Education Commons^™

The Overrepresentation Of African American Males In Special Education Classroom: Advantages Of Single Sex Education, Emily J. Cloonan

Education Masters

African American males are more likely to be placed in a special education classroom setting than any other racial and gender combination. Current research suggests that African American males are less likely to be placed in a special education classroom if they attend a single sex school. With this information, I wanted to find out if the current literature review research could be applied to the Rochester City School District. I analyzed public data provided by the New York State Department of Education. I looked at three particular schools in the Rochester City School District, Leadership Academy for Young men, …

Pull-Out Or Push In? Impact On Students With Special Needs Social, Emotional, And Academic Success, Kasey Barton

Education Masters

Abstract[SMS1]

Inclusion has become the standard practice in the classroom today but many students continue to be pulled out of the classroom for various services such as counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and extra support. It is up to the teachers and the parents to decide where the least restrictive environment is for the students in order for them to be the most successful. This study was conducted to determine any effects on students’ social success in the classroom. The study involved five general education teachers, two special education teachers, four parents, and six fourth grade students …

Effects Of Multicultural Literature On Children’S Perspectives Of Race And Educator Implementation Of Multicultural Literature, Elyssa Youngs

Education Masters

This action research paper addresses the question, “What effects can multicultural literature has on children’s perception of race and how do educators implement multicultural literature into the classroom. The results of the study were mixed based on the students’ thoughts about race. Data was collected in the forms of interviews, field notes, questionnaires, and student work samples. The data collected showed three themes: students’ perceptions of races, the importance of using multicultural literature, and educator implementation of multicultural literature in the classroom. The results from the study show that students require exposure to multicultural literature in order to address social …

An Examination Of Race And Sexuality Perspectives Of High-School Students Through Narrative Writing, Anthony Benson

Education Masters

This study asked the question: how does narrative writing reflect students’ personal experiences with race and sexuality? Students expressed their underlying opinions of both groups by writing a short story involving characters created using their personal experiences. With minimal guidance, students drafted their characters, wrote their story and responded to interview questions related to the personal experiences behind their creations. Also, students were exposed to different perspectives and tasked with creating new characters after reflection. Students with fewer interactions relied on media portrayals, which reinforced stereotypes. Exposure to different perspectives was not completely successful, as they lacked the real life …

Implementing Literacy Strategies And Activities To Help Math Students In Geometry, Amanda Cappelli

Education Masters

This study examines how literacy strategies and activates help math students learn geometry concepts and solve problems. Three literacy activities were implemented in a 10^th grade geometry classroom, and three students of different math abilities were interviewed. Student work was also analyzed and presented as part of the findings. The data collected revealed the following three themes: the helpfulness of literacy strategies differs for high and low achieving students, using visual representations led to more successful problem solving, and content area vocabulary was essential to know for achievement. The results from this study suggest that math teachers need to …

Reading Comprehension In Deaf Education: Comprehension Strategies To Support Students Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Lisa M. Bickham

Education Masters

Because students who are deaf or hard of hearing often struggle with reading comprehension, this research study asks “what strategies can be used to successfully support the development or improvement of reading comprehension of students who are deaf or hard of hearing?” Using data collected from questionnaires, focus groups, and student scores before and after interventions, the conclusion was that there are several different strategies that are currently being used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing to support their reading comprehension. The implications of this study can be used to educate teachers of the deaf about which …

Impact Of Children's Literature On Family Structures And Children's Perceptions Of Family, Lindsey M. White

Education Masters

This study asks, what is the impact of children’s literature on children’s perceptions of family structures? Literature teaches young children a great deal about the world in which they live; therefore, literature plays a large role in children’s perceptions of others. This study uses triangulation with three forms of qualitative data collected by children’s drawings of families, interviews, questionnaires, and discussions. The study found that young children can understand differences of others. Teachers hold a great deal of responsibility for shaping the minds of the future and literature has a large impact on how children learn about others and perceive …

The Effects Of Explicit Code-Switching Instruction On Student Writing Performance For Students Who Speak Non-Standard Forms Of English, Jeffrey R. Allen

Education Masters

This research project began by asking how explicit code-switching instruction would impact the writing performance of non-standard English speaking students. Participants included twelve sixth grade students and twelve teachers. The data collected was teacher interviews, anecdotal notes, writing samples, teacher questionnaires, student work samples, and audio recorded code-switching practice sessions. Findings revealed that students were not able to translate their knowledge of and proficiency with oral code-switching and dialect variance to written code-switching. In addition, James Prep’s implementation of code-switching pedagogy is not adequate. The data implied that without valuing the home languages of students and building a culture of …

Literature Circles And Their Improvement Of Comprehension, Lauren Coccia

Education Masters

Literature circles are an ideal reading instructional method when it comes to holding students accountable for their own understanding of literature. The research question asked in this study was, “How do literature circles improve comprehension?” Research was collected on six primary leveled students at Freedom Charter School (pseudonym) in Western New York. Through a questionnaire, pre and post-assessments, student work, and field notes, there was a noticeable increase in comprehension of the chosen text within this study once literature circle sessions came to a conclusion. Teachers must be thoughtful when it comes to choosing literature used in literature circles, constructing …

The Impact Of Differentiated Instruction On Student Reading Level Throughout The Response To Intervention Model, Rachel M. Simmons

Education Masters

This paper shows the importance for differentiated reading instruction throughout various settings in the Response to Intervention Model. It includes a review of the literature that is current on the topic, and demonstrates possible strategies that can be used within the three tiers of reading intervention services. This paper includes a study that was conducted to monitor the growth that five students made in regard to their reading level over the course of their sixth grade school year. All five students were identified as needing additional reading intervention services, yet only three students received these services. The results of the …

Students With Disabilities In Self-Contained Classrooms: Strategies Improving Phonics In Reading, Elizabeth A. Armes

Education Masters

The current action research paper asked the question, “How do students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom use different phonics strategies to find success in their reading?” Phonics strategies aim to help students with disabilities increase their phonics skills. The research was conducted among five students in a self-contained classroom with multiple disabilities. The data was collected by interviewing teachers and students, delivering three phonics strategies, recorded observations, and field notes. The research study met each student at their individual level and sought to meet their individual needs. Overall these phonics strategies, can be beneficial to students with disabilities. Phonics …

Modified Literature Circles As An Effective Comprehension Strategy: A Focus On Diverse Learners, Holley Boor

Education Masters

This study investigates modified literature circles as an effective comprehension strategy for diverse learners. The data from this action research indicated that when modifications and appropriate levels of support and pre-teaching are made available, literature circles can support developed discussions and improve comprehension for diverse learners. Important implications emerged from the data for special educators teaching literacy. Teachers should utilize the following modifications: clearly defined/displayed roles during literature discussions, sentence starters, pre-literature circle conferences to develop questions and clarify thoughts before meeting as a group, and explicit vocabulary and comprehension instruction. Meaningful literacy experiences and strong comprehension skills can be …

Technology’S Influence On Student Comprehension, Jessica Clar

Education Masters

This research question asked how can technology influence students’ comprehension? Research was conducted in a first grade classroom. The data was collected by a student focus group, student work samples, rubrics, and teacher field notes. Findings revealed that students are engaged while using technology; however they are just as engaged when involved in a traditional read aloud. As for reading comprehension students’ showed an increase in achievement when using the smart board as the primary source of instruction. Overall, data shows that teachers should implement technology in the classroom to promote student participation as well as increased achievement.

How Does Executive Function Deficits Affect Individuals With Autism And What Strategies Can Educators Use That Will Benefit Those Individuals, Richard Arsenault

Education Masters

Autism affects 1in 66 children and that comes with a lot of frustration for children and their families. Some families will see the largest difficulty when their child enters the education system. High functioning individuals will have skills that will have educators wondering what is happening to their student who seems to be able to understand and complete the work in a school environment. What is talk about in small amounts is executive functioning and its challenges that occurs with individuals with autism. Executive function is a theory that is broken down into 7 different components that individuals will have …

Solving The Achievement Gap In Mathematics: It's Not Just A Numbers Game, Renee Perreaud

Education Masters

I conducted my research reflecting the opinions and thoughts of my colleagues and administrators. I exposed them to questions about their experience educating a diverse group of students, how they feel the impact of the achievement gap in mathematics has been exposed in their classrooms and what they are doing as educators to help close it. They discussed how difficult and challenging it can be to teach students who live in poverty and come from difficult home circumstances. They shed light on how to motivate students when many other social factors going on in their lives seem more important. Above …

Adaptive Technology In Special Education: How Does It Help Our Students?, Lisa Balme

Education Masters

I conducted my research reflecting the opinions and thoughts of my colleagues. I exposed them to questions about their experience using adaptive technology in their classrooms, what types of adaptive technology they use, how they feel it benefits students with and without disabilities. They briefly talk about the training they may or may not have received on using such devices and how it affects them as the classroom teacher in assisting their students with using these devices. They discussed how using adaptive technology can be useful for students with disabilities as well as students without, as well as how it …

Coping With Emotional Disturbance: Issues With Intervention Plans, David Helling

Education Masters

Emotional Disturbance may be the most misunderstood mental disability in the field of Special Education. Intervention plans are usually developed by Special Education teachers and school psychologists and used for the purpose of helping the student stay calm and focused in regular education classes. The purpose of this research is to challenge the idea of the containment of students that carry this label and study strategies and approaches that teach students the skills they need to not only be able to stay in a general education class, but to flourish and have successful academic careers. Literature Review

Assistive Technology For Students With Multiple Disabilities, Emily Allen

Education Masters

This research looks into the effectiveness of assistive technology for students with multiple disabilities in a classroom setting. Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system—whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized—that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This research also looks into the many obstacles that educators, building support staff and families face when trying to obtain assistive technology devices for their students. This research uses a thirteen question survey, sent out to several educational staff. The results of this research may be used to improve the effectiveness of said …

A Closer Look At Rochester Charter School A: Factors That Contribute To The School's High Performing Status, Katie Burch

Education Masters

The purpose of this study is to present Rochester Charter School A as a high performing school who’s neighboring schools are currently in a state of emergency. Rochester Charter School A is located in a low socio-economic area where the public school district is failing. This study revealed some of the cultural norms at Rochester Charter School A and how they are able to overcome the current struggle of closing the achievement gap. It also exposed some of Rochester Charter School A’s best practices that contribute to their students achievement, like longer school days and a longer school year, frequent …

Using Manipulatives In The Chemisty Classroom As A Tool To Increase The Understanding And Knowledge Of The Law Of Conversation Of Matter, Jamie Kirk

Education Masters

Students at the secondary level have a difficult time balancing equations and comprehending the law of conservation of matter. The law of conservation of matter is a fundamental concept in the chemistry curriculum and is necessary for students to understand more advanced topics. The purpose of this study is to justify the use of manipulatives in the science classroom and to show the increased ability, knowledge, engagement level, and impact of students it has.
In this small-scale study the use of simple manipulatives are used to model the law of conservation of matter when balancing equations. The students use manipulatives …

Consequences Of High-Stake Testing, Lindsey Fitzgerald

Education Masters

High-stakes testing affects students and educators all over the United States. Though high-stakes testing is not new to education, in 2001, it became national policy as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. The goal is this act was to better the education system in the United States. The paper examines the many positive and negative consequences of high-stakes testing. Opinions greatly differ about high-stakes testing. In order to present the positive and negative consequences, the author has attempted to synthesize findings from 13 research articles. The purpose of this study is to present a systematic review of …

Best Practices For Transitioning Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Into Adulthood., Lindsay Frank

Education Masters

As the numbers of individuals who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder grow, education has focused on how to help them learn in classroom settings with peers. But what happens to them when they graduate from high school? How do they translate the skills they learned in school to everyday adult life? To answer this question it is important to examine how children with Autism Spectrum Disorder learn throughout their lives, from early childhood, adolescents, and into adulthood. With this information there are numerous strategies that can be utilized in early adolescences to create an effective transition program that enables …

The Effectiveness Of Applied Behavior Analysis, Megan Kehoe

Education Masters

There are many different ways to educate students on the Autism Spectrum. Applied Behavior Analysis is one educational tool that has shown to be an effective tool in showing progress with students that are on the Autism Spectrum. ABA allows students to show progress at their own pace using a repetitive educational strategy. Educators that have implemented ABA have voiced their opinion on why it is effective and have given their input on what has worked best for them and some of the struggles that have gone through to make sure that it is an effective tool for their students.

The Impact Of Canine-Assisted Therapy And Activities On Children In An Educational Setting, Katie R. Beck

Education Masters

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activities (AAA) are becoming more prevalent in educational settings. Research has shown that there are many benefits to having animals involved in therapy, specifically canines. Canine-assisted therapy/activities and the use of therapy dogs are being incorporated into schools and classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impacts canine-assisted therapy and activities have on students academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. It will also identify any caveats of the use of therapy dogs in schools, and investigate the evidence to further determine if and how therapy dogs have positive impacts on children in …

Life With Cortical Dysplasis. A Case Study Of A Sixth Grader., Brittany Gerlach

Education Masters

Cortical Dysplasia is a rare brain malformation that results in multiple life challenges such as hemiparesis (cerebral palsy on half of the body), and seizures. For some people, with medication and life long therapies, the side effects dealing with cortical dysplasia can be minimized. This can lead to those living a rather normal life. In some cases, more drastic measures have to be taken. A hemispherectomy is the removal of the entire hemisphere of the brain, typically the malformed side. The idea of this surgery is to remove the part of the brain causing life-threatening problems. In cases for those …

Adhd, Prescribed Medication, And Its Effect In The Classroom And On Individuals, Tristin Rider

Education Masters

ADHD is one of the fastest growing diagnoses in America. With a growing diagnosis comes a growing rate of prescriptions to alleviate the symptoms associated with ADHD. This prescription medication can be seen as a quick fix in order to create proper student behaviors within the classroom. This observational case study was completed to see whether or not students who are on prescription medication for ADHD behaviorally outperformed those students who are not on prescription medication for ADHD. Unaware that they were being observed, students were monitored over eight categories throughout two class periods during the day. Research shows that …

Online Learning: Revealing The Benefits And Challenges, Brittany Gilbert

Education Masters

The expansive nature of the Internet and the accessibility of technology have generated a surge in the demand for web based teaching and learning. Online education is quickly infiltrating into school districts and colleges across the nation. This paper explores whether high school students could benefit from online courses and examines the potential challenges and drawbacks of online coursework. This paper raises questions about how to best support high school students enrolled in an online course.

Using Technology With English Language Learners In The Classroom, Megan Cutter

Education Masters

No abstract provided.

Using Book Clubs To Study The Difference In Student Discourse And Persona In Face-To-Face Versus Online Discussion Of Literature, Alexandra Zornow

Education Masters

The goal of this study is to examine the differences in student discourse and persona in an online book club and a face-to-face book club. Data was collected in the form of questionnaires, field notes, and transcripts of both online and face-to-face literature discussions. The study reveals that there are various differences in student discourse when using an online discussion platform. When using a virtual book club, there are obstacles that impact student participation, students’ behavior and interaction changes and students utilize a form of netspeak to communicate in an online setting. The implications of this study can assist educators …

The Response To A Daily, Structured Literacy Intervention And Its Effect On Struggling Readers‟ Comprehension, Amanda Bradshaw

Education Masters

This action research investigates how a daily, structured literacy intervention effects struggling readers‟ comprehension. Struggling readers lack the literacy foundations needed to be successful readers and make meaning from text. A variety of data was collected including the following: teacher interviews, student questionnaires, Running Reading Records and field observation notes. The data show three emerging themes: developing mastery in literacy learning, belonging to a community of learners and building positive self-esteem: the link between literacy learning and behavior. The results showed that struggling readers benefit from a daily, structured literacy intervention that focuses on the key literacy foundations needed for …