Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 30

Full-Text Articles in Education

The Influence Of Music On The Autistic Brain, Ananda Arvig Jan 2019

The Influence Of Music On The Autistic Brain, Ananda Arvig

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Scientific and qualitative research studies explain how different activities can affect and impact the brain. Researchers look at brain and wave activity to help determine ways music can be used as a therapeutic and beneficial teaching technique. The information based on these studies shows emotional and physiological changes in human behavior, activity, and development. This thesis discusses how research tools and evidence-based research observes and measures ways music affects autistic and non-autistic brains. Brain research supports how music specifically impacts people with autism and explores diverse ways to incorporate music in educational settings.


The Effects Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder On The Family, Kimberly M. Becker Jan 2019

The Effects Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder On The Family, Kimberly M. Becker

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ADHD affects not only the individual diagnosed with the disorder, but the individual’s family and surrounding community. The focus of this research was to gain an understanding of the way ADHD affects the individual and the various family members as well as to offer coping strategies and interventions. This effort to understand ADHD and its effects on the family enables educators to offer strategies to counteract negative impact on future family functioning and mental health.


Social Skills Interventions For Secondary Students With Asd, Pauli Brandt Jan 2019

Social Skills Interventions For Secondary Students With Asd, Pauli Brandt

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social skills instruction (SSI) is an area of high need for students with Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The SSI of secondary-aged ASD students is unique given that the law mandates transition (after high school) goals in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) at the age of 14 in Minnesota, and specialized services end upon graduation. For students to meet their goals and to be prepared for the end of services, SSI needs to incorporate skills and develop abilities that will be necessary in daily activities after graduation. Six areas of application were identified: address transition needs early, to include employment skills, to …


Lack Of African American Teachers In Schools And What Can Be Done To Encourage And Retain Those Teachers, Marc Brown Jan 2019

Lack Of African American Teachers In Schools And What Can Be Done To Encourage And Retain Those Teachers, Marc Brown

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This researcher has been a teacher in special education for almost four years and this is the first year working as a Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) teacher. However, most of the work has been as an Emotional Behavioral Disability (EBD) teacher. Becoming a special education teacher is an important step in supporting young African American students in the United States. African American boys are over represented in this country for special education services. As an African American male it holds great impact and influence for students to see someone that looks themselves. Further this researcher mainly has worked in setting …


Academic Motivation In Children With Adhd, Beth A. Butala Jan 2019

Academic Motivation In Children With Adhd, Beth A. Butala

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle academically and appear to have lower levels of academic motivation than their peers. This paper reviews the literature and evidence proving that lower academic motivation is associated with ADHD. The causes of the motivational deficits are both behavioral and explained by neurological differences in the brain. Research shows that children with ADHD lack the ability to inhibit their own reactionary behaviors and allow for executive functions to consider all the information available to make good decisions. In addition, children with ADHD have a strong preference for immediate rewards over waiting for long-term rewards. Behaviorally, …


The Effect Of Trauma On Students And How Schools And Teachers Are Changing To Better Support Student Needs, Ella Elaine Carlson Jan 2019

The Effect Of Trauma On Students And How Schools And Teachers Are Changing To Better Support Student Needs, Ella Elaine Carlson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers are seeing more and more students who are going through traumatic life events. These events are affecting their developing brain, school behavior and academic success. These events are having a secondary effect on teachers, creating burnout and secondary trauma. Teachers are becoming overwhelmed with their students academic needs and behavioral supports to make them more successful in school. School administrations are trying to find proper supports for all students in the classroom while providing teachers with meaningful professional development strategies. These strategies involve schools transitioning to a trauma-informed environment where students and teachers feel supportive and successful. The following …


Mindfulness In The Classroom, Regam Cerza Jan 2019

Mindfulness In The Classroom, Regam Cerza

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, there appears to be an increase in the number of children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade that struggle with issues such as mental illness, anxiety, emotional and behavioral disorders, etc. As a result, teachers are starting to witness more student behaviors in the classroom. Consequently, this impacts the learning environment of all students. Currently, there is a growing trend in the field of mindfulness. Mindfulness interventions have been suggested to help students with behavior regulation, academic performance, and prosocial behaviors. Research also suggests that mindfulness interventions are not only beneficial for students but teachers too. They …


The Connection Between Teacher-Student Relationships For Behavior And Academic Outcomes, Lance William Edminster Jan 2019

The Connection Between Teacher-Student Relationships For Behavior And Academic Outcomes, Lance William Edminster

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The National Center of Educational Statistics (NCES, n.d.) reports the “2016–17 ACGR (adjusted cohort graduation rate) for all students was 84.6 percent.” Emotional/Behavioral Disorder (E/BD) students are the lowest to graduate that has a disability. As of right now, 40% of the students labeled with E/BD graduate from school which is far below the national average (University of New Hampshire, 2014). Suicide is the number two killer of individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 which is a preventable death (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.) Harvard University (2019) reports that one caring and supportive adult can …


The Nascent Nature Of Grit In Education, Mary Lynn Fleetwood Jan 2019

The Nascent Nature Of Grit In Education, Mary Lynn Fleetwood

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Grit first came on the scene that commands the American public’s attention when introduced by leading Grit researcher Angela S. Duckworth. Angela and her team put forth that Grit may be one of if not the key determining factor that resulted in the difference between success and failure for individuals. Angela’s team further purported that Grit may be developed in or taught to individuals thereby resulting in an increased opportunity for success. Angela Duckworth’s speech on TedTalks started the conversation surrounding the possibilities inherent in Grit. By 2018, Duckworth had published a book on the topic of Grit. Angela’s plea …


Identification And Treatment Of Anxiety In Students Receiving Special Education Services: A Review Of The Literature, Analee Therese Francisco Jan 2019

Identification And Treatment Of Anxiety In Students Receiving Special Education Services: A Review Of The Literature, Analee Therese Francisco

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety affects school achievement and is common in nearly every disability category treated by Special Education programs. This review of literature summarizes existing research on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in students in varying disability categories, looks at the evidence of anxiety manifestations and its effects on the classroom and reports on treatments used in the school environment. Some conclusions are made about productive interventions for anxiety disorders based on past research. Although not all studies pertain specifically to special education students it is recognized that some of the information regarding anxiety as it applies to the general population is …


Implications And Interventions For Reducing The Use Of Restraint And Seclusion On Students Receiving Special Education Services, Samantha Lynn Gruidl Jan 2019

Implications And Interventions For Reducing The Use Of Restraint And Seclusion On Students Receiving Special Education Services, Samantha Lynn Gruidl

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores a difficult subject for both parents and special educators: the use of restraint and seclusion in the classroom. While no teacher wants to go hands-on with a student, crisis situations can arise in which a student becomes a threat to themselves or others. In these moments restrictive procedures are employed to maintain safety, but this does not address the underlying issues that caused the unsafe behavior in the first place, or prevent the behavior from occurring again. In this thesis, it has been set out to determine the risks involved with using these restrictive procedures, as well …


Gut Health And Environmental Impact On Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Christine Joy Noëlle Henne Jan 2019

Gut Health And Environmental Impact On Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Christine Joy Noëlle Henne

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent research, probable connections have been made between gut health and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Microbial imbalances within the gut were discovered in individuals with ASD, leading some researchers to think that this maladaptation may contribute to some of the impaired behaviors associated with autism. This paper seeks to answer the following questions: What evidence exists, if any, to connect gut health and environmental factors to autism? If the gut and the brain are interconnected, how can this apply to neurodevelopmental disorders? If individuals with autism could heal their bodies internally, would external behaviors and difficulties in social interaction …


Understanding Of The Place Value Concept For Special Education Students, Haley Lynn Hoskins Jan 2019

Understanding Of The Place Value Concept For Special Education Students, Haley Lynn Hoskins

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many students demonstrate difficulty with number sense, especially those of which struggle academically under a special education label. As a result, educators have the option to teach conceptual place value using a variety of methods which may be beneficial for these students. As students continue to learn these mathematical concepts such as multiplying multi digit numbers, research shows that there are multiple ways in which to teach students place value to a wide range of mathematical ability levels. The application of a variety of manipulatives can be used to help increase a student's understanding of number sense. This thesis will …


Virtual Reality Technology-Enabled Educational Approaches For Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Randolph S. Hull Jan 2019

Virtual Reality Technology-Enabled Educational Approaches For Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Randolph S. Hull

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines research studies that evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) simulated interventions in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including their enjoyment of the process and their ability to transfer VR learning to real-life situations. VR provides a safe and controllable environment that implements realistic computer-based simulated interactions that allow for repeated skill practice and gives participants the ability to progress at their own pace. Most of the research reviewed focused on improving specific deficit areas for those with ASD. Virtual reality interventions were used to increase social and emotional skills involving areas such as: social …


Decreasing Behavioral Challenges Using Sensory Strategies, Nicole Jean Jaworski Jan 2019

Decreasing Behavioral Challenges Using Sensory Strategies, Nicole Jean Jaworski

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature that identifies how the use of sensory integration strategies can positively impact students behavior in the classroom. Students with special needs often demonstrate sensory disruptions that interfere with their ability to learn. These disruptions are often unexpected, uncontrolled, and disrupt not only the the student but other scholars in the learning environment. A student with sensory needs receiving special education services gets these needs addressed through the Individual Education Plan (IEP), collaboratively developed by a special education teacher and the occupational therapist. Unfortunately, many students have sensory disruptions in absence …


Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports And Academic Achievement In Students Receiving Special Education Services, Jennifer L. Keenan Jan 2019

Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports And Academic Achievement In Students Receiving Special Education Services, Jennifer L. Keenan

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines the relationship between PBIS interventions and the effectiveness of implementation on factors that hinder academic success for students receiving special education services. The factors of focus included office referral rates in regards to student behaviors, attendance, on task behaviors, and motivation for students. Research was reviewed of school-age students and trained vs untrained school staff. PBIS was implemented with varying degrees of fidelity based on staff development opportunities as well as the amount of time that was given to implement. The studies reviewed indicated that when PBIS was implemented with high levels of fidelity, there were …


Understanding And Evaluating Classroom Ecology, Amanda Kolpin Jan 2019

Understanding And Evaluating Classroom Ecology, Amanda Kolpin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minnesota Rule 8719.5000 requires that special education teachers assess how environmental factors impact students during the evaluation process. Despite evidence explaining how environmental factors impact student achievement and behaviors, there is not a formal tool available to special education teachers that allows them to assess how classroom environment might influence a student. This project provides an extensive literature review examining how classroom ecology (the combined elements of the physical environment and social environment) impact student achievement. The literature review yielded twenty-two best practice indicators that informed the development of the Classroom Ecology Quality Indicator Tool. This tool will allow special …


Autism And The Impact On Multicultural Famlies, Mai Kou Lor Jan 2019

Autism And The Impact On Multicultural Famlies, Mai Kou Lor

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with parents from different cultures all over the world. The literature review focused on ways negative and positive outcomes impacted parents and caregivers raising children with autism. The results showed that even though parents and caregivers experienced high stress levels and difficult times, they gained a better perspectives and coping skills when learning to accept the autism disability. Studying information from other cultures and autism provides greater understanding about how autism impacts the Hmong community, when parents are raising a child with autism.


Mental Health Intervention Within The Education System And The Importance Of Developing A Quality Model Of Services, Jaclyn Mumaugh Jan 2019

Mental Health Intervention Within The Education System And The Importance Of Developing A Quality Model Of Services, Jaclyn Mumaugh

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine what schools are currently doing with the rise of mental health issues in youth. As schools continue to enroll more and more children suffering from possible mental health issues, districts must be equipped to provide appropriate care. Many factors need to be taken into account before support can be provided within the school, such as training, programming, staffing, and much more. Without proper services, adolescents can encounter many issues that will affect them the rest of their lives. This thesis will provide further information on how schools are currently providing care and …


How Nature Impacts The Social, Emotional, And Sensory Needs Of Students On The Autism Spectrum, Andrea Marie Mogren Jan 2019

How Nature Impacts The Social, Emotional, And Sensory Needs Of Students On The Autism Spectrum, Andrea Marie Mogren

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Meeting the sensory needs of students is often currently confined to classroom modifications. Teachers try to meet sensory, social, and emotional needs through human-developed methods such as fidgets, lighting covers, flexible seating, occupational therapy, and structuring activities. There is a growing body of research suggesting that sensory needs of students on the autism spectrum can be met through natural elements commonly found in outdoor environments. Frequently common barriers to success in the classroom for students with autism include, high anxiety, inability to sustain attention, and lack of motivation to complete tasks. The purpose of this thesis was to analyze way …


Addressing Challenging Behaviors Of Students With Down Syndrome, Laura M. Olstad Jan 2019

Addressing Challenging Behaviors Of Students With Down Syndrome, Laura M. Olstad

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review focuses on finding research-supported techniques regarding interventions for children with Down syndrome who display challenging behaviors that interfere with academic and social aspects of their lives. The goal of this review is to discover currently available research focused on behaviors of children, students and young adults with Down syndrome and the interventions used to reduce challenging behaviors to help them be successful. This literature review focused on discovering interventions that address behaviors that are most prevalent in those with Down syndrome. Many questions are answered in this literature review about the factors that support behavior changes in …


The Benefits And Curriculum Strategies Of Self Directed Individual Education Plan Development For Post Secondary Special Education Students, Megan A. Palma Jan 2019

The Benefits And Curriculum Strategies Of Self Directed Individual Education Plan Development For Post Secondary Special Education Students, Megan A. Palma

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This thesis set out to research current literature on the effects of student-led Individualized Education Plans and the development of students’ self-advocacy skills. It contains information regarding techniques or curriculum and lack thereof that educators can utilize to prepare students for actively engaging in their IEP programming. Examined closely are the benefits and barriers of preparing and engaging a student in the IEP process across from the perspective of a secondary age student. This thesis offers detailed supports, which teachers can integrate into lesson planning to foster learning. It covers documented feedback on behalf of IEP team members such …


The Importance Of Safety Laws And Regulations That Benefit Both Staff And Students In A Special Education Setting, Christine Marie Quinn Jan 2019

The Importance Of Safety Laws And Regulations That Benefit Both Staff And Students In A Special Education Setting, Christine Marie Quinn

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In special education there are a variety of settings in which school staff services a population of students who have a wide variety of ages and ability levels. While working closely with these students, these educators may be put at risk themselves by being verbally, emotionally, and physically abused by their students, without receiving the appropriate support and resources that they need from their building administrators. This thesis will shed light on the potentially dangerous situations school staff can face while working with more aggressive students who have special needs and focus on the laws and regulations that currently protect …


How Childhood Trauma Directly Affects The Mental Health And Life-Long Learning Of K-12 Students, Tara Jean Schubring Jan 2019

How Childhood Trauma Directly Affects The Mental Health And Life-Long Learning Of K-12 Students, Tara Jean Schubring

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During the time as a federal setting III EBD teacher in a self-contained elementary-aged program, there have been two critical elements in this field that have provided the passion to tackle this topic of effective classroom management strategies for problem behaviors and the environmental factors that may drive those problem behaviors. The topic was chosen this to provide students hope for a successful future, even if the world outside of school is setting them up for failure. As a federal setting III EBD teacher, this researcher saw students struggling in school because environmental factors, such as lack of sleep or …


Research-Based Effective Classroom Management Techniques: A Review Of The Literature, Alison A. Stueber Jan 2019

Research-Based Effective Classroom Management Techniques: A Review Of The Literature, Alison A. Stueber

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports-based and evidence-based interventions to improve classroom and behavior management in schools all over the world. Additionally, this study also examined the factors and reasons why teacher burnout occurs in school communities. The studies used focused on the negative and positive outcomes of interventions, strategies and trainings for teachers and how they impacted teachers, students and other educators within a school community. Overall results showed that evidence-based supports and interventions made a positive and effective impact when used in classrooms. Results also highlighted that when teachers built positive and respectful …


Mindfulness Training And Its Effects On Behavior And Achievement, Amber L. Woeltge Jan 2019

Mindfulness Training And Its Effects On Behavior And Achievement, Amber L. Woeltge

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mindfulness is a concept that has been around for hundreds of years dating back to 3000B.C. However, as of recent it has reached our youth and adolescents in education and elsewhere. Mindfulness–Based Training involving young children and adolescents has been a relatively new topic of research over the past ten years. The context of this research paper was to examine published, empirical, peer-reviewed studies that analyze the impact Mindfulness-Based Training programs have in regard to behavior and academic achievement on youth and adolescents. The focus on behavior is to determine if Mindfulness-Based Training can positively influence behavior concerns with regard …


Inclusion In International Schools: Achieving Academic Excellence And Education For All, Marla Starr Hall Jan 2019

Inclusion In International Schools: Achieving Academic Excellence And Education For All, Marla Starr Hall

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inclusion of students with diverse learning profiles is a rapidly growing trend, yet no research exists on the implementation of inclusive programming in international schools. As diversity becomes more important in the globalized world and it becomes more important to equip all students with job skills for the modern age, international schools will need to provide effective and efficient programming for a wide variety of learning profiles. At the same time, international schools must provide students with a high-quality academic education that yields top measurable results in order to ensure that their students remain competitive in an ever more competitive …


Critical Elements Of Effective Co-Teaching In The K-12 Classroom, Julie M. Gaffney Jan 2019

Critical Elements Of Effective Co-Teaching In The K-12 Classroom, Julie M. Gaffney

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching is a common and significant practice that pairs a special education teacher with a general education teacher for the purpose of enhancing the education of all students. In addition to giving students with special needs access to the content of general education classes, all students get the social benefits of being closer to their peers. Since the introduction of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) (1997), methods of inclusion for special education students have taken center stage. Teachers and administrators are experiencing the benefits and challenges of this relatively new but successful concept. Research is plentiful but there is …


An Abundance Of Boys: Addressing The Factors That Cause Gender Disproportionality In Special Education, Andrew James Almendinger Jan 2019

An Abundance Of Boys: Addressing The Factors That Cause Gender Disproportionality In Special Education, Andrew James Almendinger

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The gender distribution in special education is skewed heavily toward boys, who outnumber girls at an overall rate of 2 to 1. The decision to place a student in special education programming has severe implications, whether it be positive or negative. In order to better understand why this ratio exists, it is necessary to determine the reasons behind the disproportion. Some of the main causative factors for gender disproportion in special education fall under the umbrella of genetics, physiology, and school structure. It appears that boys are overrepresented in special education, conversely it appears that girls are underrepresented, both of …


Impacts Of Inclusion On The Academic And Social-Emotional Skills Of Students With Special Education Needs, Tara L. Wood Jan 2019

Impacts Of Inclusion On The Academic And Social-Emotional Skills Of Students With Special Education Needs, Tara L. Wood

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examined studies focusing on how students with disabilities are benefited by receiving services in the general education classroom, or least restrictive environment. It also aims to determine the negative impacts of students with special education needs (SEN) receiving instruction alongside their nondisabled peers, regarding both academic and social-emotional outcomes. As the trend for inclusive practices continues to rise nationally, it is critical that educators have access to and are knowledgeable of the successfully implemented inclusional classroom, where students of all academic abilities are integrated into the classroom community. Inclusion is relevant to all educators who teach students …