Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Motor-Induced Suppression Of The N100 Event-Related Potential During Motor Imagery Control Of A Speech Synthesizer Brain–Computer Interface, Jonathan S. Brumberg, Kevin M. Pitt

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: Speech motor control relies on neural processes for generating sensory expectations using an efference copy mechanism to maintain accurate productions. The N100 auditory event-related potential (ERP) has been identified as a possible neural marker of the efference copy with a reduced amplitude during active listening while speaking when compared to passive listening. This study investigates N100 suppression while controlling a motor imagery speech synthesizer brain–computer interface (BCI) with instantaneous auditory feedback to determine whether similar mechanisms are used for monitoring BCI-based speech output that may both support BCI learning through existing speech motor networks and be used as a …

The Effects Of Technology Use In A Third Grade Inclusion Classroom, Jamie C. Ott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single-subject, ABAB research design study was to examine if the integration of Google Classroom and digital texts on Chromebooks promotes student academic performance, specifically their reading level, and active engagement in an inclusive setting. This research was designed to identify the effects that introducing digital texts and comprehension response items in Google Classroom has on students' comprehension and engagement. This study was conducted in an inner-city public k-8 grade school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The scores gathered from students' TDA responses and engagement were converted into percentages and put into tables. The data from these two variables …

A Study Of The Collaborative Strategies Of General Education And Special Education Teachers In The Inclusion Classroom In An Urban High School, Angela Mcdougall

Theses and Dissertations

This study expands on prior research on the benefits and strategies implemented in an inclusion classroom with the general education and special education teacher in an urban high school. The collaborative strategies that both teachers implement are critical to ensure a high level of instruction delivery to the special education students and the general education students that are placed together in the inclusion classroom. The general education teacher and the special education teacher both have their respective roles in the inclusion classroom.

General education teachers, ICS (in class support) and special education teachers who instruct in self-contained classrooms were interviewed …

Atoh1 Directs Regeneration And Functional Recovery Of The Mature Mouse Vestibular System, Zahra N. Sayyid, Tian Wang, Leon Chen, Sherri M. Jones, Alan G. Cheng

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Utricular hair cells (HCs) are mechanoreceptors required for vestibular function. After damage, regeneration of mammalian utricular HCs is limited and regenerated HCs appear immature. Thus, loss of vestibular function is presumed irreversible. Here, we found partial HC replacement and functional recovery in the mature mouse utricle, both enhanced by overexpressing the transcription factor Atoh1. Following damage, long-term fate mapping revealed that support cells non-mitotically and modestly regenerated HCs displaying no or immature bundles. By contrast, Atoh1 overexpression stimulated proliferation and widespread regeneration of HCs exhibiting elongated bundles, patent mechanotransduction channels, and synaptic connections. Finally, although damage without Atoh1 overexpression failed …

Investigating The Use Of Technology In Communication Exchanges And Visual Support For Students With Autism, Angela Barone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of technology in a first-grade resource classroom. The participants used in this study were first grade nonverbal students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The data collected during this study reflected if Apple iPads(TM) increased the number of communication exchanges between teachers and students in a classroom using a Picture Exchange System on each screen. The study also examined the increase in independent task completion using the iPad(TM) in a first grade classroom. The students used a checklist of six items to complete, and had to complete this checklist independently using …

Will Teaching Pecs To Vocal And Non-Vocal Students Increase Social Interactions?, Patricia Kathleen Infantino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of PECS when taught to vocal and non- vocal students would increase communication and interactions during social situations. While using PECS both groups increased their social interactions during play time. Before this study the children in group one were not interacting at all. After being taught the use of PECS Group One interacted an average of five times per session. Before the study the children in Group two were not demonstrating any interactions, and after being taught the use of PECS they interacted an average of 10 times per …

The Teacher Evaluation Conundrum: Examining The Perceptions Of Special Education Teachers, Gordon Brobbey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

For more than a decade now, state and local education agencies have adopted high-stakes teacher evaluation systems in response to federal accountability mandates and the recognition of the critical role of teacher effectiveness in student achievement. Teacher evaluation systems have revealed relevant details regarding teacher effectiveness, especially in general education settings. However, no systems of teacher evaluation have been developed and evaluated for special education teachers and little is known about how special education teachers have fared under the accountability microscope. The study was informed by three significant issues pertaining to special education teacher evaluation: (1) the challenges surrounding evaluation …

Cultivating Educators’ Critical Consciousness Of Learning And Language Needs In Emergent Bilinguals, Alta Joy Broughton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation study reports the application of the Cultivating Critical Consciousness in Educators (CCCE) model for the collective cases of instructional coaching in one school. Overall, this conceptual model informed the coaching model, data collection, and data analysis by integrating three interacting concepts; 1) conscientização, the process of developing critical consciousness, (Carlson, Engebretson, & Chamberlain, 2005; Freire, 1970; King, 1991), 2) knowledge and practice as interdependent and interactive domains for cultivating teacher growth (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999), and 3) tenants of culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies summarized in three complementary strands: the Self, the Other, and the sociopolitical dimensions. Two …

Setting The Stage For Special Needs Theatre, Chandran R

Social Space

When I was a child, my special ability was in sports. I was good at football, badminton and sprinting, and even had aspirations of being a professional sportsman when I grew up. However, in terms of pursuing a sustainable sporting career, I was ahead of my time by a few generations.

Literacy: The Shape Of Something Possible, Miles Caudesch

Student Published Works

This article discusses the author's experience utilizing library resources to bond with a student as a substitute special education paraprofessional.

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 …

Table Of Contents

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Using A Universal Design For Learning Framework To Provide Multiple Means Of Representation In The Early Childhood Classroom, Ariane N. Gauvreau, Marla J. Lohmann, Katrina A. Hovey

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

In order to ensure high quality outcomes for all children in the early childhood classroom, teachers are expected to utilize both the Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 2009), as well as the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices (DEC, 2014). Both NAEYC’s DAP and DEC’s Recommended Practices align with the use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that supports the learning needs of all learners through intentional, proactive, and reflective instruction and interactions. This article provides a brief overview of UDL, with a specific …

Effects Of Different Camera Perspectives On Preservice Teachers’ Written Reflections, Wilhelmina Van Dijk Ph.D., Holly B. Lane Ph.D.

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Promoting meaningful reflection from teacher candidates is an ongoing challenge for many teacher preparation programs. Video-based reflection provides an opportunity for candidates to examine their own teaching more closely as they reflect on their continued growth. This study examined the role of different cameras and camera angles in the reflection process for preservice teachers implementing one-on-one reading tutoring sessions. In particular, we were interested in whether using video from head-mounted cameras as a basis for reflection activities would have an influence on the focus and type of statements used in reflections. We were also interested in the advantages and disadvantages …

Examining The Perspectives Of Elementary Education Teachers Prepared Through Traditional And Dual License Programs, Kelly A. Swindlehurst Ph.D., Colby T. Kervick Ed.D, Katharine G. Shepherd Ed.D

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Preparing classroom teachers to work with students with diverse learning needs is a challenge that has been well documented by the literature. Earning a dual license in general and special education has been posited as one possible solution to this challenge. This paper reports on a qualitative study that examined the differences between dually licensed and traditionally prepared educators with regards to their self-efficacy and ideas about inclusion. Findings suggest that teachers who earn a dual license in general education and special education may have a stronger sense of self-efficacy as well as a stronger skill set for working with …

Considering Augmentative And Alternative Communication Research For Brain-Computer Interface Practice, Kevin M. Pitt, Jonathan S. Brumberg, Adrienne R. Pitt

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim to provide access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices via brain activity alone. However, while BCI technology is expanding in the laboratory setting, there is minimal incorporation into clinical practice. Building upon established AAC research and clinical best practices may aid the clinical translation of BCI practice, allowing advancements in both fields to be fully leveraged.

Method: A multidisciplinary team developed considerations for how BCI products, practice, and policy may build upon existing AAC research, based upon published reports of existing AAC and BCI procedures.

Outcomes/Benefits: Within each consideration, a review of BCI research …

Individualized Instruction In Letter Name Identification For A Student With Cortical Visual Impairment, Holli Luff

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Students with cortical visual impairment (CVI) have difficulties participating in literacy activities and the reading process. An evidenced-based curriculum was adapted and modified to teach letter naming to a student with CVI. A multiple probe design was used to determine whether the instruction was effective with a student with CVI and if instruction in letter identification support identification of letter sounds for a student with cortical visual impairment. There was a functional relationship between the explicit instruction and the students immediately recorded correct responses, but the skill was not maintained.

Advisor: Mackenzie Savaiano

Least Prompts Approach For Improving Reading Comprehension Of Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Marisa M. Hoins

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this study, the researcher employed a least prompts intervention to improve listening comprehension responses for three participants with intellectual disabilities (ID). All participants were required to (a) be diagnosed with a moderate ID or have a medical diagnosis of a disability typically co-occurring with ID (e.g., Downs Syndrome), (b) be in grades one to seven, (c) communicate orally, and (d) have normal hearing and vision. In addition, all participants expressed choices through orally responding yes/no or by pointing to a response board. The researcher used a multiple baseline design across three participants to determine if there was a functional …

Five Reasons To Write For Ld Forum, Apryl L. Poch

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

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 …