Education Commons^™

Increasing Student Engagement Through Opportunities To Respond, Todd Whitney, Justin T. Cooper, Amy S. Lingo

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The evidence for providing sufficient opportunities for students to respond (OTR) has been established in terms of increasing student engagement while decreasing disruptive behavior. Although proven to be effective, teachers are demonstrating low rates of OTR across all grade levels and instructional content areas. Given the potential benefits of increasing OTR, it is critical that teachers find ways to increase the provision of OTR during instruction. This article will discuss the research behind providing sufficient OTR, examine the rate of OTR teachers are providing in schools in relation to optimal rates suggested by research, and provide strategies for increasing OTR …

Turning Teachers Into Action Researchers In Their Classrooms, Dusty Columbia Embury, Laura S. Clarke

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Action research is often called the teacher’s research and often feels like a common sense approach to solving problems, but not all pre-service teachers begin careers knowing how to use this methodology to improve their own practice. This article offers a rationale for teaching pre-service teachers the skills and action research methodology as a tool for professional improvement based on the experiences of the authors engaging in a reflective process for teaching. While not generalizable, it is hoped that lessons learned may be applied by other faculty in teacher education programs.

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Bcba) Credential: What Is It, How To Get It, Steven A. Crites Dr.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a research-based and effective procedure used to change the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations. While some may think of ABA to decrease maladaptive behavior, it can also be used to improve adaptive behavior, academic, social, and employment skills. There is a growing need for experts in behavior analysis to provide services in early intervention programs, schools, day treatment centers, institutions and in the work place. A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is credentialed to provide these behavior analytic services. This paper will provide a brief overview of applied behavior analysis, define the BCBA credential, …

Preparing Teachers With Core Content Expertise To Support Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Robert C. Pennington Phd, Ginevra Courtade, Best Newberry Gurney

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

In this paper, the authors describe a teacher preparation program in the area of moderate to severe disabilities with an emphasis in academic instruction. They present a rationale for their increased focus on academics, a description of the program’s design, and several challenges associated with its implementation. Further, they offer several considerations for iterative improvement of the program.

Creating Order Out Of The Chaos Of Differentiated Lesson Planning For The Novice Teacher Candidate, J. Dusteen Knotts Ph.D.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Current classroom settings are more diverse than ever before. Preservice teacher candidates must learn the principles of differentiation and how to apply them to lesson preparation. Lesson planning is multi-faceted and this paper offers an integral tool to promote differentiated lesson planning to the novice teacher. These principles are presented in a concise, foundational chart aligning the components with Blooms Cognitive Taxonomy, classroom activities, assessment, scoring guides, and student grouping. Understanding of these aligned concepts sets the foundation to facilitate differentiated lesson planning.

Examining The Influence Of Self-Determination Theory Components With Students Of Varying Cognitive Abilities, Antonia Szymanski

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This study sought to explore difference in the influences of components of Self-Determination Theory between students of average and high academic ability. Differences were examined using correlational comparisons, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). As expected, students with high academic ability reported high perceptions of competence. Although other mean differences were not significant, relationships between the variables showed interesting results. Significant correlational differences were found between the relationships of Perceived Competence and Teacher Control, Intrinsic Motivation, and Boredom. Teacher Control also had significantly different relationships with students’ engagement between the two groups. The study adds to the understanding of Self-Determination …

Student Teachers’ Experiences With A Preparation-To-Practice Gap In Reading Instruction: A Preliminary Exploration And Implications For Teacher Preparation Faculty, Brooke Blanks

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Abstract

Teacher educators and practitioners can agree that there are differences between knowing something in theory and knowing how to do something in a real classroom. This qualitative inquiry is anchored in evidence-based reading instruction as described by the National Reading Panel (2000) which emphasizes systematic, explicit instructional and teaching enhancements to support diverse students’ learning in multi-tier general educational classrooms. Specifically, this study investigated how student teachers applied their knowledge of research based reading methods in general education classrooms during their capstone field experience at the end of their undergraduate program, hereafter called student teaching.

Kyted President's Letter, Steve Crites

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Read a letter from the president.

Editor's Welcome And Introduction To Ktej, Wanda G. Chandler

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The editor, Wanda G. Chandler, welcomes TED members and other readers to the reestablishment of KTEJ and the first issue be published at WKU's TopSCHOLAR® website. Call for papers is March 15, 2014.

Perceived Classroom Management Needs Of Pre-Service Teachers, Nielsen Pereira, Jillian Gates

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

A disconnect exists between pre-service teachers’ expectations concerning classroom management course content and the reality of teaching in an elementary school. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived needs of pre-service teachers in a classroom management course for elementary education majors at a Midwestern university.

A Review Of Choice And Preference Assessments To Increase Academic Attainment For Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jamie Emery, Janet L. Applin, Marty Boman

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Many schools use choice and preference assessments to decrease and/or increase behaviors of students with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD. Although there exists scant evidence from the literature exploring the relationship between utilizing choice and preference assessments as a tool to increase academic achievement, the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC ) “ Initial Level Special Educator Preparation Standards” require beginning special education professionals to, “select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities,” (CEC, 2012). To contribute to the knowledge base regarding using choice and preference assessment as a …

Setting Sail For Early Learning Success: Using A Data-Based Decision Making Process To Measure And Monitor Outcomes In Early Childhood Programs, Howard S. Muscott, Tina M. Pomerleau, Kristy L. Park, Elizabeth A. Steed, Andy J. Frey, Tara L. Korfhage

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The use of data to inform decision-making and monitor individual student progress is recognized as an important, yet elusive practice in early childhood programs. In this article, Data-based Navigation is presented as a five step data-based decision making process designed to help early childhood professionals measure and monitor desired programmatic outcomes. A case study that focuses on the reduction of challenging behaviors is provided to illustrate the process.

Are Teaching Effectiveness And Retention Influenced By Various Routes To Special Education Certification?, Steven A. Crites Dr., Bianca Prather-Jones, Rachelle M. Bruno, Stephen C. Walker

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This study reviewed and interpreted the results of survey data that compared the self-perceived performance and self-efficacy on several dimensions tied to the CEC standards for teachers of students who access the individualized general education curriculum. Teachers prepared through traditional undergraduate approaches, post-baccalaureate certification options for general education teachers, and an alternative certification program were asked about job satisfaction, success rate on the Praxis II tests, and other factors related to retention. Although all three programs are designed with the same content standards established by the field (Council for Exceptional Children, 2003), there are some significant differences between them, e.g., …

Disabilities In The Media-Powerpoint Presentation, Bruce Battles

Kentucky Teacher Educator

No abstract provided.

Authentic Assessments For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Marty Boman, Sarah Mcmaine, Robyn Fine

Kentucky Teacher Educator

Individual student assessments, formal and informal, provide the essential framework of the exceptional education process. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004, these laws determine the needs and programs that will be implemented for every child identified to receive exceptional education services. Collectively, norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and authentic assessments complete a comprehensive portrayal of the student's academic, behavioral, and functional needs and skills. This paper outlines the various elements of authentic assessment and how they can be implemented with individuals identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as other students. The main purpose of including authentic …

Skills, Knowledge, And Attitudes Of Culturally Responsive Teachers, Janet L. Applin

Kentucky Teacher Educator

This article presents a summary of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required by teachers and prospective teachers to become considered Culturally Responsive. Best practices from the literature on Culturally Responsive Teaching are summarized in four categories: awareness of self,; acknowledgement of the broader context; necessary attitudes; and required abilities.

Read & Write Gold: Technology Increasing Student Achievement, Nedra Atwell, Marty Boman, Paula Borland, Marisa Duarte, Linda Fishback, Connie Miller, Elizabeth Romero

Kentucky Teacher Educator

No abstract provided.

Building Quality And Capacity In Rural Areas, Nedra Atwell, Janice Ferguson, Judy Pierce

Kentucky Teacher Educator

This article will provide readers an overview of the program Western Kentucky University is using to promote quality training and promote professionalism in special education teachers. This program incorporates collaboration with local school districts, a cohort approach, field-based practitioners, online delivery of a research-based curriculum and demonstrated pedagogical knowledge with practical skills relevant to the targeted student population. The intent is to meet the demand for highly qualified special education teachers, not merely to decrease the shortage of teachers.

Crt Assessment Instrument, Janet L. Applin

Kentucky Teacher Educator

The Culturally Responsive Teaching Assessment Instrument (CRT) is an observation instrument that was developed to assess teachers' use of culturally responsive teaching in applied classroom settings.

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Federal Definition Of Gifted And Talented, Bruce Battles

Kentucky Teacher Educator

The Tennessee state law as it refers to the gifted and talented is not as specific in the characteristics found in the Federal definition. The purpose of this study was to find if the perceptions of the local teachers agreed with the Federal characteristics. A survey of 80 middle Tennessee teachers was completed. The total number of schools surveyed was 4 public and one private school. The survey was rated using a 5 point Linker scale. The results were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program. A paired samples test was used in the data analysis. It was found that while …

Connecting Alternate Practicum Experiences In Teacher Education With The ‘Seven Principles For Good Practice In Undergraduate Education', Sylvia Dietrich, Tamar Riley

Kentucky Teacher Educator

University students and professors participated in a shared practicum experience with individuals with moderate to severe disabilities through a weekend long fishing tournament sponsored by an Easter Seal’s Camp. Results from open ended questionnaires were inductively analyzed. Results indicate that students felt the experience was beneficial, provided them with the opportunity to work collaboratively with peers and professors, and impacted their perceptions of their professors. Experience is connected with ‘The Seven Principles For Good Practice in Undergraduate Education’ and discussion for implication for practice in teacher education programs is presented.

The Development Of The Culturally Responsive Teaching Assessment Instrument, Janet L. Applin

Kentucky Teacher Educator

This article is concerned with developing an instrument to assess Culturally Responsive Teaching. A study was conducted to explore the process of developing a valid and reliable CRT Assessment Instrument. Teaching behaviors widely accepted to indicate culturally responsive teaching were operationalized and an observation instrument was developed to assess teachers' use of culturally responsive teaching in applied classroom settings. Teachers were observed using the instrument and it was evaluated for its reliability and validity. Results of the study indicated that the instrument was found to have acceptable inter-rater reliability for approximately half of the indicators. The results supported the content …