Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Data-Based Decisions Guidelines For Teachers Of Students With Severe Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Bree A. Jimenez, Pamela J. Mims, Diane M. Browder

Pamela J. Mims

Effective practices in student data collection and implementation of data-based instructional decisions are needed for all educators, but are especially important when students have severe intellectual and develop- mental disabilities. Although research in the area of data-based instructional decisions for students with severe disabilities shows benefits for using data, there is limited research to demonstrate teachers in applied settings can acquire the decision-making skills required. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate how teachers from five states acquired a set of data-based decisions implementation guidelines through online professional development. Recommendations for practice and future research are included.

A Culturally And Linguistically Responsive Framework For Improving Academic And Postsecondary Outcomes Of Students With Moderate Or Severe Intellectual Disability, Christopher J. Rivera, Bree A. Jimenez, Joshua N. Baker, Tracy Spies, Pamela J. Mims, Ginevra Courtade

Pamela J. Mims

The needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with moderate or severe intellectual disability (ID) are quite unique and complex. CLD students with moderate or severe ID face many of the same issues as their non-disabled CLD peers; however, due to the nature of their disability this may lead to even less access to the general curriculum, appropriate services, materials, and meaningful collaboration between families and educators. The purpose of this article is to provide a culturally responsive framework for facilitating academic instruction for CLD students with moderate or severe ID that also includes appropriate supports in an effort …

Effects Of A Treatment Package To Facilitate English/Language Arts Learning For Middle School Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Pamela J. Mims, Angel Lee, Diane M. Browder, Tracie-Lynn Zakas, Susan Flynn

Pamela J. Mims

This pilot study sought to develop and evaluate the use of a treatment package that included systematic and direct instruction on acquisition of literacy skills aligned with middle school English/Language Arts standards for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism. Participants included five teachers and 15 middle school students with moderate to severe disabilities who were primarily served in a self-contained setting. A one-group, nonrandomized, pre-posttest design was implemented to measure vocabulary, comprehen- sion of familiar text and unfamiliar text, poetry, research, and writing skills. Results indicated significant gains in vocabulary and comprehension of familiar text. Limitations, implications, and …

A Philosophical And Evidence-Based Basis For Including Students With Disabilities In The General Education Curriculum, Pamela J. Mims

Pamela J. Mims

Those of us involved in education – administrators, teachers, parents, students, specialists, policy makers and researchers – must decide on the level of rigour that will take place in our classrooms. Decisions based on the least dangerous assumption (LDA) are providing outstanding results. Donnellan (1984) famously wrote that “we should assume that poor performance is due to instructional inadequacy rather than to student deficits” (p 142). This philosophy has been the foundation of recent research into the access available to the general curriculum and practice in the classroom by individuals who have a wide range of ability levels. As a …

Behavioral Disorders: A Nutritional Checklist For The Educational Practitioner, Ronald F. Bobner, Louisa M. Marchionda, Carolyn Ridenour, Isadore Newman, Mary J. Beaubien

Carolyn S. Ridenour

Millions of dollars are spent annually on special educational programs for children whose severe behavior disorders prevent them from participating in the regular school setting despite average or above average intellectual capacity. A growing body of research indicates that some of these behavior disorders are related to nutritional problems. (Pfeiffer and Iliev 1972; Kittler 1973; Mayron 1979; and Buckley 1977), and many clinicians support the view that no matter what the etiology of behavioral disorders, nutritional programs can improve the baseline data on medical, social and intellectual achievement, and on personality measures (Palmer 1978). Our purpose here is to present …

A_Case_Study_Of_Factors_That_Influenced_The_Attrition_Or_Retention_Of_Two_First-Year_Special_Education_Teachers.Pdf, Marquis Grant

Marquis C. Grant, Ed.D

A Tale Of Two Teachers.Pptx, Marquis Grant

Marquis C. Grant, Ed.D

Unregulated Autonomy: Uncredentialed Educational Interpreters In Rural Schools, Stephen Fitzmaurice

Stephen Fitzmaurice

Essential Components Of Special Education For English Language Learners With Learning Disabilities: Position Statement Of The Division For Learning Disabilities Of The Council For Exceptional Children, Janette Klingner, Amy L. Boele, Sylvia Linan-Thompson, Diane Rodriguez

Amy Boele

No abstract provided.

Select Methods For Teaching Reading To Ells [Book Chapter], Amy L. Boele

Amy Boele

About this book:

Make appropriate instructional and eligibility decisions for English language learners!

This research-based guide offers educators and service providers proven methods for determining when ELLs are having reading difficulties that are related to language acquisition and when students’ performance issues might be linked to learning disabilities. The book provides an overview of the language acquisition process and outlines:

• Assessment techniques for identifying learning disabilities and measuring proficiency in English

• Instructional tips for working with ELLs who struggle with reading
• A multi-tiered, data-driven intervention model to assist in determining a student’s learning needs
• The role of Response to Intervention …

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Teaching Students With Ld To Use Reading Comprehension Strategies (Book Chapter), Alison Boardman, Janette Klingner, Subini A. Annamma, Brooke A. Moore, Amy L. Boele, A. Davidson, R. Figueroa, N. Sager

Amy Boele

About this book: Among the most commonly reported characteristics of individuals with learning and behavioral disabilities are significant and persistent problems with literacy acquisition. Applied research has revealed a number of methods for facilitating literacy learning among individuals with learning and behavioral disabilities. Included in this volume are chapters from a group of internationally-prominent authors, addressing important issues in the conceptualizing, assessing, and treating problems in literacy. These chapters include conceptual factors in reading assessment, reading comprehension, and a critique of the 'dyslexia' concept, implementation of Response to Intervention models for treatment of literacy deficits, applications for individuals with Attention …

Does It Say That? Tensions In Teacher Questions When The Text Has The Final Say, Amy L. Boele

Amy Boele

Using sociocultural concepts of authoritative and dialogic discourse, the author sought to examine 5 thgrade teachers’ questioning practices during small group reading instruction to understand the differences between groups reading text on grade level and groups reading texts below grade level. The purpose was to also examine how questions functioned for students with learning disabilities. Qualitative observations, video and audio transcripts, and teacher interviews were used for the ethnographic and discourse analytic methods. Findings reveal how some questions that are designed to transfer responsibility of thought to the students can also work to maintain the location of knowledge within the …

Cultural And Linguistic Diversity In Special Education (Book Chapter), Janette Klingner, Alison Boardman, Subini A. Annamma, Brooke A. Moore, Amy L. Boele, A. Davidson, R. Figueroa, N. Sager

Amy Boele

About this book:

Enduring Issues in Special Education is aimed at any course in the undergraduate or graduate special education curriculum that is wholly or partly devoted to a critical examination of current issues in special education. The book organizes 28 chapters into seven sections using familiar structuring principles―what, who, where, how, when, why, and whither. Each section begins with an introduction that provides historical, legal, and theoretical background information and organizing commentary for the chapters that follow. The book’s objective, in addition to informing readers about the issues, is to develop critical thinking skills in the context of special …

Challenging The Idea Of Normal In Schools, Subini A. Annamma, Amy L. Boele, Brooke A. Moore, Janette Klingner

Amy Boele

In this article, we build on Brantlinger's work to critique the binary of normal and abnormal applied in US schools that create inequities in education. Operating from a critical perspective, we draw from Critical Race Theory, Disability Studies in Education, and Cultural/Historical Activity Theory to build a conceptual framework for examining the prevailing ideology of normal found in US schools. We use our conceptual framework todeconstruct the current, westernised, static ideology of normal. Once deconstructed, we explore current iterations of the ideology of normal in schools. Finally, we suggest using the conceptual framework as a tool to reconstruct the …

Validating An Observation Protocol To Measure Special Education Teacher Effectiveness, Evelyn S. Johnson, Carrie L. Semmelroth

Carrie Semmelroth

This study used Kane’s (2013) Interpretation/Use Argument (IUA) to measure validity on the Recognizing Effective Special Education Teachers (RESET) observation tool. The RESET observation tool is designed to evaluate special education teacher effectiveness using evidence-based instructional practices as the basis for evaluation. In alignment with other studies (Bell et al., 2012), we applied and interpreted Kane’s (2006) four inferences for trait observation: scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and decision rules. Results from this study show that acceptable levels of validity are promising for the RESET observation tool. Because the RESET observation tool is premised on the idea that by increasing the use …

Out Of "Dark Backrooms And Sheds", Marguerite Maher M.Ed

Marguerite Maher

Commitment to a single, inclusive education system has been the aspiration of reform in education in a democratic South Africa as articulated in White Paper 6: Special needs education: Building an inclusive education and training system (Department of Education, 2001, referred to hereafter as White Paper 6). Within a ‘barriers to learning’ approach to inclusive education, progress is being made with improved facilities and the implementation of AIDS awareness programmes. Managing the transition towards an inclusive education system has proved challenging in some areas, however, and the specific provision in policy documents directed towards children with disabilities is behind schedule. …

Rti Success: Proven Tools And Strategies For Schools And Classrooms, Elizabeth Whitten, Kelli Esteves, Alice Woodrow

Kelli Esteves

Response to Intervention (RTI) helps schools raise student achievement for all adn address learning difficulties before sever academic problems requiring special education services can develop. Written by three experienced practitioners in the field, RTI Success is a one-stop resource for teachers, administrators, special educators, and other support staff putting this innovative model into practices. Throughout the book, "Spotlight' features illustrate how to carry out important RTI processes.

Capitalizing On Connectors: Paraeducator Supervision Training Infused In Teacher Preparation Programs, Caron Westland, Ritu Chopra

Caron Westland

No abstract provided.

Integration Of Social, Behavioral, And Academic Initiatives: Part I, Hank Bohanon, Meng-Jia Wu

Hank Bohanon

Many schools are working towards improving their overall social and behavioral climate. This endeavor is undertaken for its own sake, and in the anticipation it will improve academic performance for students. School climate has been related to a lack of connection and commitment on the part of students towards the school, discipline problems, and dropping out (Zins & Elias, 2007). There appear to be at least three predominant schoolwide initiatives to frame improving school climate: Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), Response to Intervention (RtI), and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Toward True Integration Of Response To Intervention Systems In Academic And Behavior Support: Part 1: Tier 1 Support., Kent Mcintosh, Steve Goodman, Hank Bohanon

Hank Bohanon

Part 1 of a series involving the integration of academic and behavior support.

Integration Of Social, Behavioral, And Academic Initiatives: Part Ii, Hank Bohanon, Meng-Jia Wu

Hank Bohanon

In part one of this series we discussed the connections among Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Response to Intervention (RtI). Specifically, we compared the processes and fidelity components of these approaches. We attempted to highlight the similarities in systems, practices, and data for each approach, with the understanding that nuances could found within the practices of each. The following section provides specific examples of the overlap in these approaches; the integration of systems, practices, and data; and factors related to core instruction.

Definitions, Principals, And Model Of Positive Behavior Support, Hank Bohanon

Hank Bohanon

This is an overview of the principles of positive behavior support.

Intermediate Participatory Stages Of The Concept Of Unit Fraction: Two Students With Learning Disability, Jessica Hunt, Ron Tzur, Arla Westenskow

Ron Tzur

No abstract provided.

School Culture For Students With Significant Support Needs: Belonging Is Not Enough, Diane Carroll, Connie Fulmer, Donna Sobel, Dorothy Garrison-Wade, Lorenso Aragon, Lisa Coval

Connie L. Fulmer

This qualitative study examined the influence of school culture on services for students with significant support needs. Students with significant support needs are defined as those who typically have cognitive impairments, often paired with sensory and physical challenges, and who require substantial supports to receive benefit from education. Using Schein's (1988) definition of culture, ethnographic methods, including observations, interviews and artifacts, were used to collect data related to artifacts, values, and assumptions. Results of this study indicate a strong sense of family, community and belonging. However, belonging did not include critical components of instruction as described as best practice in …

The Semantic Domain Of Classifiers In American Sign Language, Ronnie Wilbur, Mark E. Bernstein, Rebecca Kantor

Rebecca Kantor

This study observed the communicative partnerships between normal-hearing mothers and their normal-hearing (N=3) or hearing-impaired (N=5) children (ages 17-46 months) prior to brief periods of separation. Results indicated that the quality and development of communicative interaction between normal-hearing mothers and hearing-impaired children is central to the success of early education programs.

The Acquisition Of Classifiers In American Sign Language, Rebecca Kantor

Rebecca Kantor

The purpose of this study was to obtain data on the developmental stages that deaf children pass through in acquiring the adult form of pronominal classifiers in American Sign Language, by obtaining data on production, comprehension, and imitation from nine children aged three to eleven years. All nine children are congenitally, profoundly deaf and have deaf parents. In all cases classifiers were mastered much later than would be predicted from a timetable for signs with similar structure. Evidence was found for a developmental sequence and for acquisition strategies similar to those that have been identified for hearing children learning a …

Communicative Interaction: Mother Modification And Child Acquisition Of American Sign Language, Rebecca Kantor

Rebecca Kantor

The communicative interaction in American Sign Language (ASL) of two deaf mothers with their deaf children was studied at 3-week intervals for 10 months to find what modification, if any, the mothers made in their language utterances addressed to the children (12–20 and 20–30 months old). As was hypothesized, and has been shown of hearing-speaking mothers’ language, modification in the direction of simplified and more linear language was found. Special attention was paid to POINTing behavior (i.e. pointing gestures constrained by the linguistic rules of ASL) and to verb “modulation” or inflection (changes from ASL citation forms to mark the …

Select Methods For Teaching Reading To Ells [Book Chapter], Amy L. Boele

Amy Boele

No abstract provided.

Finding Community Through Stories, Amy L. Boele

Amy Boele

No abstract provided.

Listening To Their Voices: Factors That Inhibit Or Enhance Postsecondary Outcomes For Students' With Disabilities, Dorothy Garrison-Wade

Dorothy Garrison-Wade

Although an increasing number of students with disabilities are considering postsecondary educational opportunities, many of these students find the challenges daunting as compared to their secondary educational experiences. The purpose of the qualitative case study reported herein was to learn more about students' perceptions of services received in college in order to develop a clearer understand of how to better ensure positive outcomes. Fifty nine students with various disabilities and six disability resource coordinators from five two year community colleges and three four-year universities participated in the study. Three major themes emerged from the data, including: (a) capitalizing on student …