Education Commons^™

Improving The Web Mastering Curriculum For The Included Classroom, Charles Zascavage, Victoria Zascavage Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Following the mandates of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Deduction Improvement Act (IDIEA) and No Child Left Behind (2001) high schools have included students with cognitive disabilities into business classes. Although some teachers believe that the inclusion of mild to moderate intellectually disabled students into the general business education classroom may increases academic achievement for the special needs student; it continues to be widely debated as to whether it benefits the typical student or not. This study examined the issues of inclusion from the perception of a business faculty member, a special education district supervisor, a high school special education …

Examining The Relationship Between Early College Credit And Higher Education Achievement Of First-Time Undergraduate Students In South Texas, Carl A. Saltarelli Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between early college credit and the success of first-time undergraduate students in South Texas. Many high school graduates are entering college with credits earned while they were enrolled in high school. Researchers have examined the value of early college credit in easing students’ transition from high school to college. Additionally, researchers have investigated the value of early college credit in enhancing students’ early college persistence rates. This researcher focused on the relationships between early college credit and college student achievement of first-time undergraduate students. In the study, student achievement was …

Students With Learning Disabilities: The Application Of Goffman's Stigma In The Inclusive Classroom, Christina Deroche

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This case study provides a qualitative glimpse into one inclusive classroom in Northern Ontario. It explores the nature of peer interactions of students with learning disabilities (LD) and uses Goffman's concept of stigma to analyze how students with LD react or act within the classroom. Twenty-five children were observed on a daily basis for seven weeks and participant observation was the primary method of data collection. Of these 25 children, 9 had a LD. This study found that sadness, aggression, and competence were recurring themes in student-peer interactions. This study reveals that the major themes presented reflect what studies have …

Quality Of Sports Participation By Pupils With Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings In Masvingo Urban, Martin Musengi Ph.D., Tapiwa Mudyahoto Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The study sought to analyze the extent to which pupils with disabilities participated in sports and Physical Education in inclusive education settings. To this end, it examined how sports are adapted to suit these pupils and explored other factors which contributed to the pupils’ benefit or lack of benefit from sports. A qualitative descriptive survey design which employed questionnaires and structured interviews collected data from 30 primary school pupils with disabilities, 20 primary schoolteachers and five school heads. The study found that teachers and non-disabled peers have low expectations of pupils with disabilities as potentially competent athletes. The teachers view …

Co-Teaching Beliefs To Support Inclusive Education: Survey Of Relationships Between General And Special Educators In Inclusive Classes, Ida Malian Ph.D., Erin Mcrae

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Co-teaching is a prevalent approach to providing effective instruction in inclusive classes. The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ perceptions of compatibility and discrepancy between their approaches to teaching, personal characteristics and efficacy of co-teaching. Noonan’s Co-teacher Relationship Scale was adapted to survey the co-teachers statewide. Results of the statewide survey of Arizona general and special educators teaching in inclusive classes are presented as they relate to their responses. Various aspects of co-teaching relationships and teacher implementation of co-teaching models are discussed. The authors derive attributes of co-teachers in Arizona that indicate compatibility and sustainability of co-teaching arrangements. …

The Evolution Of A New College Course In Behavior Management: A Case Study In Collaboration And Compromise, Richard L. Mehrenberg Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article describes the development of a new behavior management course for both elementary and special education pre-service teachers at a Pennsylvania college. The evolution of the course is detailed through a four stage process:(a) identifying stakeholders, (b) defining priorities, (c) content collaboration, and (d) reaching a compromise. The study concludes with a discussion of what yet needs to be accomplished and strategies for implementation.

What Teachers Wish Administrators Knew About Co-Teaching In High Schools, Geraldine M. Nierengarten Ph.D., Trudie Hughes

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article presents the results of individual and focus group interviews with the co-teaching partner teachers comprised of general and special educators. In particular, the analysis reveals the teachers’ perceptions regarding what principals need to know and understand to support co-teaching in their schools. The co-teaching teams identified the following factors as important for the success of co-teaching in a high school classroom: teacher training, administrator training, compatibility, planning time, student schedules, natural proportions, respect and value for the teaching assignment, administrative support, and professional development. The teams also identified student and teacher benefits from participating in a co-taught classroom.

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2009 Edition of The Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education. The conversation concerning inclusion continues to reflect and international representation. However in this edition we have a number of voices unique to this culture and this perspective.

Kimberly Rombach of State University of New York College in Cortland provides a synthesis of the research concerning inclusive education. Additionally, the article introduces an Inclusion Definition Instrument (IDI) to help researchers identify specific characteristics of inclusion aid in their research.

Norma S. Blecker, Richard Stockton, and Norma J Boakes of Stockton college of New Jersey survey both general and …

Implementation Of Inclusive Education In Brunei Darussalam: Review Of Possible Implications For School Counselors, Lawrence Mundia Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The paper looked at the provision of counseling services to students in government schools after the implementation of inclusive education in Brunei Darussalam. The creation of the Special Education Unit and the Division of Counseling and Career Guidance (both in the Ministry of Education) to coordinate the respective services was a welcome decision in the right direction. Inclusion, however, may have expanded the role of school counselors in many ways and possibly brought other unforeseen problems. Thirteen identified and selected factors that may impact negatively on the work of school counselors under inclusion are discussed. In addition it was observed …

Voices Of Classroom Managers: Their Realities Of Full Inclusion, Oi Yee Monica Ratcliff Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of the three regular education teachers about full inclusion practice in a metropolitan elementary school. This study was intentionally designed as a participatory and constructivistic inquiry. Through the process of classroom observations, participant observations and in-depth interviews, this study was attempted to answer three research questions: (1) What are the perceptions of regular education teachers who participate in the full inclusion program? (2) What are their perceptions about student learning? and (3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of full inclusion? Findings revealed three themes that were related to …

"Welcome To Holland: Characteristics Of Resilient Families Raising Children With Severe Disabilities", Thomas Knestrict Ed. D., Debora Kuchey Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This descriptive study sought to examine the resiliency factors families developed when faced with the challenges of raising a child manifesting a severe disability. The study compares and contrasts how families managed the additional responsibility and stress of raising a child with special needs. The study seeks to identify, the key characteristics present in resilient families allowing them to not just survive but thrive.

The study found that there is relationship between resilience and Socio Economic Status (SES). The study also found that having the time and the ability to reflect was key to reconfiguration, which is seen as crucial …

Guiding Principles For Educational Programming, Randy L. Seevers Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article presents the outcome of a reflective study where pre-service teachers created visual representations of principles that guide their teaching in the inclusive classroom. Based on evaluations and reflections of the activity, results suggest that creating the visual representations served as an effective tool in helping pre-service teachers recognize and support children with disabilities in the inclusive classroom. Examples of the completed projects are included.

Effective Inclusion Practices, M. Alyssa Barnes Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This study examines effective instructional practices, which support the inclusion of students with special needs. Eight teacher and administrator participants completed interviews about their experiences working in a full-inclusion environment. In addition, the research includes narratives based on observations from the school. The findings summarize five practices essential in successful inclusive environments. These strategies include assessing the whole child, performance-based assessments, and use of visuals, specifically graphic organizers, and collaboration. Finally, the data demonstrate the idea that all of these practices benefit students with and without disabilities.

Creating A Warm And Inclusive Classroom Environment: Planning For All Children To Feel Welcome, Jessica L. Bucholz Ed.D., Julie L. Sheffler

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The type of classroom environment that a teacher creates and encourages can either increase or decrease a student's ability to learn and feel comfortable as a member of the class. The classroom environment should do as much to foster cooperation and acceptance as the teaching methods that the teacher uses. This article describes a number of methods to help teachers plan for and create a classroom that welcomes and supports all children.

Clarifying Research Synthesis On Inclusion: Using The Inclusion Definition Instrument (Idi), Kimberly Rombach Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Synthesizing research on inclusive education is essential to developing a wide-scoped view of knowledge that has been gathered from previous studies. There are key components central to the practice of inclusive education that need to be revealed to fully understand the context of inclusive classrooms. This article distinguishes the need for contextually defining inclusion and introduces the Inclusion Definition Instrument (IDI) that can assist researchers to better identify specific characteristics of the context of their studies on inclusion.

Language Module, April Dixon

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

A study of children with learning disabilities and of children without provides a clear picture of the acquisition of language development of children. Language skills are generally typical of children at different age levels who do not have diagnosed learning disabilities. Language skills of the learning disabled are generally atypical due to constraints placed on the child during critical learning periods by the disability. Analyzation of the data in this study shows a correlation between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and language development in young children. Strategies can be implemented by classroom teachers to enhance the acquisition of language.

The Social Participation Of Young Children With Developmental Disabilities In Inclusive Early Childhood Programs, Sue Walker Ph.D., Donna Berthelsen

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The study reports an analysis of the social integration of six focus children with developmental disabilities in four preschool programs and their relative competences in relation to the typically developing children in the early childhood programs. For the 85 children in the preschool programs, including the children with developmental disabilities, peer acceptance was measured with sociometric interviews; social competence was rated by teachers; and observations of play activities and social engagement were made during four free play periods. A social constructivist analysis focuses on how learning was supported in the settings and implications are drawn about how opportunities for learning …

Pre-Service Teachers' Confidence In Teaching Reading Acquisition Skills To Struggling Readers And Readers In General, Drue E. Narkon Ph.D., Rhonda S. Black

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Thirty-one final semester undergraduate, dual preparation, pre-service students at a Pacific university completed a survey regarding their confidence in teaching reading acquisition skills to early elementary (Kindergarten through third grade) struggling readers and readers in general. The 36-item survey included open-ended and forced choice Likert-type rating scale items. We examined participants’ perceptions regarding their confidence in teaching reading and the degree to which numerous factors contributed to their levels of confidence. It appeared that this particular group of pre-service teachers was more confident in their ability to teach reading to all students, those who struggle and those who do not, …

Parental Attitudes Regarding Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities In Greek Education Settings, Kokaridas Dimitrios, Vlachaki Georgia, Zournatzi Eleni, Patsiaouras Asterios

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ attitudes toward inclusion of their children with disabilities in general education and to associate their perspectives with parent variables (e.g. education) and child variables (e.g. age, severity of disability). The sample consisted of parents (51 mothers, 68 fathers) of children with disabilities, residing in Thessaly region. Each parent completed the Attitude Toward Inclusion/ Mainstreaming'' scale (Leyser and Kirk, 2004), composed of 18 items selected and adapted for parent respondents that assess scores for the factors of benefits, satisfaction, teacher ability and inclusion support, and child rights. The results of the study …

Physical And Verbal Strategies Peers Use To Facilitate The Social Inclusion Of Friends With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kathleen Winterman Ed.D., Victoria Zascavage Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the this study was to examine the impact that Responsive Classroom methodology had on the social inclusion of two elementary students with ASD in a public school setting. Varieties of educational programs to support students with ASD are in vogue; however, few investigate the influence the peers have on students’ motivation and desire to interact within an inclusive environment. This study, conducted over the course of a school year within two public elementary schools in the Midwest, explored how peer supports shaped by Responsive Classroom methodology provide the scaffolding students with ASD required to become part of …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Winter/Spring edition of The Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education. The journal continues to attract the voices of researchers from an international perspective. Within this edition we have research from around the globe as well as one article of exemplary graduate student work and a poem from a nurse finishing her training as a school nurse.

From the University of Hawaii Manoa, Dr. Drue E. Narkon and Rhonda Black address the question pre-service teachers’ confidence in teaching reading to struggling readers kindergarten through third grade.

From the University of Zimbabwe, Dr. Crispen Dirwai investigates the need for different …

It's A Matter Of Timing: Laying The Foundation For Successful Preschool To Kindergarten Transitions, Kathleen Winterman Ed.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Children with special needs receive a myriad of services within the early childhood preschool setting. For most children, the child’s parents coordinate this process. Under the IDEA, schools are charged with planning for and facilitating the transition of children with disabilities from one educational setting to the next. A smooth transition plan should be developed to maximize the benefits of an effective preschool program in kindergarten. This article addresses the procedures for a fluid transition from preschool to kindergarten for students with disabilities discussing parental roles and critical aspects of the transition timeline.

Hiv/Aids: Can We Get Any Lessons From Assessment In Zimbabwe Education?, Crispen Dirwai Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

HIV/AIDS is such a traumatizing experience not to be left to the medical fraternity alone, but to education as well. In the quest for a sustainable reduction in HIV prevalence rates in Less Developed Countries (LEDCs), a revisit on the role of inclusion of HIV in assessment is perceived crucial. There is no doubt HIV/AIDS is still claiming lives many in sub Saharan Africa, teachers and their students included hence the need for different platforms from which the issue can be talked about. Down playing the power of educational measurement in behavioral change is quite an unfortunate omission in itself. …

Effective Reading Instruction Strategies For Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities, April Scruggs

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Reading is the cornerstone of instruction for all students regardless of their ability level because it sets the foundation for future progress and success in virtually all other facets of life (Kliewer & Landis, 1999). Recent legislation and research has suggested that we should be more successful in teaching every student to read (Brower, Wakeman, Spooner, Ahlgrim-Delzell, & Algozzine, 2006).

There are various strategies that educators use to teach reading in a typical classroom setting. However, these strategies are not always the same in special education classrooms, especially in terms of teaching students with significant cognitive disabilities. Browder et al. …

A Treasured Gift, Christine A. Glasgo R.N.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

A poem written by Christine A. Glasgo.

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This edition marks the beginning of the second volume of this journal. We continue to provide research concerning the inclusion of students with disabilities. However, the journal’s role has expanded to include research into the inclusion of students regardless of race, creed, color, exceptionality, or sexual orientation.

We are pleased to realize that the journal has become a voice for international research; the conversations concerning inclusive education are now placed in a global framework.

As I begin the final editing and review of each of the articles for this edition, I am involved in a research project here at the …

Learning Issues Of Sexuality, Race, And Power In The Classroom, Loshini Naidoo Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The notion that all people should have equal access to human rights, dignity, protection, and opportunities, contextualizes the problems of sexual diversity in a wide range of discourses that marginalize those bodies, or individuals that are perceived to be sexually alternative. ‘Gay, lesbian, bisexual, homosexual, and transgendered students, who do not identify with heterosexual norms are often ostracized, harassed, and excluded from and within the educational safety net, and feel betrayed by a system that positions the ‘other’ as deviant (Loutzenheiser & MacIntosh, 2004). In view of current socio-cultural contexts, sexuality, figures into the milieu as a critical location of …

Aspiring Elementary Teacher's Inclusion Conclusion Prior To Coursework, Michelle Hipsky Ed.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

By determining preservice teachers’ prior knowledge, concerns, and preconceptions regarding the inclusion of students with special needs prior to beginning their first college course in Teaching Elementary Students with Special Needs, professors can better determine what to include in the university curriculum. The “Inclusion Conclusion” was based on surveys that were completed by 53 future elementary teachers. A general inductive approach to categorizing and reporting the qualitative data was utilized. Prior knowledge of people with special needs, based on experience and coursework, was examined. The students highlighted concerns about inclusion that included fear and intimidation, lack of experience, meeting the …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This edition continues the international conversation concerning the inclusion of students with articles from an author with close geographic ties to the Journal and ends with an author on the far side of the world.

This continued international research reveals the struggles and concerns to include all students in a free appropriate education that is now global in its efforts. Students with disabilities and from different ethnic backgrounds are now being included and the struggle for acceptance of the students as individuals with contributions to make to society continues.

This edition begins with an article from Dr. Thomas Knestrict from …

Physical Inclusion Yet Curriculum Exclusion? School Staff Perceptions Of The Curriculum For Students With Learning Disabilities In Mainstream Secondary Schools In Tel Aviv, Israel, Tsafi Timor Ph.D., Neil Burton Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The Israeli education system has, over the past decade, moved towards the adoption of a more inclusive approach to meet the needs of students with identified learning disabilities. As a consequence many more students in the secondary sector (12-18) are now more willing to acknowledge that they require additional support. The main focus of this research was to assess the extent to which school staff perceives that the curriculum in secondary schools is being reasonably adjusted to meet these learning needs. The study examines the views of head teachers, counselors and teachers in five secondary schools in Tel-Aviv area, Israel. …