Education Commons^™

Pornography: Social, Emotional And Mental Implications Among Adolescents, William K. Canady

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation will explain the historical development of pornography. It will highlight three segments: 1- Porn’s impact on brain development of reward pathways, ultimately increasing the appetite for more porn. 2- Porn can be a false substitute for real intimacy, resulting in decreased sexual satisfaction with a real person and increased verbal and physical aggression. 3- Porn promotes sex trafficking, promotes multiple sex partners and reduced STD prevention.

Paraprofessionals’ Implementation Of Constant Time Delay Procedures With Elementary Students With High-Intensity Behavioral Support Needs, Allison M. Kroesch, Sarah Southall, Nancy Welsh-Young, Katherine N. Peeples

Faculty Publications - College of Education

Paraprofessionals play a significant role in the education system. However, they often need more training on specific instructional strategies to use with the students they work with. In this study, we trained two paraprofessionals working in a self-contained elementary classroom for students with high-intensity behavioral support needs. Each paraprofessional used constant time delay to support students’ learning to read grade-level sight and science words. Paraprofessionals also gathered maintenance and generalization sessions using individualized social stories created by the classroom teacher. Not only did the four student participants meet mastery of their personalized word sets but paraprofessionals also implemented all phases …

Strategic Morphology Interventions For Vocabulary Knowledge In Reading Comprehension, Danielle Marie Sharpe

Culminating Experience Projects

Many adolescent students have been shown to fall behind gradually as they reach

secondary grade levels. This has been researched as the effect of socioeconomic factors,

lack of immersive vocabulary backgrounds, and gaps in elementary years. Extensive

research has shown the benefits of morphology instruction in secondary students in

bridging vocabulary gaps, yet many schools have yet to provide them with the support to

comprehend difficult texts across content areas. This project explores the possible benefits

of offering adolescents the extra support and resources that can leverage reading

comprehension across content areas within secondary education. Through the use of

implementing …

Strategic Morphology Interventions For Vocabulary Knowledge In Reading Comprehension, Danielle Marie Sharpe

Masters Theses

Many adolescent students have been shown to fall behind gradually as they reach

secondary grade levels. This has been researched as the effect of socioeconomic factors,

lack of immersive vocabulary backgrounds, and gaps in elementary years. Extensive

research has shown the benefits of morphology instruction in secondary students in

bridging vocabulary gaps, yet many schools have yet to provide them with the support to

comprehend difficult texts across content areas. This project explores the possible benefits

of offering adolescents the extra support and resources that can leverage reading

comprehension across content areas within secondary education. Through the use of

implementing …

Improving Fact Fluency For Students With Learning Disabilities, Carrie Wall

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The intent of this action research project was to assess the impact of fact fluency when implementing the Direct Instruction (DI) Flashcard intervention for students in special education using curriculum-based measurements. The participants were elementary students who all received specially designed instruction in the area of math due to their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in that area. In addition to the body of research in place regarding fact fluency and the DI Flashcard intervention, this study also took into account the students’ initial skill levels as outlined in their IEPs. The intervention occurred over three weeks in a special education …

Implementation Of Star To Support Students With Disabilities, Lexis Barkema

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper examines the use of a comprehensive autism program in a school district, looking specifically at an elementary school in North Central Iowa. The school does a great job of providing support and interventions for students with autism, disabilities, and specific learning needs with the resources they currently have available to them. This school improvement plan provides a detailed outline of using a comprehensive autism program to better serve and meet the needs of students in their specific need areas. The plan will provide professional development, support, and resources for teachers and paraprofessionals who are implementing the program.

School-Based Interventions That Support Mental Health And Psychosocial Wellbeing In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Syeda Kashfee Ahmed, Anna Dabrowski, Katherine Dix, Toby Carslake

Global education monitoring

It is encouraging to see a focus on student mental health increasingly reflected in international education policies. However, the growing number of school-based mental health and wellbeing programs makes it challenging to identify quality interventions that effectively support student mental health, and even harder to identify evidence-based programs that link mental health support to learning. There is also a lack of comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of mental health and wellbeing interventions in relation to student academic outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In response to renewed interest in understanding how the education sector can provide effective mental …

Improving Reading Interventions: A School Improvement Plan, Rachel Harmelink

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper examines the use of reading instruction interventions in an elementary school in Northwest Iowa. Whereas the school excels at providing regular assessments, including universal screeners, educators there have struggled to adequately meet the reading needs of their students as reflected on FAST, MAP, and Panorama data. This school improvement plan provides professional development training in response to intervention (RTI) procedures along with continual support and collaboration throughout the school year to assist teachers in confidently serving all learners and helping them reach their fullest potential as readers.

Improving Trauma-Informed Practices In A School System, Maria Sloniker

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

According to research, trauma informed practices have faced disconnect when educating stakeholders who work directly with individuals who have faced a variety of traumatic events. With such disconnect, staff in the school systems have been unable to stay educated on the different resources available and training on best practices used. Administrators being present and working together to provide more effective professional development to help both students and staff who are directly impacted by trauma and trauma informed practices. Current research has supported the lack of knowledge and increase of teacher burnout when working with individuals who have faced adversity. A …

Impact Of Response To Intervention On Achievement, Aimee Leigh Dennis

Education Theses and Dissertations

The Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice focused on an initial comprehensive assessment of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework, implemented in a district in East Texas, and its impact of student achievement. Following the evaluation, a subsequent improvement iteration concentrated on the impact of RtI, with the use of job-embedded professional learning, on student achievement. Both iterations utilized a mixed-methods case study using an embedded experimental model with a one-phase approach. The findings highlighted that student achievement did improve with statistically significant results except for in the second iteration where there was not statistically significant results in fifth and sixth …

The Effectiveness Of Using Phonics Instruction And Interventions In Elementary Classrooms, Brittany Kasprick

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Nationwide students have struggled to achieve reading proficiency as measured by standardized tests. Reading is a critical tool for academic success. Lack of reading skills and strategies may contribute to difficulty in several aspects of academic life for students. Research has shown that phonics skills play a crucial part in determining if a student will achieve independent readership. Phonics skills may be foundational building blocks upon which students can develop further reading skills, culminating in independent readership, particularly in early elementary school. Daily phonics interventions may help improve a student’s performance in reading. The focus of this particular, quantitative study …

Intergenerational Trauma In The Developing Student And Interventions Used, Malea G. Laquihon

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

The purpose of this review was to identify studies that focus on supporting students with intergenerational trauma (IGT) and the interventions used to minimize the effects of this type of trauma. To do this, we conducted a systematic literature review that identified 16 articles addressing IGT and its impact on school-age children or their parents. In the results of this systematic review, the authors of 12 studies reported the interventions had a positive impact on the participants in their studies. Limitations of the current review, the literature base, and implications for future research are presented.

Survey On Current Interventions For Childhood Problem Behavior And Their Link To Future Criminal Behavior, Jada N. Stevens

Honors College Theses

Criminal behavior is a prevalent concern for many communities. As such, researchers and clinicians often look for core causes of criminal behavior to address them early. Some theorize that childhood problem behavior is a common predictor of adult criminal behavior. As a result, emphasis is often placed on addressing childhood problem behavior early in order to prevent future criminal behavior. The current study explores the link between childhood problem behavior and adult criminal behavior. Specifically, we will look at how middle school teachers are addressing childhood problem behavior and how that relates to future predictions of criminal behavior. Data will …

Foundational Literacy Programs Affect Fast Scores, Courtney Stekl

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research study investigated if there is a relationship between the implementation of a foundational literacy intervention in the first grade classroom and the results of the earlyReading (FAST) scores. This action researched answered the question: Is the foundational literacy intervention programs affecting earlyReading FAST scores? First grade students were participating in various literacy programs that focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, writing, and language. This action research study was conducted throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Data was collected through two out of the three FAST assessments in the school year.

Educator Experiences Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support In A Title I School: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Whitney Anita Wiggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to understand educators’ perceptions of the impact of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) interventions on students’ academic achievement and disruptive behavior, as well as their perceptions of barriers that may undermine the impact of these interventions. Despite the implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and interventions known as response to intervention (RtI) and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), students at the study site schools, a Title I elementary school and Title I high school in rural North Carolina, continued to demonstrate academic underachievement and behavioral problems. With the implementation of intensive …

Influence Of Physical Activity On Heart Rate Variability In Physically Inactive Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Lingsong Kong, Qin Yang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This meta-analysis aimed to examine the influences of physical activity (PA) interventions on heart rate variability (HRV) among healthy but physically inactive adults aged 18 to 65 years old. PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science online databases were searched in September 2021. The eligibility criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed articles in English; (2) randomized controlled trials; (3) healthy but physically inactive adults aged 18 to 65 years; (4) at least two-week PA intervention; (5) available frequency domain result. The data were extracted to a pre-designed form. The primary outcome of this study was the frequency domain of HRV, which included natural …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Chronically Absent Students, Programs And Interventions: A Mixed Method Study, Claudia Lisi Laplante

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed method study was to examine the relationships between teachers' academic department, years of experience, tenure status, and their knowledge of chronically absent students and the existing programs and interventions to support absent students in their schools. The study utilized a district of five junior-senior high schools in a suburb of New York, which is ethnically and economically diverse. Participants of this study took a survey composed of questions from two different surveys from the organization Attendance Works (an organization dedicated to the improvement of school attendance nationwide). Interviews followed to better interpret and triangulate the …

The Impact Math Interventions Have On Student Achievement In An Urban School Setting, Jennifer A. Bellinger

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Intense intervention is needed for students who have persistent math challenges and perform below grade level. In the classroom setting, teachers need to provide additional support for some students based on their specific needs. This correlational study was an examination of interventions' impact on student achievement in math. The sample comprised students enrolled in Algebra I during the 2021–2022 school year. The results of this study showed that interventions may have a positive impact on student performance, especially when carried out in the proper educational setting. The findings from the research showed that there is no significant statistical correlation between …

The Communications Process For On-Track Mentoring Programs At The High School Level, Kayla M. Barbare

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Comparable to other schools in the local education agency, this mid-sized rural high school’s On-Track program utilized early warning indicators to track the well-being of students and to determine what actions needed to occur to promote student success. Through various meetings, the mid-sized rural high school’s On-Track stakeholders indicated areas for improvement, specifically in the area of communications. The On-Track program stakeholders expressed how they desired to improve stakeholder involvement and collaboration and enhance how program information is shared. The purpose of this study was to analyze the literature, theoretical frameworks, and data utilizing a mixed methodology approach in order …

Correlation Between Social-Emotional Competencies And Academic Performance, Sherria Lashontae Burney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the correlational research study was to evaluate the relationship between Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) interventions and academic performance. The significance of the research study is that it addressed the literature gap in determining if social-emotional competencies are associated with academic performance. The research study included 62 third-grade students in an elementary school in an urban school district in the Southeastern region of the United States. The predictor variables, which are self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills, were measured using the Social Skills Improvement System- Social Emotional Learning Rating Form (SSIS-SEL RF). The criterion variable, academic …

Raising The Bar Of Leadership Awareness For Understanding Student Trauma, Roxanne L. James

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper analyzes if family structure and school mobility indicators can predict natural matriculation from middle school using a newly created tool, the Biographic Analytic Rubric, BAR. To answer this question, I used BAR-coded data from 26,233 8th-grade students to see if their risk score predicted their natural matriculation from middle school. The results revealed that the higher the BAR risk score indicator a student has, the less likely they will matriculate from middle school naturally. School leaders may utilize this tool as an early warning system when students enroll in middle school to ascertain which students may need additional …

Addressing The Poor Mathematics Performance Of Filipino Learners: Beyond Curricular And Instructional Interventions, Minie Rose C. Lapinid, Macario O. Cordell Ii, Jude Michael Teves, Sashimir A. Yap, Unisse Chua Ms., Allan B.I. Bernardo

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

This study aimed to determine predictive models that would identify the most important predictor variables for students in the lowest proficiency group in public schools and private schools. After experimenting with different machine learning approaches, the random forest classifier (SVM) models were found to perform most accurately (Lundberg & Lee, 2017). To identify the most important predictors of being a poor performer in mathematics, Shapley values were generated, which produces a ranked list of several features in descending order. To manage complexity in comparing the key variables for private and public student performance classification, the 10 most significant features for …

Etiology Of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd): Familial Perceptions Versus Empirically Validated Data, Jacqueline Lubin

LC Journal of Special Education

Presently, there is desynchronization between what parents and family member perceive as causal factors and what research has proven to be possible indicators. This is of great concern because parents choose interventions based on what they perceive to be the cause of ASD (Dardennes et al., 2011). The implication of this is that parents may unintentionally opt for interventions which may be unsuitable for their child. This research paper will seek to highlight and discuss the factors that parents, family and professionals in the field perceive as causes of ASD and the factors that research have identified as triggers (or …

Promoting The Self-Determination Of Students With Severe Cognitive Disabilities, Sookyung Shin, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier

LC Journal of Special Education

This literature review explores five published articles focused on the promotion of self- determination of students with severe cognitive disabilities. The purpose of this literature review is to better understand the details of the interventions designed to support students with the most severe cognitive disabilities. Within this framework, data was collected to examine participants, settings, implementers, and results. All five studies reported positive outcomes for all students in the promotion of self-determination.

Choice Making And Individuals With Significant Disabilities, Jacob Wolf, Kristin Joannou

LC Journal of Special Education

This literature review addresses issues and trends pertaining to choice making for individuals with significant disabilities. The benefits and development of choice making will be addressed, followed by a summary of several barriers to choice making. The review concludes with a synthesis of strategies and interventions for increasing effective choice-making opportunities, including choice-making formats, teaching choice making, and building choice making into daily contexts.

Self-Injury And Behavior Supports For People With Intellectual Disability, Lihua Yang

LC Journal of Special Education

The purpose of this paper is to seek strategies that can be effective to support behaviors of individuals with ID. The major topics will be addressed include the characteristics of people with ID, concerns and causes of SIB, and interventions used to address this behavior. The paper then concludes with a discussion of choosing different strategies for individuals with ID to accommodate individuals’ needs.

Autism - The Sensory Piece, Marta Weis

LC Journal of Special Education

The first part of this paper will describe diagnostic characteristics of and the prevalence rates for autism. The second will outline sensory processing terminology and descriptions. The third part of this paper will describe research studies focusing on what if any links there are between ASD and sensory processing problems. The last part of this paper will discuss implications for educators and why understanding how sensory processing difficulties influence the behaviors of individuals with ASD.

Reading Comprehension Interventions For Students With Learning Disabilities Or Reading Difficulties In Grades 3-12: A Literature Review, 2006-2011, Jessica R. Scott

LC Journal of Special Education

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent scientific studies of various reading comprehension interventions for students with reading difficulties in grades 3-12 in order to provide a quick reference for administrators and educators who are interested in the latest research on reading comprehension interventions. Additionally, research findings are presented on how to increase the frequency of effective instruction of reading comprehension in the classroom.

Emotional Or Behavioral Disorders, E. Rene James

LC Journal of Special Education

If surveyed across several generations, casual inquirers would not be hard-pressed to discover differing attitudes about current behavior challenges in schools today. While many structures have been established and documents written, one cannot deny the changes in focus that are now required to accommodate new attitudes and behaviors in many children in our public education system. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act maintains a formal definition of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) which led to this disorder being included in the list of IEP-warranted classifications. Children who exhibit symptoms within the listed criteria often are identified as demonstrating predominately externalizing …

Using Learning Progressions To Enhance Student Outcomes And Performance, Andrea Werner

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Learning discrepancies are difficult for students to recover from. In earlier years, rote memorization, drill-and-practice, and whole-group instruction have proven little success. Students continually lack proficiency and have minimal gain year after year. More recently, small groups and interventions have made improvements on student proficiency, but they still struggle to increase overall student achievement. Research suggests learning progressions as a dynamic, individualized approach to increase not only academic achievement, but also depth of knowledge and student efficacy. Learning progressions allow for flexibility in levels of learning, the content taught, and how a student grasps information. Then learning progressions promote rigorous …