at work. The decision to keep one's personal life hidden increases the level of stress experienced and can coincide with lower levels of job satisfaction. The fear of discrimination is even greater for g/1/b individuals working in K - 12 educational settings due to the more socially conservative environment of schools. This study examined the relationship between degree of disclosure about one's homosexual orientation and one's level of job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that there would …

An Investigation Of Social Skill Group Counseling Intervention With At-Risk Students, Kathy A. Bennett

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of teaching social skills to a group of 14 at-risk kindergarten students that were identified by their classroom teachers as exhibiting social skills deficits. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was devised using the Social Skills Direct Observation by Sheridan (1997). Students participated in a group social ski11s training program for five weeks. A statistical comparison between the pre and post test data was then performed by means of a nonparametric procedure. Results of the Wilcoxon's Matched Pairs-Signed-Ranks Test were indicative of positive gains in the students' acquisition of social …

Intensity Of Grief And Belief In Personal Control, Diana M. Alferink

Theses

Much research has focused on stress and its consequences. Some studies have indicated personal control helps an individual handle stress better and remain healthier. Little research, however, has examined the role personal control plays in bereavement as a stressful life event This correlational study examined the relationship between belief in personal control and grief intensity experienced from losing a loved one to death. Volunteer subjects primarily from Grief Support Groups completed the Belief in Personal Control Scale and the Texas Revised Grief Inventory Results demonstrated some instances when higher belief in personal control resulted in lower intensity of grief in …

Training Program For Infant And Toddler Caregivers: An Evaluation Of The Effects On Quality Of Care, Marie Doyle

Theses

Caregiver training has been shown to impact the quality of care for infants and toddlers in "out- of- home" settings. This thesis evaluated the effect of a 2 year program implemented at five urban child care centers {17 classrooms). In order to participate in the program, child care centers had to be licensed and had to serve a majority of children living in poverty. Five infant and toddler early care and education experts were selected to provide training and technical assistance to each of the participating sites. Training consisted of a combination of workshops and reflective supervision. The Infant/Toddler Environmental …

Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy With Problem Students, Karen Y. Boyle

Theses

The traditional approaches of spending hours of time addressing each student's problems is no longer feasible today due to the large caseloads of students school counselors and teachers often face. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is an approach which may be used for typical student concerns to achieve rapid observable change. School administrators and leachers will also benefit since each component of the approach may be used independently in a variety of situations. This thesis describes an outcome study of solution-oriented strategy in working with middle school students identified by teachers as having behavioral difficulties in the classroom. Subjects involved were a …

From The One-Room Schoolhouse To The One-Person School Communication Office, Monica A. Faulkenbery

Theses

Definition: School community r elations is effective communication between the school district, the individual schools and the public. Good school public relations seeks to gain the public's favorable attention by building goodwill and understanding about the work, mission and activities of the school district.

The Issue: Today's school communicator wears many hats. Unlike some corporate public relations offices that are segmented by tasks and talents such as media coordination, publications and development, the school communications office, even when that office consists of one person, must be expert in all areas.

Many of today's school communication offices now work in …

Public Relations And Politics: A Winning Combination For Public School Bond Issues And Tax Referendums, Cindy L. Gibson

Theses

In 1990 voters in the Ritenour School District approved the first of several bond issues that provided for the renovation of district facilities. Following approval of the bond issues, the district success fully passed a Proposition C Rollback Waiver, a type of tax increase only found in Missouri.

Finding the additional funds to effectively manage today's schools is a national concern . Ritenour School Di strict leaders, like so many other public school officials throughout the United States, sought the financial assistance of their community by conducting tax levy and bond issue elections.

Like most successful political campaigns, school referendums …