Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Inclusive Settings In Belizean Primary Schools: A Focus On Teacher Practices, Katherine A. Curry, Jentre Olsen, Ed Harris, Candy Garnett, Dian Danderson

Journal of Global Education and Research

Educators in Belize are charged with ensuring that all Belizeans are given an opportunity to acquire a quality education that promotes personal development and productive citizenship. Consequently, Belizean law now requires all children from ages five through fourteen to attend at least eight years of primary school. Students with special needs have historically not received accommodations in the education system, so many teachers struggle with meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities in these inclusive settings. This qualitative case study explored teaching strategies and contextual factors in inclusive primary classrooms in Belize and was conducted in the form of …

How Will Having A W.I.N Room For Our Emotional And Behavioral Disorder Students To Access When They Are Needing A Break Affects The Number Of Room-Clearing Behaviors In A Week?, Samantha Streed

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Having the power to create the behavior program from the ground up, starting a “What I Need” (W.I.N) room at the elementary school where the researcher works. This is a sensory type of room with different tools and strategies that the students can use to calm their bodies or as we say have a safe and calm body. This room will be run by the researcher along with a paraprofessional that will be in the room all day to help support the students. This paraprofessional will also supervise the W.I.N Room if the researcher needs to leave to handle a …

Effective Inclusive Strategies For Students With Disabilities: Guides For General Education Teachers, Lynda Hawkins

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The Disability Education Act 2004 (IDEA) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) had given students with disabilities the right to be included in the general education classroom. With that comes a challenge for teachers as they must find ways to reach every student. The purpose of this project is to provide a way of achieving that goal.. The Buddy System, for example, is a supportive method for teachers. General education students are paired up with students that need assistance. These students take on the role of assistant teacher/mentor to help guide their peers through classroom activities and assignments. With everyone …

Identifying Common Resources Teachers Use To Address Problematic And Challenging Student Behvior, Joseph Clint Nicholes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Problematic and challenging student behavior has a myriad of negative outcomes for both educators and students. Although the implementation of Evidence Based Practices for classroom management have decreased these negative outcomes, educators are not utilizing them. The purpose of this study was to investigate which resources K-6 General Educators and Special Educators access to find information on behavior management strategies and procedures, as well as, their perceptions on those resources. We surveyed teachers from fourteen states in regards to what resources they used and the level in which they trusted, could implement, could understand and could find information on behavior …

A Discourse Analysis Of Parents' And Teachers' Social Constructions Of School Readiness And Transition To Kindergarten For Children With Disabilities, Ronica Senores Toyota

Education (PhD) Dissertations

This study examined parents’ and teachers’ social constructions of disability, school readiness, and the transition to kindergarten process for children with disabilities who participated in a self-contained preschool special education (SPED) class, called a special day class (SDC). The 12 participants included parents of children with disabilities (i.e., three with autism and one with Down syndrome), four preschool SDC teachers, two kindergarten SDC teachers, and two general education kindergarten teachers. They were recruited from a large urban school district in Southern California. Semistructured interviews were conducted to invite participants to share their experiences working with students with disabilities and their …

Alternative Techniques For Blind Low Vision Students Enrolled In Coding Courses, Robert Jaquiss

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

BLV (blind low vision) students face difficulties when taking coding classes. Individual Development Environments (IDE) can be inaccessible which make it difficult if not impossible for BLV students to complete coursework. Alternative techniques are described which will allow a BLV student to successfully complete coursework. The author has found the Command Line Interface (CLI) is often a recommended alternative to a Windows based IDE interface. Many blind computer programmers use the Windows and Linux command interfaces which are described as part of this discussion.

The Texas Reading Academies And The Experiences Of Teachers Who Instruct Students With Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Suzanne S. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To build today's students' reading skills, teachers must know effective instructional reading practices. Therefore, the purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences with learning and incorporating the elements of the Texas Reading Academies with a focus on language comprehension by teachers who instruct students with disabilities in Texas. The Texas Reading Academies' goal is to provide teachers with reading instructional practices grounded in the science of reading. The theory guiding this study was Malcolm Knowles' adult learning theory, with the central research question asking what the experiences of teachers who instruct students with disabilities were with …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Connective Experiences Between Elementary Teachers And Parents In A Virtual Setting, Amy J. R. Truett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how connective experiences are built between elementary teachers and parents in a virtual setting at the ABC school district in the southeastern region of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Siemens’ connectiveness theory, as it explored the students' knowledge impacted by the connective experiences of the network of elementary teachers and parents in accessing their learning and success in the virtual school setting. Three essential research questions focused on the connective experiences between elementary teachers and parents in the virtual setting in the southeastern part of the …

Difficulties Facing Teachers In Teaching Mathematics To Students With Learning Disabilities In Light Of Corona Pandemic And Proposed Solutions From The Teachers' Point Of View, Laial Mohammad Damrah

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education (مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية (للبحوث في التعليم العالي

The study aimed to reveal the difficulties facing teaching students with learning disabilities in Mathematics in light of Corona pandemic and proposed solutions to them from the point of view of their teachers. To achieve this goal, the analytical descriptive approach was used, the study tool (questionnaire) was distributed randomly on a sample of 58 teachers was chosen out of 123 (47% of the study population) from all resource rooms in 5 directorates in Amman (26 male and 97 female teachers) for the academic year 2020/2021 to respond to a questionnaire items. The result showed that the most problems facing …

The Level Of Using Pragmatic Among Students With Hearing Impairment In Jordan, Ahmad Salem Algolaylat, Linah Atif Abdulkareem Al-Omari

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education (مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية (للبحوث في التعليم العالي

The current study aimed to measure the level of pragmatic use among students with hearing disabilities in Jordan. The descriptive approach was used. The study sample consisted of (113) students with hearing disabilities, and their ages ranged from (5-15) years of students enrolled in schools and private centres in Jordan. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the social communication skills: The pragmatic checklist was used, which addressed (6) dimensions: expressing needs, giving orders and directions, expressing feelings, Interactional "I and you", wants explanation, sharing knowledge and expectations. The results of the study indicated that the level of …

Supporting Students With Disabilities Through The Intentional Integration Of Instructional Technology, Shalika C. Robie

Michigan Reading Journal

No abstract provided.

Teaching Students About Trauma And Brain Regulation, Kathy Van Horn, Joshua Macneill

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

It is important to empower students with information and understanding about trauma along with concepts and interventions for brain regulation and healing. When information about the impact of trauma is shared with students without first establishing a solid foundation for hope and change, it can do more harm than good. In this presentation, we will share guidelines and ideas for teaching key trauma-informed principles to students including physical, emotional and social regulation strategies as well as an understanding of the stress response.

A Trauma Responsive Approach To Fostering Resilience, Addressing Equity Issues And Improving Student Wellness And Academic Success, Mark Harrington

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

We’ll start with our school’s motto, “Family, Love, Respect,” which is posted in nearly every hallway, office and gathering place in our school. We attempt to provide each student with a strong sense of each. Although ours is an alternative high school, filled with stories of trauma, neglect and despair, our students are resilient! With that in mind we have created a number of programs to encourage resilience, provide a healthy path forward, decrease student discipline, and foster student success. All of these programs, and the stories we share detailing what our students have overcome show just how resilient young …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Collaborative Community Experiences Of Veteran Special Educators, Jennifer Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to examine and describe the experiences of veteran special education (SPED) teachers in rural southwest Georgia school districts regarding their collaborative community network experiences within the field. Granovetter’s (1973) social network theory (SNT) encompasses critical concepts of belongingness and connection about job satisfaction over time and throughout educational contexts and guided this study. A phenomenological approach involving teacher interviews, a focus group, and journal prompts was used to examine the experiences of SPED teachers on their social networks. Eleven veteran SPED teachers were interviewed using open-ended interview scripts developed to target the central research question. Convenience …

Predictive Correlation Between Teacher Self-Efficacy Factors In Literacy And Preparedness To Teach Morphology, Angelique M. Tomlinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlation study was to examine the relationship between teacher self-efficacy factors in literacy and teacher preparedness in teaching morphology in elementary classrooms. Results from this study have the potential of determining needed instructional changes at both the teacher training and elementary school levels. One hundred fifteen respondants came from elementary teachers in three school districts across the Tennessee Valley, although only 69 participants completed the survey in its entirety. The Teacher Sense of Efficacy in Literacy Instruction (TSELI), with demographic questions on education level, teacher position, and completion of Language Essentials for Teachers of …

Predicting Student Pragmatic Social Skills Development By Student Age And Behavior Classification, Christopher Justin Pope

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over the course of a decade, schools have experienced an increase in inappropriate student behaviors and suspensions with a decrease in teacher retention. Students are demonstrating intensive externalizing and internalizing behaviors that are producing a negative effect on their success in the classroom, with low teacher efficacy in knowing how to properly address those behaviors and concerns. Students receiving special education services in behavior tend to experience challenges with more than just behavior but tend to only experience addressing of behavior. Studies have shown that an increased number of students with a behavioral disorder are more likely to have an …

Perceptions Of Leadership Styles In International Special And General Education Schools In The United Arab Emirates, Kaitlin M. Jackson

Journal of Global Education and Research

Given that school leadership styles are linked to educational outcomes, this study attempted to identify perceived leadership styles of school leaders in two types of schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): (a) international special education schools, which serve exclusively students with disabilities and (b) international general education schools, which serve primarily typically developing students. By utilizing primarily quantitative methods with supplementary qualitative analysis, this study also explored the influence of teacher demographic variables on perceptions of leadership styles. Results indicated a difference in perceptions of transformational and transactional leadership by school type based on teacher education level, as well …

Special Education Teachers Rock!, Allison C. Tarrer Ed.S

Empowering Educators Conference

Embarking on your career as a special educator?! We need you! Come join me in adding tips, tricks, and strategies to reach learners with learning disabilities and improve their chances to succeed. Leave with an excitement for reaching students with disabilities knowing you can and will make a difference!

The Experiences Of Georgia Special Education Teachers During The Pandemic, Karin Fisher, Edie Grice, Adia Greer, Laura Echezabal

Empowering Educators Conference

In 2020, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on Georgia’s educational systems. Schools closed, and many continued providing education through virtual platforms. It is well-known that students with disabilities struggled during the pandemic; however, their teachers' experiences are unexplored. As a result, we conducted a mixed-methods study to document their experiences.

Paths To Equity: Parents In Partnership With Ucedds Fostering Black Family Advocacy For Children On The Autism Spectrum, Elizabeth H. Morgan, Benita D. Shaw, Ida Winters, Chiffon King, Jazmin Burns, Aubyn Stahmer, Gail Chodron

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Racism and ableism have doubly affected Black families of children with developmental disabilities in their interactions with disability systems of supports and services (e.g., early intervention, mental health, education, medical systems). On average, Black autistic children are diagnosed three years later and are up to three times more likely to be misdiagnosed than their non-Hispanic White peers. Qualitative research provides evidence that systemic oppression, often attributed to intersectionality, can cause circumstances where Black disabled youth are doubly marginalized by policy and practice that perpetuates inequality. School discipline policies that criminalize Black students and inadequate medical assessments that improperly support Black …

Teacher Inquiry: A Catalyst For Professional Development, Divonna Stebick, Jonathan Hart, Lauren Glick, Jaime Kindervatter, Jenna Nagel, Cathy Patrick

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Teachers seek and require meaningful professional development opportunities to truly grow in the profession. Teacher inquiry, or teacher research, is one way to accomplish professional development goals. Teacher inquiry is thought of as individualized, personalized, and meaningful professional development (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999). In this paper we articulate the learning of a cohort of certificated professionals engaged in a year-long project that included asking research questions, designing data collection tools, and developing an independent study to examine their questions. Nine certificated professionals participated in the year-long project representing various grade levels and experiences. Data was collected through teacher reflections and …

A Conceptual Exploration Of Anti-Fragility In The Context Of Confucian Heritage Culture Education, Alwyn Lau

Journal of Research Initiatives

It is a common but not unrealistic stereotype of Asian students that educational success is a matter of personal identity and status. As such, achieving distinctions in as many subjects as possible (the popular target of becoming a ‘straight A’ student) is usually a non-negotiable objective nurtured by both parents and educators. Such an obsessive pursuit of academic excellence produces both laudable outcomes (e.g. the tendency of Asian students to outperform their counterparts) as well as dangerous ones (e.g. worrying rates of mental health problems). This theoretical paper hopes to apply the concept of anti-fragility developed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, …

How Do They See Me? Examining The Experiences Of Faculty In The Context Of Classroom Whiteness Factors, Papia Bawa, Diantha Watts Dr.

Journal of Research Initiatives

Today polarized attitudes and aptitudes have created a subtle but steady paradigm shift in the way equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) issues are seen by stakeholders. As a result, focusing on critical aspects of equity relationships and the fallout from discriminatory attitudes towards marginalized groups has become ever more needed. While diversity issues exist in all societal, professional, and personal realms, its impact within educational institutions is perhaps the most deeply profound. This Hermeneutic Phenomenology study examines the experiences of six higher education faculty who teach predominantly white student classrooms to identify issues and recommendations with respect to their relationship …

Policy Brief: Exploring Response To Intervention’S Effectiveness With Students Of Color, Camille S. Talbert

Journal of Multicultural Affairs

This policy analysis explores the effectiveness of Response to Intervention (RTI) at diminishing racial disproportionalities in special education. It includes a brief review of the legislative context of RTI. It also examines one contributing factor to the effectiveness of RTI—educator ideologies. The analysis concludes with implications and future policy directions.

Challenges Facing Undergraduate Students With Visual Impairment During Covid-19 Outbreak At Taibah University, Adel Abed Alkhaldi Phd

International Journal for Research in Education

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students with visual impairment at Taibah University during COVID-19 Outbreak. The study focused on two main variables: gender and degree of visual impairment. The sample of the study consisted of 87 undergraduate students with visual impairment enrolled in the academic year 1442 H. The data collection instruments consisted of 35 statements divided into five dimensions: online learning, financial, social, psychological, and physical mobility to examine participants’ challenges. The results of the showed that the challenges faced students with visual impairment are financial, psychological, social, online learning and …

The Extent Of Implementing Evidence-Based Practices In Teaching Mathematics To Students With Learning Disabilities From The Viewpoint Of Their Teachers, Thamer Dakhel Alah Alrfai, Sultan S. Al-Zahrani Phd

International Journal for Research in Education

The goal of this study was to examine to what extent learning disabilities teachers, in Jeddah governorate, use evidence-based approaches in teaching mathematics to students with learning disabilities, and to see whether there were any differences according to sex, education level, teaching level, training courses, and experience. The researchers employed a descriptive methodology using a survey questionnaire. The study population consisted of all elementary and middle school teachers who teach students learning disabilities. The study participants included 248 teachers of students with learning disabilities. The findings of the study showed that the level of implementing evidence-based techniques in teaching mathematics …

Ungifted: Teacher Candidates’ Understanding Of Giftedness Through Literature Circles, Sharryn Larsen Walker, Wendie Lappin Castillo

Literacy Practice and Research

The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the reflective comments made by teacher candidates (TCs) after they participated in weekly discussions about the tween novel Ungifted by Korman (2012). The TCs attended at a regional Pacific Northwest university, majoring or minoring in various educational fields. After reading and discussing the topic of giftedness as it related to their engagement with the novel, the TCs wrote a reflective essay about their new understandings of teaching the gifted. Using the constant-comparative method, the essays from three sections of the course over a three-year period were read and reread for identifiable …

Defining Twice Exceptional Learners: A Study Of Self-Concept, Alyssa D. Landau

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In 2014, the first operational definition of twice exceptional (2e) learners was published in Gifted Child Quarterly to provide a clear and identifiable profile of the population (Reis, Baum, & Burke, 2014). The article defines 2e learners as, “students who demonstrate the potential for high achievement or creative productivity in one or more domains such as math, science, technology, the social arts, the visual, spatial, or performing arts or other areas of human productivity AND who manifest one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria” (Reis et al., 2014, p. 222-223). Publishing an operational definition of …

An Administrative Approach For Special Educator Retention, Amanda Hall, Jennifer Fosbinder, Mary Elliott, Ginevra Courtade

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Special education teacher attrition is an ongoing area of concern across the US. One factor that influences special educator attrition and retention is administrative support. Unfortunately, administrators often enter school leadership positions with little or no background in special education, thus making it difficult to provide the much-needed support. This practitioner piece provides information and resources for school-based administrators to use to support special education teachers and students within their schools.

Family-School Partnerships Forged During Videoconference Iep Meetings For Children Transitioning Between Early Intervention And Lea During Global Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Tenore

Educational Studies Dissertations

Abstract In the spring of 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the world,

including public schools in the United States. During this time, Local Education Agencies (LEA) started to rely on videoconference platforms for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. This phenomenological study investigated the experience of 12 participants, 7 school staff, and 5 parents from public schools in Connecticut. Three guiding questions focused on the participants’ experiences during the pandemic regarding: 1) the various ways they establish partnerships that bridge home and school as children transition from early intervention to school-based programming; 2) the factors and conditions they believe …