Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 19 of 19
Full-Text Articles in Education
Improving Fact Fluency For Students With Learning Disabilities, Carrie Wall
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 …
Professional Learning For Paraprofessionals: A School Improvement Plan, Brooke Pfaltzgraff
Professional Learning For Paraprofessionals: A School Improvement Plan, Brooke Pfaltzgraff
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Dallas Center Elementary is a small kindergarten through fourth grade elementary school in the rural town of Dallas Center, Iowa, just outside of Des Moines. In the past, the school has had difficulty training and retaining paraprofessionals to ensure quality support for their special education students. A review of literature was conducted to determine implications for limited training, best practices, and benefits to training paraprofessionals. Feedback from current employees was also considered in designing this school improvement plan and professional learning calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The professional learning for paraprofessionals will also support the building wide social emotional …
Severe Special Need Student Inclusion In The Classroom, Samantha Thompson
Severe Special Need Student Inclusion In The Classroom, Samantha Thompson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan focuses on enhancing student inclusion within the general education environment. With inclusion being a pivotal topic in educational settings, this study aims to explore and elucidate its significance. The project encompasses a comprehensive investigation of the issue, examining aspects such as leadership support, differentiated instruction, and the practical implementation of inclusion in the general education setting. Emphasizing the vital role of inclusion in fostering student success, particularly within the inclusive environment, this research advocates for the integration of students with diverse abilities in the general education setting to sustain their social and academic growth. The findings …
Student Inclusion In The Least Restrictive Environment, Jennifer Grossman
Student Inclusion In The Least Restrictive Environment, Jennifer Grossman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement project explores student inclusion in the general education environment. Inclusion is an important topic in schools and is important to discuss. Inclusion is defined and explained. This school improvement project will explore the problem, leadership assistance, differentiated instruction, and implementation of inclusion in the least restrictive environment. Inclusion is imperative to student success in the inclusive environment. An analysis of inclusion suggests students with varying abilities be included in as much of the general education environment in order to succeed in social and academic domains. Results of inclusion in the general education environment indicate that students with …
Building Teacher Differentiation Self-Efficacy In The Classroom, Tyler Krattenmaker
Building Teacher Differentiation Self-Efficacy In The Classroom, Tyler Krattenmaker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The practice of inclusion has allowed more students with disabilities to participate with their peers in general education classrooms than ever before. However, research findings show that in many cases, educators have low self-efficacy when it comes to their ability to serve students with disabilities within their classrooms. Studies have documented a need for professional development to target inclusion and accommodations, showing that increased training increases teacher self-efficacy in implementing students supports. With this research in mind, a school improvement plan was developed that focuses on a professional development series to increase educator self-efficacy in implementing accommodations frequently included in …
Comparing The Effects Of Phonics Instruction Provided To Students With Disabilities, Ashley Rohlf
Comparing The Effects Of Phonics Instruction Provided To Students With Disabilities, Ashley Rohlf
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Special education teachers work each day to implement effective curricula to help students with disabilities receiving special education services reach grade-level standards. Recent research supports the need for implementing a comprehensive reading program that includes phonics instruction. With numerous curricula available, this action research seeks to inform educators of two methods of instruction that have a heavy phonics component that leads to growth in student reading skills. Two methods were evaluated: one method used multiple curricula to target all areas of a comprehensive reading program while the other method used a single curriculum that targeted all of the same areas. …
Inclusion Isn't Always The Answer: Effects Of Alternate Learning Environments For Elementary Students With Disabilities, Emily Mick
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
When it comes to writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the least restrictive environment (LRE) is described as the general education classroom. However for some students, especially those who struggle socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, the general education environment is the most restrictive. This research aims to answer the question of whether inclusion should be the goal for all students or if an alternate learning environment would lead to improved social emotional health of students with special needs. Through quantitative data collection and a descriptive research design, the researcher challenges the idea that inclusive practice is best practice. Findings suggest that although …
Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke
Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review will act as a guide for implementing quality inclusion effectively in preschool classrooms. The inclusion of children with special needs in education is of concern to educators worldwide. "Inclusive education involves the transformation of the education system-legislation and policy, systems for financing, administration, design, delivery, and monitoring of the education and the way schools are organized" (Zabeli & Gjelaj, 2020, p. 3). This literature review examines the variables predicting overall quality, curriculum, training, tools for communication and engagement, teacher views, and peer interaction pertaining to inclusion in prekindergarten classrooms. Two themes were constant in the research: training …
Research-Based Early Literacy Interventions Or Teacher-Created Early Literacy, Sonja Carson
Research-Based Early Literacy Interventions Or Teacher-Created Early Literacy, Sonja Carson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if research-based early literacy interventions are more effective than teacher-created early literacy interventions with special education students on letter identification and letter sound recognition. Before the interventions began the students were given the Foundational Skills Survey in Letter Identification and Letter Sound Recognition by Really Great Reading. This score was the baseline for the reported data. For eight weeks the researcher instructed the students using a research-based reading intervention from Really Great Reading's Countdown focused on letter identification and letter sound recognition. This was done in addition to the general …
The Impact Of Game-Based Learning In A Special Education Classroom, Mckenzi James
The Impact Of Game-Based Learning In A Special Education Classroom, Mckenzi James
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Every school has at least one student who has a learning disability or struggles with academics. Every school also has teachers with the ability to reach out to struggling students, using traditional and nontraditional approach to learning. Game-based learning is a nontraditional approach which introduces students to game-based learning instead of more traditional paper and pencil activities. Multiple researchers have found game-based learning raised test scores, allowed for hands on social skill lessons, and has helped generate a positive environment for students. A few researchers shared the negative impacts of game-based learning, including the lack of transferability of skills for …
The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Instruction For Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Amanda Smith
The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Instruction For Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Amanda Smith
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of explicit instruction of peer-mediated strategies for students who have disabilities but who are not on the autism spectrum in the inclusive preschool classroom environment. There has been a large amount of research surrounding peer-mediated strategies and how students on the autism spectrum benefit from it, but there has been very minimal research that includes students with disabilities who are not on the spectrum. Data was collected to determine what the effect that this intervention had on four students in the areas of social behavior and social communication. …
Feedback And The Effects On Progress Monitoring, Dana Peschon
Feedback And The Effects On Progress Monitoring, Dana Peschon
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research paper was to explore the effects of timing of feedback on progress monitoring scores for students in special education. Ten students, grade nine through eleven, completed AIMSweb math application progress monitoring twice per month and received feedback on their results. The control group was provided with delayed feedback during the week in between testing periods while the treatment group received immediate feedback after completing the probe. Feedback consisted of the total number of points earned, what questions were answered correctly, and the researcher working through missed problems with the student. All students were provided …
Social Development Through A Lunch Buddy Program, Amy Coon
Social Development Through A Lunch Buddy Program, Amy Coon
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The intent of this literature review is to discuss the necessity of a lunch buddy program for students in special education. The review fist looks at the process of inclusive education and the effect that the educational movement has had on students in special education. Inclusion is defined as well as the impact it has on an individual's social development. Using research-based evidence, the review will also establish the importance of peer buddy programs for the social development of students in special education. A lunch buddy program will provide special education teachers with the means to assist their students during …
How Are Students Placed In Special Education Treated With Equity And Provided A Free And Appropriate Education In The Least Restrictive Environment?, Elizabeth Matthies
How Are Students Placed In Special Education Treated With Equity And Provided A Free And Appropriate Education In The Least Restrictive Environment?, Elizabeth Matthies
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Special education legislation was introduced into America schools in 1975. The goal of the legislation was to ensure students with special needs were receiving and having access to a public education. Over the past nearly 45 years, special education legislation has evolved and also remained the same. The question becomes how has the legislation benefited the overall education for students with special needs? Has special education legislation allowed for students to have access to a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE)? Are students, who receive special education services, being provided equity in their education? This …
Benefits And Disadvantages Of Inclusion In An Elementary School Setting, Christina Sieber
Benefits And Disadvantages Of Inclusion In An Elementary School Setting, Christina Sieber
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Students who receive special education services must be educated in the least restrictive setting. Inclusion in the general education classroom for students with special needs has become a controversial topic among educators and parents. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the benefits and disadvantages of an inclusive educational placement for elementary students with significant special needs. After an examination of the literature on inclusion, data will be shared to determine the possible benefits and disadvantages of a fully inclusive placement for students with significant special needs. The literature review will also provide an analysis of the research …
Benefits Of Modifications And Accommodations Training, Brandie J. Malm
Benefits Of Modifications And Accommodations Training, Brandie J. Malm
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine the relationship between modifications and accommodations training for school staff and the academic experience of special education students. Participants were three special education students in a public, inclusive, elementary school setting. Data was collected through I-Ready reading and math testing in August and December of this school year and compared to the same data from the previous year. The research question guiding this study was, would special education student’s educational experience improve when the special education teacher provides a comprehensive modifications and accommodations training for general education teachers and paraprofessionals? …
The Impact Of Explicit Social Skills Instruction And Increased Play In A Kindergarten Special Education Classroom, Samantha Klaren
The Impact Of Explicit Social Skills Instruction And Increased Play In A Kindergarten Special Education Classroom, Samantha Klaren
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of explicit social skills instruction and an increased amount of play in a kindergarten special education classroom. Data was collected to determine the effect that this intervention had on students’ behavior and academic progress. Data was collected through student referral data and Individualized Education Plan progress monitoring data. Analysis of the data collected suggested that this explicit social skills instruction and increase in play had a positive impact on student behavior in the school setting.
Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin
Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Flexible seating has become a recent trend in education. As teachers try to reach the different needs of learners, flexible seating is another way to allow students to comfortably be engaged in learning. Flexible seating gives children the power to choose. Giving them the power of choice, gives students ownership over their participation and engagement in the classroom. Flexible seating can include a variety of options including scoop rockers, pillows, disc o’ sits, standing desks, therapy balls, and many more options. Some professionals are beginning to note that students are often more engaged in their learning when flexible seating options …
Successful Strategies To Assist Children With Challenging Behaviors, Kristy L. De Jong
Successful Strategies To Assist Children With Challenging Behaviors, Kristy L. De Jong
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine successful strategies to assist students with challenging behaviors by implementing three interventions to determine if there was a change in the challenging behaviors. The participant was a first grade boy served by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in a special education self-contained setting. After initial data collection of noncompliance, physical aggression, physical disruption and elopement of a functional behavior plan (Demand Fade-In) with six phases was implemented. The first phase starts with no demands and then each phase adds a demand of something mastered, eventually pairing it with an un-mastered …