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Full-Text Articles in Education

Cyberbullying And Students With Learning Disabilities, Gail Horakh Sep 2012

Cyberbullying And Students With Learning Disabilities, Gail Horakh

Theses and Dissertations

Cyberbullying is a new and growing problem that is affecting the youth of today. Children who are classified, under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are thought to be particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying. Parents play a vital role in raising their children and keeping them safe. This study examines whether parents having a child classified, under IDEA, have the same concerns and report the same experiences regarding cyberbullying as parents with a non-classified child. A thirty question survey was administered to parents through an online website called Survey Monkey. The questions were designed to answer five main research questions about …


Student Involvement Theory: Patterns Of Sport Club Participation At Rowan University, Brian Stelzer Aug 2012

Student Involvement Theory: Patterns Of Sport Club Participation At Rowan University, Brian Stelzer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine patterns of involvement relating to the sport club student athletes during the 2011/12 academic year at Rowan University. The study also sought to examine how this involvement affected attitudes of students toward various aspects of campus. Survey responses were analyzed to determine frequency, mean, standard deviation, percentages and correlations between demographics and reported involvement activities. The study examined the similarities between club sports, varsity athletics, and student government involvement at Rowan University. The findings suggested that students involved in sport clubs chose other physical activities, such as exercising and intramural athletics, as …


Using Student Response System (Srs) To Reduce Off-Task Behavior Of Students With Behavior Problems, Mary Johnson Aug 2012

Using Student Response System (Srs) To Reduce Off-Task Behavior Of Students With Behavior Problems, Mary Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of clickers on decreasing off-task behavior of students with behavior problems in Language and math classes. A total of five students and one special education teacher in a self-contained classroom participated in the study. A single-subject research design with ABAB phases was used. An online program called "Class Dojo" was used to record study behavior with a chart immediately to show their on-task and off-task behavior. During the baseline, student behavior was recorded in both Language and math classes for 5 days. During the intervention phase, each participating student …


Establishing A Community Of Professional Learners: Leadership Strategies That Promote Teacher Efficacy, Marie Simone Aug 2012

Establishing A Community Of Professional Learners: Leadership Strategies That Promote Teacher Efficacy, Marie Simone

Theses and Dissertations

During my tenure in several school districts as an educational administrator, I was dismayed to learn that a common theme among bright, energetic, caring, and creative teachers was that morale was low and that teachers rarely felt recognized for their efforts or accomplishments. I was curious to see if recognition and respect offered by educational leaders would help to improve a sense of personal and professional efficacy among teachers, thereby improving school morale and retention of teachers in the profession. Morale is defined by Mendel (1987) as a feeling, state of mind, mental and emotional attitude. Washington, et al (1981) …


Racial And Socioeconomic Differences In Special Education Students Returning To General Education, Katie Aspinwall Aug 2012

Racial And Socioeconomic Differences In Special Education Students Returning To General Education, Katie Aspinwall

Theses and Dissertations

Education's history has been shadowed by disparities in the quality of education delivered universally. Particularly highlighted are the disparities between the cases of socioeconomic status and racial background. Special education has been identified for decades as containing an overrepresentation of minorities classified. This study has analyzed retrospective data from the New Jersey Department of Special Education public website to examine if this pattern of overrepresentation of minorities continues to be represented in the population that returns to general education. The current study also analyzed the District Factor Grouping to investigate the implications of the school district's socioeconomic status in relation …


Using Computer-Assisted Graphic Organizers In Algebra Instruction To Support High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Katherine Rimby Aug 2012

Using Computer-Assisted Graphic Organizers In Algebra Instruction To Support High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Katherine Rimby

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: 1) to examine the effect of the use of graphic organizers in high school algebra instruction; 2) to compare the difference of student performance when hand-written and computer-assisted graphic organizers were used, and 3) to evaluate student attitude towards learning algebra when hand-written and computer-assisted graphic organizers were used. A total of eight high school students with LD in two classes, with four in each class, participated in this study. A single subject design with AB and ABC phases was used in this study for 10 weeks, during which eight Algebraic math skills were …


Engineering Residential Learning Communities: Evaluating The Impact On Freshmen Engineering Students, Margaret Flynn Aug 2012

Engineering Residential Learning Communities: Evaluating The Impact On Freshmen Engineering Students, Margaret Flynn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an engineering living-learning community (ELLC) on freshmen enginering students. A control group of non-ELLC participants was used to compare the experiences of the ELLC students. Data were collected using Likert scale survey items and open-ended questions. Analysis of the survey data showed that there were significant differences between the ELLC students and non-ELLC students in how they responded to questions regarding social support, academic support, connectedness to campus, and satisfaction with the college of engineering and Rowan University. A focus group of ELLC participants was also conducted to get …


Suicide Prevention / Postvention: A Student, Parent, Teacher, And Other Educational Professionals Perspective, Heather Leech Aug 2012

Suicide Prevention / Postvention: A Student, Parent, Teacher, And Other Educational Professionals Perspective, Heather Leech

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to: (1) determine the extent to which local schools are providing suicide prevention programs; (2) determine the effectiveness of suicide presentation programs; (3) examine the attitudes of teachers, parents, students, and other educational professionals regarding suicide prevention programs and; (4) determine the need for suicide prevention programs in a southern, New Jersey special services school district. A survey was distributed to 20 people in each of the following categories: teacher, parent, student, and other educational professionals. The four categories mentioned above were analyzed in the surveys. The results indicated that the participants feel that …


The Effect Of Collaborative Strategic Reading For 4th Graders With Learning Disabilities, Kathy Seacrist Aug 2012

The Effect Of Collaborative Strategic Reading For 4th Graders With Learning Disabilities, Kathy Seacrist

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed at evaluating a sample of six fourth graders with learning disabilities as they were taught Collaborative Strategic Reading. The program was taught by a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom over a period of 5 weeks. Mean comprehension scores increased slightly over the course of the study while their vocabulary scores remained relatively consistent. Student average scores in vocabulary understanding were slightly higher than their comprehension scores. Although average scores increased, individual student performance was inconsistent. These results suggest that students with learning disabilities require more time to learn and develop strategies in comprehension. The findings …


The Effect Of A Classroom Wide Positive Behavior Support Used Simultaneously With Individualized Intervention To Students With Asd, Emily Hughes Aug 2012

The Effect Of A Classroom Wide Positive Behavior Support Used Simultaneously With Individualized Intervention To Students With Asd, Emily Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect that a classroom-wide positive behavior support (CW-PBS) has on decreasing the inappropriate behaviors of students with autism. In addition, individualized positive behavior strategies (e.g. teaching replacement behavior, self-monitoring) were provided simultaneously together with the CW-PBS to further examine the decrease of inappropriate behavior occurrences. A total of two adolescents with autism in a self-contained setting participated in the study. A single subject research design with AB phases was used. During the baseline, participating students' behavior was observed and frequency was recorded for 10 days, and the same observations were continued during the intervention when both …


The Use Of Direct Instruction To Improve Reading Comprehension For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Sierra Aug 2012

The Use Of Direct Instruction To Improve Reading Comprehension For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Sierra

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Direct Instruction (DI) for teaching oral comprehension to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A total of eight students, ages six through eight in a special education classroom participated in the study. They were taught lessons from a scripted DI program 10-15 minutes daily for 10 weeks. Students completed daily oral lessons followed by a worksheet to check for their understanding. A single subject design with AB phases was used and student performance was evaluated by completing a daily worksheet and oral responses to questions. The results showed students' …


Gender Differences Associated To Style And Type Of Bullying, Elizabeth Benckert Aug 2012

Gender Differences Associated To Style And Type Of Bullying, Elizabeth Benckert

Theses and Dissertations

Research shows that girls show more indirect and relational aggression bullying behavior, while boys will show more direct and physically aggressive bullying behavior (Bjorkqvist, Lagerspetz, & Kaukiainen, 1992). Girls prefer indirect aggression because they can manipulate others; while boys prefer direct aggression against others because it shows dominance and strength (Crick, Casas, & Mosher, 1997). The study was done to show a difference in gender and the style of aggressive bullying behavior they will act out in. Crick et al. (1997) explain that children tend to bully in ways that they know will inflict harm on others and damage their …


Transforming Regular Classroom Instruction To Differentiate For Gifted And Highly Capable Learners, Stephanie Brown Aug 2012

Transforming Regular Classroom Instruction To Differentiate For Gifted And Highly Capable Learners, Stephanie Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research study documented the transformation of a small suburban school district from an educational culture focused on minimal levels of achievement reflective of No Child Left Behind to one valuing the continuous progress of all levels of learners. The participant-researcher led teachers in third through seventh grades with instructional program changes in social studies and science that implemented advanced differentiation using a curriculum compacting model. The two-fold purpose of the study explored how teacher engagement in an effective professional development program impacted their practice and disposition toward meeting the needs of gifted learners, while seeking information regarding …


The Effect Of Using Technology And Self-Monitoring To Teach Basic Facts To Children At Risk, Jennifer Ellis Aug 2012

The Effect Of Using Technology And Self-Monitoring To Teach Basic Facts To Children At Risk, Jennifer Ellis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the use of technology would increase automaticity of basic subtraction facts with "at risk" students and whether or not self-monitoring would motivate "at risk" students to improve their math scores to achieve automaticity of basic subtraction facts. Participants included four "at-risk" second graders from an elementary school in a small suburban community in southern New Jersey. The study took place over 11 weeks and was conducted by the classroom teacher. The first week consisted of collecting baseline data followed by five weeks of students using the Everyday Mathematics online …


The Effect Of The "20 Word Chant" On Student Sight Word Recall, Janine Chong Aug 2012

The Effect Of The "20 Word Chant" On Student Sight Word Recall, Janine Chong

Theses and Dissertations

This study was done to examine the effect of the 20 Word Chant on student's ability to recall sight words. The participants were from various backgrounds, ability levels, disabilities. The students were exposed to two presentation formats. The 20 Word Chant was added to the daily routine as well as the daily flash card drill. The class was split into two groups and was exposed to both models. The students were given a one-on-one sight word fluency pre and post test. When looking at individual responses to each intervention, most students increased their sight word knowledge. Overall, when using the …


What Are Parents' Opinions Towards Their Children's Transition From School To Adulthood?, Michelle Moore Aug 2012

What Are Parents' Opinions Towards Their Children's Transition From School To Adulthood?, Michelle Moore

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine if training affected parent attitudes towards the transition planning process. Twenty-one parent volunteers participated in this study. Parents answered survey questions about their attitudes before attending two training sessions. A second survey was then completed to determine if there was a significant difference in responses after training. A pre-post survey design was used where means were compared using ANOVA. The results showed a statistical significant difference in question 6 "I know that my child has a behavior plan" in favor of the training, and no significances between pre-post responses to other questions.


Improving The Word Problem Solving Abilities Of Students With Disabilities: Cognitive Strategy Instruction (Csi) Compared To Schema-Based Instruction (Sbi), Rena Kha Aug 2012

Improving The Word Problem Solving Abilities Of Students With Disabilities: Cognitive Strategy Instruction (Csi) Compared To Schema-Based Instruction (Sbi), Rena Kha

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to compare Cognitive Strategy Instruction (CSI) and Schema-Based Instruction (SBI) and determine which is more effective at improving the mathematical word problem solving abilities of eighth grade students with disabilities. Two students with disabilities who were also at risk for mathematics failure were chosen to participate in this study. The research phase consisted of a baseline data collection period followed by an intervention period, a probe, a second intervention period, and a final probe. Cognitive strategy cue cards and schematic diagrams were created for this study. Both Student A and B received their assigned …


Self-Management Of Classroom Transitions For Students With Attention Disorders, Colleen Johnson Aug 2012

Self-Management Of Classroom Transitions For Students With Attention Disorders, Colleen Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to ascertain if students with ADHD in an inclusive classroom who display off-task behaviors, particularly during transitioning between instructional activities, can effectively utilize a self-monitoring plan to decrease these behaviors. In order for the rapidly growing number of special education students to integrate successfully and smoothly within the general education learning environment, certain inappropriate behaviors should be eliminated, if possible, or at least decreased through self-awareness and direct self-management. Punitive consequences are not always an effective means of eradicating certain types of behaviors. Three middle school students with ADHD participated in the study using …


The Culture Of Instructional Leadership Amongst Principals: A Principal Professional Learning Community's Exploration Of Understanding By Design, Dana Walker Aug 2012

The Culture Of Instructional Leadership Amongst Principals: A Principal Professional Learning Community's Exploration Of Understanding By Design, Dana Walker

Theses and Dissertations

The overloaded role of the principal is a reality in every district (Evans, 1996; Fullan, 2008). Principals are second only to teachers among school-related factors in student learning (Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004) yet professional learning opportunities for principals suffer at the expense of seemingly more important tasks. In order for principals to be successful in the expected role of instructional leadership (NAESP, 2008), districts must create opportunities for both content and leadership learning (Darling-Hammond, Meyerson, LaPointe, & Orr, 2010). Experts are beginning to realize that professional development for principals is essential to a school and distric's success (Darling-Hammond …


Risk Factors For High School Dropouts: Do Perceptions Of Bullying Play A Role?, Alison Hunt Jul 2012

Risk Factors For High School Dropouts: Do Perceptions Of Bullying Play A Role?, Alison Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

The current study compared perceptions of bullying experiences among students in a public in-house alternative high school education program for at-risk students with those of the students in the general education population of the same high school. Eleven students enrolled in the alternative high school education program between the ages of 16 and 19 were asked to report their experiences with bullying through a school-created survey that is administered annually to the entire high school population. The results of the 2010 survey of 816 high school students were compared to the results of the 11 students enrolled in the alternative …


Bullying Amongst Eighth Grade Students: A Comparison Of The Perceptions Of Bullying Between Students And Teachers, Kristen Litwinczuk Jul 2012

Bullying Amongst Eighth Grade Students: A Comparison Of The Perceptions Of Bullying Between Students And Teachers, Kristen Litwinczuk

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying is a serious problem in today's world. It is not limited by age, gender or education level. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences of teachers' and students' perceptions of bullying, including the comparison of gender throughout the research. The Swearer Bullying Survey was used in this study to assess the students' and teachers' perceptions of bullying. Due to the new Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Law that was recently passed in New Jersey, results are expected to show similar perceptions of bullying among students and teachers. Both results and implications of this study will be further discussed.


Relationship Between Exercise And The Expression Of Adhd Symptoms In College Students, Jessica Mcdaniel Jul 2012

Relationship Between Exercise And The Expression Of Adhd Symptoms In College Students, Jessica Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between cardio-respiratory exercise levels and the expression of symptoms commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a college population. Previous research suggests physical exercise may reduce common behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms commonly associated with ADHD include an inability to focus and feelings of restlessness, which may be harmful to a college student's academic success. The present study surveyed the exercise level, symptom expression, and diagnostic history of undergraduate students (N=315) at Rowan University. Exercise frequency and duration were calculated based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services …


Positive Behavior Support: A Comparison Between Student Body, Academic Achievement, And Discipline Referrals, Meredith Greenfield Jul 2012

Positive Behavior Support: A Comparison Between Student Body, Academic Achievement, And Discipline Referrals, Meredith Greenfield

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this current study was to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of a school-wide positive behavior support program in an elementary school based on the decrease of discipline referrals earned by the students in grades 3-4 (n=43) and (b) find a relationship between discipline referrals earned by each student in the pre-intervention year and the total amount of discipline referrals earned by each student in the post-intervention year were the discipline variables. The scale math and language scores attained by each student for the pre-intervention year and the post-intervention year were the academic variables explored. A Pearson Correlation test …


The Examination Of Inter-Rater Reliability And The Reliability Of Attachment Measures, Nicole Bayles Jul 2012

The Examination Of Inter-Rater Reliability And The Reliability Of Attachment Measures, Nicole Bayles

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of measuring attachment through subjective measures, as well as the inter-rater reliability of those using the subjective measures. Participants were volunteers who had worked with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). They included social workers, lawyers, psychologists, etc. Participants were asked to answer questionnaires regarding the DYFS children they had worked with, as well as demographics about themselves. The questionnaires also included an alternative informed consent. The surveys were mailed to participants and included return envelopes to ensure ease of mailing them back. It was hypothesized that measuring …


Factors Influencing Choice Of College Major: What Really Makes A Difference?, Jill Edmonds Jul 2012

Factors Influencing Choice Of College Major: What Really Makes A Difference?, Jill Edmonds

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that are most influential to students when deciding their academic major. During the Spring 2012 semester students from the Rowan University subject pool and other classes (n = 60) participated in an online survey. Using a Likert scale, from 1 being extremely influential to 4 being not at all influential, participants were asked to rank a list of factors that may have influenced their decision of college major. All factors were then grouped into three subtypes of influences (practical, interpersonal, and personal) to determine where the greatest influence on students today …


Academic Enablers And Dance: A Correlation Study, Kacey Burke Jul 2012

Academic Enablers And Dance: A Correlation Study, Kacey Burke

Theses and Dissertations

This study surveyed 24 teenagers who took part in extracurricular dancing to determine if there is a relationship between the number of hours they spent dancing and their levels of academic enablers. Academic enablers are qualities that have been identified to predict student academic success in school (DiPerna, 2006). This study addressed an ongoing debate among many parents: Does children's time-consuming involvement in extracurricular activities take away from their academic success, and how much is too much? The participants were asked to complete the Academic Competency Evaluation Scales (ACES) to determine their levels of academic enabling behaviors. They also were …


The Frequency Of Harassment, Intimidation, And Bullying By General Education Students Compared To Special Education Students, And The Implications Of Early Intervention For At Risk Students; Are Special Education Students More Likely To Be Involved In Hib Incidents Than Regular Unclassified Students?, Peter Spezzano Jul 2012

The Frequency Of Harassment, Intimidation, And Bullying By General Education Students Compared To Special Education Students, And The Implications Of Early Intervention For At Risk Students; Are Special Education Students More Likely To Be Involved In Hib Incidents Than Regular Unclassified Students?, Peter Spezzano

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to determine the pervasiveness of bullying among middle school students, and the relationship with special education classification. The sample population investigated was composed of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade middle school students. Archival data collected from four years of office disciplinary referrals provided the statistics to evaluate student classification and frequency of bullying. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted in order to examine the data. As hypothesized results revealed that there was a correlation between student special education classification and the rate of involvement in a bullying event. The research suggests that students classified as …


The Prevalence And Perceptions Of Bullying In The Autistic Population: The Functionality Of Social Skills Training, Jessica Krambeck Jul 2012

The Prevalence And Perceptions Of Bullying In The Autistic Population: The Functionality Of Social Skills Training, Jessica Krambeck

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined the self-report of bullying experiences and perceptions of high functioning autistic students, as well as the relationship between social functioning and these variables. A sample of 44 children between the ages of 9 and 14 were asked to report their experiences with bullying across educational settings using a revised version of Susan Swearer's The Bully Survey-Student Edition (2001). The students also completed part D of the survey in order to examine their acceptance of bullying behaviors. The social functioning of the children; in particular, their behavioral level and acquisition of particular social skills (conflict resolution, emotional …


Student Perceptions Of School Uniforms: A Comparative Study Of Students Participated In School Uniforms And Those Who Did Not, Jonathan Mimmo Jul 2012

Student Perceptions Of School Uniforms: A Comparative Study Of Students Participated In School Uniforms And Those Who Did Not, Jonathan Mimmo

Theses and Dissertations

The institution of mandatory school uniforms into public schools has been met with resistance despite research suggesting that a uniform policy can be a useful tool in improving a school's behavioral climate. The attitudes and perceptions held by students who may or may not have participated in a school uniform policy were examined to determine what effect experience might have on perception and attitude. Surveys were administered to college students to examine their held perceptions and attitudes about school uniforms. The subjects were grouped according to their uniform participation history (with or without experience), and the scores were compared across …


Supporting African American Involvement In A Doctoral Program At A Regional Comprehensive University: A Research Study Of The Experiences And Perceptions Of African American Current Doctoral Candidates And African American Doctorates, Frankie Nicholson Jul 2012

Supporting African American Involvement In A Doctoral Program At A Regional Comprehensive University: A Research Study Of The Experiences And Perceptions Of African American Current Doctoral Candidates And African American Doctorates, Frankie Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

Education has been the path to battle moral injustice and to encourage self-governing dialogue about doing the "right thing" (Freire, 1998; Fullan, 2007; Hurtado et al., 1999; Tatum, 1992). Fullan (2007) claims that education is the "vehicle" to diminish inequities for the academically disadvantaged. Through interviews and conversations regarding their experiences and perceptions, this research study "gives voice" to African American doctorates, current doctoral students, and doctoral students who chose not to complete the doctoral educational leadership program at a regional comprehensive university in a Mid-Atlantic State (Allen, 1992, 2000; Delgado, 1995; Freeman, 1997; Soloranzo & Yosso, 2000, 2001). Using …