Education Commons^™

Using Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Modules For Literacy Instruction With Students With Disabilities, Amanda M. Wasylik

Graduate Research Papers

This research study examined the use of comprehensive literacy instruction within a self-contained ID-mild Special Education classroom. Comprehensive literacy consists of daily instruction in word study, comprehension, and writing, with an additional period of time during each day for self-selected reading. Comprehensive literacy instruction was examined using self-study methodology on teaching practice through the analysis of lesson reflections, class schedules, and an autobiography of professional teaching experience.

Three case studies of student performance across a semester of instruction were analyzed using data on literacy tasks, literacy assessment, and classroom observations. Results support the promotion of effective comprehensive literacy instruction for …

Video Modeling : Play Skills For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Via Peers, Ashley Ulin

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this small-scale inquiry project was to investigate the effects of peer modeling and video modeling as an instructional support for the development of social skills amongst the population of kindergarten students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in an inclusive setting. The participants in this project were seven Kindergarten students with ASD, and four regular education students in an inclusive setting. The teachers were three general education teachers as well as myself, the teacher of the modified autism program. The data collection included teacher observations, email communication, and video created by teachers and teaching assistants. This study proposes …

Using The Instructional Coaching Model To Implement Positive Behavior Supports In Early Childhood Special Education Programs, Heather Donoho

Graduate Research Papers

Challenging behaviors in early childhood programs are of increasing concern to teachers in preschool programs. The use of Positive Behavior Supports, or PBS, has been on the rise in a variety of preschool programs as a way to increase acceptable behaviors while using tiered interventions to identify children in need of specific skills training in hopes of decreasing the chances of negative behaviors. While most teachers are in favor of the PBS initiative, many teachers report not having enough time or expertise to implement the program to the best of their ability. Another new initiative in preschool programs is that …

Children With Cerebral Palsy And Early Intervention Services, Genalee Horsfield

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature and research review is to understand early home intervention services for children with Cerebral Palsy. The review focuses on children between birth and five years old and their families. Studies were reviewed worldwide including the United States, Sweden, Netherlands, and Australia. These studies include information about service providers, different programs for children with Cerebral Palsy and their families, frequency of visits that occur for the children and their families, and the disadvantages and advantages of early intervention services for children with cerebral palsy. The conclusion of this literature and research review also includes recommendations based …

Social Development Of Children With Allergies & Asthma, Nicholas Mohwinkle

Graduate Research Papers

Every child needs special attention in order to develop to their fullest potential. Children struggle with problems big and small as their minds and bodies develop, whether it's a fear of reading aloud, or serious health concerns. There can be serious consequences if a child's parents and peers are not aware of their needs, including something as seemingly small as allergies and asthma. Consequences range from having a rash, to experiencing a fatal reaction if not dealt with (Maisa, 1998). In this paper, I'm discussing the importance of awareness and the issues that children with allergies and asthma face every …

Facilitating Maximum Benefit For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Distance Education, Rodd Grady

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional distance education environments are not conducive to learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The purpose of this literature review is to address how learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can better succeed in distance education learning environments. The review defines distance education, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and briefly explains some of the details of each. It then reviews strategies for helping students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Considerations for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in distance education are addressed. It discusses media, interaction, engagement of learners, feedback, motivation, and support systems as possible ways to help learners with …

A Review Of Instructional Strategies For Assisting Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In The Preschool Classroom, Michelle Miller

Graduate Research Papers

There are many people in today's society who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). More and more children in today's schools are exhibiting the characteristics that coincide with ADHD and the children exhibiting such behaviors appear to be getting younger and younger. The author of this review studied current scales and measurements that are being used to effectively diagnose young children with ADHD. The author described common characteristics found in preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD, as well as teaching strategies that are currently used for assisting these children in preschool classrooms.

Motivation And Its Impact On The Academic Achievement Of At-Risk Students, Emily Ann Bishop

Graduate Research Papers

Theories demonstrating the relationship between motivational variables and school achievement have substantially increased over the past three decades. This can be of great potential to educators because if students' motivation is more acquiescent to change than their ability, then achievement can be enhanced through practices that positively affect motivational development. Unfortunately, information on how such theories can be applied or utilized is often overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness and practical applicability of concepts from motivational theories on the academic achievement of at-risk students.

Aspergers Syndrome, Miquel K. Anastasi

Graduate Research Papers

Aspergers Syndrome has recently become a "popular" topic in the mental health fields. More and more school aged children are being formally diagnosed with the disorder. Yet, many professionals do not truly understand the nature of Aspergers syndrome beyond being a form of autism. In this paper Aspergers Syndrome is defined and compared with Autism and the causes and possible treatments are discussed, particularly from biological and sociocultural points of view.

Approaches To Differentiated Instruction That Serve The Needs Of Struggling Readers, Dawn Even

Graduate Research Papers

Educators have long grappled with the dilemma of how to deal effectively with students who are not performing successfully in classrooms, in particular with students having difficulty learning to read. In elementary classrooms we group students according to their reading ability. We put low performing students together, thereby slowing down the pace of instruction; which in the long run pulls the students even further behind. We need to discover ways to meet the needs of all of our students without leaving behind or "boring" them.

Inclusion : Why? What Now?, Robert Michael Bolick

Graduate Research Papers

The delivery of education to special needs students has changed over the years. The majority of classroom teachers and special education teachers have worked in separate classrooms to deliver the educational needs of special needs students. Now they are being asked to share a classroom so the special needs students can be included in the regular education classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to present research on strategies that will change the delivery of education for special needs students.

This paper will explain why the change is occurring, how it affects teachers and students, and the best practices for …

Autism Spectrum Disorder : Characteristics Seen With Asd And Interventions Used In And Outside The Inclusion Classroom, Monica K. Dircks

Graduate Research Papers

The number of children in our country diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is sharply increasing and does not seem to be slowing down in the near future. It is becoming increasingly more common to see schools implementing inclusion classrooms. These programs range from partial inclusion, where children with special needs spend various numbers of hours in a general education classroom each day, to full-inclusion classrooms. Still others use reverse inclusion, which entails general education students coming into a more self-contained special education classroom for part of the school day.

It is critical that general education teachers learn how …

A Case Study On The Effectiveness Of Kurzweil Software On Improving Participation And Comprehension With Special Education Students In The Science Classroom, Christina Glaub

Graduate Research Papers

This research project addresses using Kurzweil electronic text software as an accommodation with special education students. The research questions addressed were: Is Kurzweil an effective accommodation for special education students with reading deficits? and Will using Kurzweil improve special education students' participation and comprehension?

A review of literature provided more in-depth information about: (a) electronic text, specifically Kurzweil, (b) the benefits of integrating electronic text into the general education classrooms, and (c) the recommendations or considerations for teachers considering using electronic text. The research based on the literature review shows that the use of electronic text may lead to improved …

Children With Developmental Disabilities : Considering Positive Impact On The Family System, Tracie L. Self

Graduate Research Papers

Families who have at least one child with a developmental disability face challenges unique to their situation. With reported incidents of developmental disabilities on the rise, research parameters are being expanded to give more complete consideration of growing family needs. While the historical treatment of these families has often been negative, current research trends have begun to consider positive impact on families.

Positive impact includes areas such as quality of life, the child as a source of happiness, and an overall increase in personal family strength. The trend towards positivism is beginning to be reflected in theoretical understanding and in …

Use Of Social Stories For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Alicia Ann Karwal

Graduate Research Papers

Social stories have been widely used as an intervention for children on the Autism Spectrum. Educators and other service providers of students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are continually looking for strategies that will allow for their students to have more typical social experiences and greater quality of life. Some controversy exists concerning the success of social stories as an effective intervention. This paper will briefly examine characteristics of individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It will then explore using social stories with children affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Finally, it will consider a variety of purposes …

Assistive Technology : An Instructional Tool To Assist College Students With Written Language Disabilities, Isandra Martinez-Marrero

Graduate Research Papers

In their practice, instructional designers develop instructional materials and learning environments that address the individual needs of learners. However, little research has been conducted on how to address the needs of learners with disabilities, especially in post-secondary education. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the literature regarding the use of Assistive Technology as an instructional tool to assist college learners with written language disabilities. Implications for instructional designers are presented.

Full Inclusion And Collaborative Teaching : The New Wave In Education, Mindy Underwood

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout the history of education, the pendulum of best practice continuously swings. In the beginning, special education programs were practically nonexistent in schools, whereas now full inclusion and collaborative teaching are the new wave. This paper will explore the history of special education, full inclusion, collaborative teaching, and what it means for the regular education teacher in the general education classroom.

Inclusion Of Special Needs Students Into The Regular Education Classroom, Jennifer S. Hemann

Graduate Research Papers

Is inclusion really the best environment for students with disabilities? Inclusion remains a controversial topic of discussion in the world of education. Since the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), discussing the idea of inclusion has become more acceptable as school personal become willing to create inclusive classroom settings. This paper will examine the ideas behind inclusion including the history and evolution of inclusion. Throughout this paper the focus will be placed on inclusion issues in the classroom, as well as present various perspectives from individuals involved in the inclusion process. Research cited in this review suggests …

Quality Communication With Parents, Michelle Meier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review looks at quality communication between the parents of children with special needs and school personnel. Advantages and problems with communication will be discussed. Also, discussions will focus on the use of communication between educators and parents of children with special needs over the past five decades. The influence of public laws on communication between these groups will be examined.

In addition, the advantages and problems involved in this communication will be drawn from the literature and guidelines will be identified that are needed for effective communication between educators and parents of children with special needs. Lastly, conclusions …

Reading Comprehension Strategies For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Susan Reese

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), its possible causes, characteristics, treatment options, and instructional strategies used for teaching reading comprehension to people with this disorder. ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness to a degree beyond what is considered normal for the person's age.

While the exact causes are unknown, research is beginning to reveal that the disorder is brain based and genetic in disposition. Presently there is no cure for ADHD, but treatment options are available which include medications and/or therapies. Reading comprehension strategies to assist people with ADHD include chunking, …

What Are Appropriate Interventions And Treatment Programs For Children With Severe Autism In An Educational Setting?, Michelle Leicht

Graduate Research Papers

This project describes professional development sessions to assist educators in implementing interventions and treatment programs for children with severe autism in an educational setting.

The questions this project will address include: (1) What interventions and treatment program for children with severe autism are available to use in an educational setting, (2) What research supports interventions and treatment programs for children with severe autism, (3) How can they be implemented into the classroom, and (4) How can professional development sessions be implemented to assist teachers?

The professional development sessions described in this project include four two-hour sessions. The purpose of these …

The Effects Of Including Peers In Social Skills Training For Students With Autism, Cortney Boulden

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the effects of including autistic children with typically developing peers in social skills training programs. The benefits and limitations of the study were discussed concerning how peer models affected the performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Guidelines were presented to implement a social skills program. Also, conclusions and recommendations were drawn from the literature to improve social skills in autistic children by including them with typically developing children in a learning setting.

Components Of Inclusion, Jodi Janssen

Graduate Research Papers

As a special education teacher, I have always had a personal desire for inclusion to happen, and believed it could have benefits for all children of identified disabilities. After a recent transfer to a new school, the administration informed me I'd be teaching kindergarten with full inclusion for my special needs students. I was very excited about the prospect, but I was not armed with any solid information on how to approach a full inclusion model. As the school year progressed, my team and I forged ahead and I began researching what literature had to provide on the components needed …

Building Relationships With Students At-Risk, Joanna L. Rahnavardi

Graduate Research Papers

The term at-risk refers to any set of circumstances that have a cause and effect relationship on the student's success. Students defined as at-risk can be a challenging group of students to work with in the classroom and in a counseling setting. This paper will define students at-risk, discuss factors related to students at-risk, and methods to better reach and work with the student at-risk. While building relationships with students at-risk, the counselor's goal is to improve school success, model positive adult relationships, decrease dropout rates of students at-risk, have a more positive school and classroom climate, and improve graduation …

The Role Of Today's High School Counselor In Working With Students With Special Needs, Josh T. Carnelley

Graduate Research Papers

This paper presents the rationale, history, and the legislation that has impacted school counselors' work with special needs students. This paper discusses the many roles a school counselor plays in working with this population. These roles include, but are not limited to, personal counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, consulting with teachers, consulting with families, career and postsecondary plans, and the involvement of the counselor in the evaluation process. Concluding statements from the author will revisit the many roles of the counselor and implications for working with this population in the future.

Is Inclusion Working At One Middle School In Iowa?, Brett Alan Fischels

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated how the inclusive special education program was operating at Thompson Middle School in Southeast Iowa. Three conclusions were found. First, a majority of the teachers interviewed felt inclusive education was having a positive impact on all students. Second, most of interviewees felt the administrators needed to provide more resources to insure success. Finally, the more years teaching experience an educator possessed, the less they viewed inclusive education as having a positive impact. Recommendations are made to address these conclusions.

Literature Response Journals And Students Entitled To Special Education Services, Andrea J. Safina

Graduate Research Papers

This article examined the types of responses students entitled to level 1 and level 2 special education services made in their journals when responding to books read aloud by a special education teacher. The books chosen to be read aloud were from different genres and about varying topics. The responses were also examined to see if the genre read had any impact on the students' responses.

The responses made by the students fell into eight categories and genre did not affect the response pattern when students were responding to books read aloud by the teacher. The students still made more …

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Students In The Classroom : An Overview Of Strategies And Implications For Educators, Emily Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a very serious disease that is affecting more and more students in schools across America each year. Each of these students with FAS have different levels of severity of the disease and individual needs, but there are general and universal interventions and strategies that can be used by educators when working in the schools with these students. The following is an overview of some of these interventions and strategies that can be used with FAS students. Also included are implications for school psychologists and other educators for development and education in this area to better …

Universal Design For Learning, Cindy Mudroch

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review identifies the Universal Design for Learning or UDL method, which consists of educators representing information in multiple formats while providing numerous pathways for students' expression and several ways to engage students' interest and motivation. UDL is one way to address the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) act with a solution that will not only benefit the special needs children, but all children.

With UDL, student curriculum focuses on every child during the design phase. Graphic organizers are a part of every textbook and aide to understand the main topics. Assistive technology devices are available to all children, …

Family-Centered Early Intervention : Principles And Process, Jody Albertson

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review begins by discussing the background and history of family-centered early intervention. State monitoring reports from the Office of Special Education Programs are discussed as evidence that there is a need for education and clarification regarding family-centered early intervention. Various viewpoints are reviewed regarding the definition and principles of family-centered services. The process of family-centered services is then discussed with a focus on assessment service delivery, and evaluation of services. In the discussion of family-centered assessment, the concept of family-centered assessment is discussed and various tools used in completing family-centered assessment are described. In the discussion of service …