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

Special Education and Teaching Commons

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

Articles 1 - 14 of 14

Full-Text Articles in Special Education and Teaching

Autism Spectrum Disorders And Positive Familial Effects, Genevieve Weaver Dec 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorders And Positive Familial Effects, Genevieve Weaver

Senior Honors Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been found to significantly impact familial structures and outcomes in various studies. The majority of the impact, however, has been primarily negative; effects like increased stress, marital discontentment, and stigmatization are commonly expressed by families. In this study data from a questionnaire, interview, and picture presentations were analyzed and triangulated to identify the positive familial effects of having a child or sibling with ASD. Parents and siblings shared that having a child or sibling with ASD has bettered their life through learning to enjoy the identity of the individual with ASD, through personal growth, and …


Special Education In China: Viewing Special Education Through A Cultural Lens, Melissa Hosek Nov 2019

Special Education In China: Viewing Special Education Through A Cultural Lens, Melissa Hosek

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand the cultural perceptions of disabilities and the impact on special education for teachers at schools in China. Teacher education and knowledge of disabilities was studied through surveys and interviews with Chinese national teachers (N = 12). The two main themes found were the shift in view of those with disabilities from disgrace to honor and the need to use the values in collectivism to continue the positive changes in China. Many teachers were found to have a desire to help students with disabilities but felt they did not have enough knowledge. …


The Effects Within A Church Of A Music Program For Special Needs Students, Stephanie Jean Toepoel Oct 2019

The Effects Within A Church Of A Music Program For Special Needs Students, Stephanie Jean Toepoel

Masters Theses

This project investigated the effects that a faith-based music class for special needs students had upon the students, their families, and the participating church body. Two special needs students participated in a four-week faith-based general music class sponsored by their local church. Significant spiritual growth was demonstrated by the families of the special needs students and the church body and was reported in personal interviews and anonymous surveys. The study evaluated the physical, cognitive, and spiritual progress the students demonstrated during the four-week class. Data was collected through researcher observation and journaling, audiovisual recordings, personal interviews of the assistant teacher, …


Tech For Understanding: An Introduction To Assistive And Instructional Technology In The Classroom, Taylor Caldwell Aug 2019

Tech For Understanding: An Introduction To Assistive And Instructional Technology In The Classroom, Taylor Caldwell

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

This paper examines the different types of assistive and instructional technology available to students who are classified with one or more of the thirteen disabilities outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (referred to as, IDEA). While the roles of assistive and instructional technology are different, there are many instances where their uses may overlap. Thus, while these two categories will be discussed separately, it should be noted that some information may be applied to each category and more than one piece of technology. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the world of assistive …


In The Shadows Of Autism: A Collective Case Study On Life With A Sibling With Autism In A Military Family, Jennifer M. Henderson-Rudling Jul 2019

In The Shadows Of Autism: A Collective Case Study On Life With A Sibling With Autism In A Military Family, Jennifer M. Henderson-Rudling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the typically developing (TD) sibling's well-being and role in a military family with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a military post through the parent and TD sibling perspective. The three theories which guided this research include the social cognitive theory (Bandura, 2001a), self-determination theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000), and family system theory (Bowen, 1966). These theories were utilized to evaluate and better understand the motivations, characteristics, and the social development within the family when one child has a diagnosis of ASD. The research questions were: (1) How …


Self-Efficacy Among Special Education Teachers Who Teach Students Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pamella Tracy Hosley Jul 2019

Self-Efficacy Among Special Education Teachers Who Teach Students Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pamella Tracy Hosley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and work engagement among teachers of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Self-Efficacy data will be gathered using the Ohio version of the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scales (TSES-T) and the student engagement, classroom management and the instructional strategies sub-scales. Work engagement will be evaluated using the Utrecht Work Engagement Total Scale. Participants will be 66 special education teachers who teach students diagnosed with ASD. A bivariate correlational design employing a Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine if there is a significant relationship between …


Self-Efficacy And Job-Related Tasks: Special Educators Who Teach Students With Emotional Disorder, Cheryl J. Andrews May 2019

Self-Efficacy And Job-Related Tasks: Special Educators Who Teach Students With Emotional Disorder, Cheryl J. Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe how special education teachers view their self-efficacy for teaching ED students and manage classroom tasks within the context of the self-contained setting. The theoretical frameworks that guided this study were Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Rotter’s locus of control theory as they related to self-efficacy and the management of tasks specific to teaching students with emotional disorder. The research questions that guided this study sought to describe how self-efficacy helped special educators manage ED students’ individualized instructional programs (IEPs), cope with student behavior, and the management of para professional personnel. …


A Grounded Theory Study Explaining Teachers’ Instructional Decision-Making On Mathematics Fact Fluency For Students With A Mathematics Learning Disability, Awilda Soto Rudd May 2019

A Grounded Theory Study Explaining Teachers’ Instructional Decision-Making On Mathematics Fact Fluency For Students With A Mathematics Learning Disability, Awilda Soto Rudd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this systematic grounded theory study was to explain the process teachers undergo when making instructional decisions on mathematics fact fluency for students with a learning disability in mathematics (MLD). The study focuses on revealing the factors, influencers, and knowledge that teachers negotiate to make instructional decisions. These constructs are necessary to understand and explain as the field of mathematics looks to improve the use of evidence-based instructional practices for students with MLD. There are currently no studies that provide an in-depth understanding of teachers’ decision-making within the construct of instructional decisions in mathematics fact fluency for students …


Exploration Of Learning, Social, And Behavioral Experiences Of Female High School Graduates With Emotional Behavior Disorder From Public Schools In The United States: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Christie Renee Simpson May 2019

Exploration Of Learning, Social, And Behavioral Experiences Of Female High School Graduates With Emotional Behavior Disorder From Public Schools In The United States: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Christie Renee Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental, phenomenological study is to describe the lived experience of public high school female college preparatory graduates diagnosed with an emotional behavior disorder (EBD) in the United States. The queries are: (a) how do female students with EBD describe their high school experience, and (b-d) what learning factors, behavioral supports, and environmental influences contributed to their ability to meet graduation requirements. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory as it is firmly grounded in behaviorism and explains the impact of complex interactions on behavior, learning, personal development, and social outcomes. Miller’s (1976) …


A Comparative Study Of Special Education Teachers’ Inclusion Perceptions: The Role Of Certification Routes, Dannette Taylor Estes Apr 2019

A Comparative Study Of Special Education Teachers’ Inclusion Perceptions: The Role Of Certification Routes, Dannette Taylor Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A primary goal of education is to increase student achievement. Many school districts are addressing increased student achievement by hiring and retaining effective teachers. Teacher effectiveness and student achievement are both influenced by teacher perception. Teachers with positive perceptions have been shown to contribute to increased student achievement and are perceived to be effective educators. Special education teachers hold both positive and negative perceptions about inclusion. In addition to varied perceptions of inclusion, teachers have taken different routes to obtain special education teacher certification. The purpose of this causal-comparative, quantitative study was to determine whether a statistically significant difference exists …


A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Christian School Teachers Educating Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gale Dionne Hall Apr 2019

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Christian School Teachers Educating Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gale Dionne Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of 13 Christian school teachers, who for at least six months, educated students with ASD in three Christian Schools in Hampton Roads Virginia. While information is available for the experiences of public school educators, the experiences of Christian school teachers who educate students with ASD has yet to be examined. Thus, the central research question addressed how Christian school teachers describe their experiences with students with ASD and was guided by the theoretical framework of Milton Rokeach’s theory of organization and change within value systems. I obtained …


Book It, Bullies: Using Children's Literature To Address Bullying In The Classroom, Kamryn Gottier Apr 2019

Book It, Bullies: Using Children's Literature To Address Bullying In The Classroom, Kamryn Gottier

Senior Honors Theses

Bullying is an ever-present issue rampant in schools and society today. It is incredibly eye-opening to consider the striking rates, harmful effects, and possible coping mechanisms associated with bullying. When considering this heavy topic from an educator’s point of view, it is critical that children’s literature be discussed as a powerful weapon to combat bullying. Educators should utilize literature to address bullying and initiate discussions concerning this challenging subject within their classes; prepare their students for being in an inclusion classroom among peers with and without disabilities; inform their students about disabilities that some of their classmates may be diagnosed …


The Impact Of Co-Teaching On Mathematics Achievement Of Middle School General Education Students, Jarrod Bingham Apr 2019

The Impact Of Co-Teaching On Mathematics Achievement Of Middle School General Education Students, Jarrod Bingham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To accommodate the presence of special education students in general education classrooms, many schools have implemented collaborative teaching or co-teaching, a model in which two or more teachers share responsibility for a group of students. While myriad research has demonstrated that this model benefits special education students, very little researchers have examined the effect of co-teaching upon the general education student, who often outnumber the special education students. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to investigate co-teaching’s impact upon the mathematic achievement of general education students. The independent variable in this study was students’ placement into either a) …


Dental Professionals' Preparedness To Manage The Behaviors Of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Dental Treatment: A Phenomenological Study, Kelli A. Trenga Mar 2019

Dental Professionals' Preparedness To Manage The Behaviors Of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Dental Treatment: A Phenomenological Study, Kelli A. Trenga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental, phenomenological study was to explore the preparedness of dentists and dental hygienists to manage the behaviors of patients with ASD during their dental treatments. The research focused on 12 participants who were novice or experienced dentists or dental hygienists, representatives of three states, and chosen from snowball and criterion sampling. The study was grounded in the adult experiential learning theory and the disability model. Data collection included long interviews face-to-face or via phone, open-ended-online surveys, and document analysis. The data was analyzed through the process of Epoche, transcendental-phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, synthesis of meanings, and …