Education Commons^™

Guest Editors' Column: The Solo Librarian, Audrey Church, Frances Reeve

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the guest editor discusses the various stories of solo school librarians in the U.S.

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, …

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.

The Effects Of A Direct Instruction Versus A Non-Direct Instruction Classroom Environment On Behavior Patterns At The Middle School Level, Pamela D. Davis

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to complete an historical comparison of behavior patterns exhibited by students at a small rural middle school in Southside, Virginia during the 2000-2001, and the current 2001-2002 academic years. In addition, the research includes components of the effects of a non-direct instruction classroom versus a direct instruction classroom environment on such behavior patterns. All students' discipline records in grades 6 through 8 were evaluated for the study. The numbers of referrals written on individual students were considered in addition to the types of referrals written.

Using A Constant Tie Delay To Teach Measurement To Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Emily S. Lovell

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to teach the parts of an inch in sixteenths, using a constant time delay procedure. Constant time delay is a virtually effortless, or near errorless, instructional process involving the simultaneous delivery of a target stimulus and a controlling prompt for a limited number of trials, followed by trials where the target stimulus is presented, but the controlling prompt is delayed for a constant time period. The study was conducted with 6 sixth-grade students in a self­ contained math class for students with learning disabilities. The subject group contained 5 males and 1 female. Each …

Parent Perceptions Of Behavior Management Strategies Used In Elementary And Secondary Special Education Programs For Students With Learning Disabilities, Natalie Buritsch

Theses & Honors Papers

A descriptive study was designed to investigate parent perceptions of behavior management strategies used in elementary and secondary special education programs for students with learning disabilities. A questionnaire was used to obtain the perceptions of 130 members of the Leaming _Disabilities Association of Virginia. In particular, three questions were examined: Do parents of children in elementary school differ from those having children in secondary schools regarding their perceptions of classroom management techniques? Do parents have different perceptions about a resource classroom compared to a self-contained classroom? Do parents differ in their perceptions of the teacher use of classroom management versus …

Homework, An Educational Instructional Technique Used In The Middle School Special Education Classroom, Charles R. Murphy

Theses & Honors Papers

The assignment patterns, frequency, and perceptions of homework as an educational instructional device was investigated in middle school special education classroom teachers. A general topic questionnaire was generated and administered to each of the middle school special education teachers who volunteered for this study. A population sample was used in the survey to represent, determine, and investigate the application of homework as an instructional technique. The survey also referenced specific questions on teachers' attitudes and perspectives on whether homework should be employed as a device to improve learning, comprehension, and retention of materials being presented in the classroom. The results …

Student And Teacher Perceptions Of The Aversiveness Of Behavior Management Techniques, Brent Halstead

Theses & Honors Papers

This research investigated teacher and student perceptions of behavior management techniques. Subjects for this study were all ninth grade students in a city high school. Both the students and their homeroom teachers were surveyed. The sample was drawn from a city school district in central Virginia. The sample provided 169 subjects, five teachers and 164 students.

The results of the study were consistent with previous research in the field. Students thought public discipline and techniques that involved outside forces (parents, principals , etc.) were most aversive. Students perceived token economies and private correction as not aversive.