Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Challenges In Providing Equitable Education For Primary School Students With Learning Disabilities In Zimbabwe: Teachers’ Experiences., Joyce Madzinga

Dissertations

This study examines the challenges primary school teachers in Zimbabwe face when supporting students with learning disabilities (LDs). Many learners with LDs are excluded from adequate classroom support due to systemic, cultural, and resource limitations. Learning disabilities are often under-recognized as compared to other disabilities because they are invisible. Raising awareness and empowering educators are crucial steps toward addressing these hidden needs and ensuring they are recognized and met. Six teachers were interviewed using a qualitative ethnographic approach. Findings reveal obstacles, including insufficient training in special education, limited teaching resources, high pupil-teacher ratios, negative societal attitudes, and poverty-related constraints. Additional …

Perceptions Of College Students With Learning Disabilities On High School Transition Services Related To Self-Determination Skills, Julie Ann O'Malley

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study explored college students' recalled experiences with high school special education secondary transition programming and its impact on their college success and perceived readiness. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), focusing on the competence need, the research examined students' perceptions of instruction quality and quantity, and their preparedness in disability awareness and knowledge of strengths and limits.

Analysis of survey data and semi-structured interviews revealed key findings consistently showed students perceived high school transition services as inadequate in both quantity and quality. They reported a lack of formal instruction, including the absence of designated classes, a lack of …

Perceptions Of Students With Visual Impairments On The Current State Of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, And Belonging In Public School Secondary Instrumental Ensembles, Nancy J. Kerner-Durling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research study examines the experiences and perceptions of students with visual impairments on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB) in secondary instrumental music ensembles. Despite the emergence of DEIAB initiatives in music education, little is known about how these initiatives are implemented for students with visual impairments in secondary instrumental music programs, as this topic has not yet been explored or documented due to the low incidence of this disability. Data was collected through interviews of former students with visual impairments between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two who attended public schools between the ages of twelve …

Exploring Academic Motivation In Students With Intellectual Disabilities Through The Experiences Of Teachers: A Phenomenological Study, Brett Franz O'Brien

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with intellectual disabilities in suburban Eastern North Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory, which explains that people can be intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, or have amotivation. The central research question of this hermeneutic phenomenology was “What are the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with ID in suburban Eastern North Carolina?” The study focused on the lived experiences of 10 teachers in Eastern North Carolina who …

Trauma-Informed Teaching Guidebook A Resource For Supporting Students, Autumn Shipley-Mellon

Masters Projects

Many students in the K–12 education system have experienced trauma, yet schools often lack the tools and structures to adequately support them. This project addresses that gap by creating a trauma-informed teaching guidebook for educators. Grounded in current research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma’s effects on child development, the guidebook provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies. It focuses on building supportive relationships, creating safe and predictable environments, managing behavior with empathy, and designing classrooms that foster emotional regulation and connection. The goal is to support both student well-being and teacher effectiveness. The guidebook is intended to be shared with educators …

Learning Needs Of African American High School Students With Dyslexia Within An Inclusive, Co-Teaching Environment: A Holistic Single Case Study, Aigbovboise Ayo Ehabahe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this holistic, single case study was to describe the experiences of special and general education teachers collaborating to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within an inclusive, co-teaching environment. The theory guiding this study was Cole’s intersectionality theory on co-teaching, as it explains how the interactions and strategies between co-teachers influence the academic success of students with dyslexia. The central research question was: How do special and general education teachers describe their experiences collaborating with one another to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within …

The Experiences Of School Psychologists Serving Students With Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Phenomenology, E. Grace Ritchie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex experience associated with a diverse constellation of symptoms and challenges. TBI scholars have extensively explored the varying needs of youth in the aftermath of a head injury. Likewise, recent literature details recommendations for school psychological services in support of these students. Such recommendations largely reflect insights drawn from broader TBI and disability research, integrated with the established scope of school psychologists’ practice (e.g., the National Association of School Psychologists Practice Model). Nevertheless, school psychologists’ perceptions of these students’ challenges have been inadequately examined. Such perspectives are likely valuable, given school psychologists’ unique training …

A Guidance Practice Model: Reframing Prevention, Identification, And Treatment Of Trauma-Impacted Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Mark H. Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The experience and exposure of trauma among youth, especially continuous traumatic experiences, poses considerable risks of long-term effects. Moreover, untreated trauma and subsequently negative mental health outcomes, like anxiety and depressive disorders, can negatively impact the psychosocial and academic functioning of students. One population that is generally overlooked regarding mental health in schools are students with intellectual disabilities (ID). This is problematic as this population is at an increased risk of traumatic experiences, such as maltreatment and social exclusion.

Moreover, the comorbidity of trauma and internalizing disorders among students with ID can exacerbate already existing challenges and deficits with social …

Aligning Novice Special Educators Classroom Practices, Mentoring Support, And Needs With Discrit Classroom Ecology, Kaitlyn Stillwagon

Theses and Dissertations

This multiple case study investigates the alignment of novice special educators’ classroom practices, mentoring supports, and expressed needs with DisCrit Classroom Ecology. Situated in a large, urban city in the Northeast United States, this study centers the experiences of novice special educators and their mentors to examine this alignment to uncover gaps and best practices for improved mentoring support for novice special educators. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom artifacts, and teacher reflection journals. Thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive coding revealed that novice special educators demonstrated emerging entry points toward DisCrit aligned practices, particularly in the use …

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

Learning Labs As A Professional Development Model To Strengthen Special Education Literacy Instruction, Claire Krajkowski

Masters Projects

Special education teachers face unique challenges in delivering effective literacy instruction to students with disabilities, yet traditional professional development often remains disconnected from the realities of special education classrooms. These conventional models frequently lack opportunities for sustained collaboration, reflective practice, and the application of evidence-based strategies tailored to diverse learner needs. This project presents a comprehensive plan for designing and facilitating Learning Labs, a form of embedded professional development grounded in constructivist and sociocultural theories. The Learning Lab model emphasizes collaborative inquiry, pedagogically productive talk, and the analysis of authentic instructional artifacts to deepen teachers’ understanding of effective literacy instruction. …

Navigating Early Intervention: The Experiences And Impact Of A Parent Coaching Model On Immigrant And Refugee Families In Rural Massachusetts, Emily Pleasant

Capstone Collection

Early Intervention (EI) programs play a critical role in supporting the developmental needs of children from birth to age three. This study explores the experiences of immigrant and refugee families engaging with EI services in rural Massachusetts, focusing particularly on the implementation and effectiveness of parent coaching models. Utilizing a mixed methods design that incorporates both narrative and phenomenological approaches, the research examines how families from culturally diverse backgrounds perceive and engage with EI services. This study discusses what barriers or facilitators they encounter throughout their journeys with Early Intervention. Preliminary findings suggest challenges related to language, cultural differences in …

Promoting Inclusion Through Evidence-Based Behavior Management: Effective Interventions For Students With Asd In General Education, Emma Kaiser

Masters Projects

As diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to rise, general education classrooms are increasingly responsible for meeting the needs of students with ASD. However, many teachers lack the training and resources necessary to manage challenging behaviors effectively. This knowledge gap often results in exclusionary practices such as restraint, seclusion, and suspension, which act as barriers to inclusion. The purpose of this project is to equip educators with evidence-based behavior management strategies that support inclusive practices. Drawing from current research, the project organizes effective interventions into three key categories: preventing challenging behaviors, teaching alternative skills, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Each …

Empowering General Educators: Supporting Students With Learning Disabilities Through Inclusive Tier Two Practices, Megan Sparling

Masters Projects

Many general education teachers enter the profession with minimal training in how to effectively support students with learning disabilities, particularly those who require Tier Two interventions but do not qualify for special education services. This lack of preparation contributes to reduced instructional confidence, inconsistent intervention practices, and missed opportunities to support struggling learners. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, this capstone project addresses the urgent need for ongoing, practical professional development tailored to the realities of inclusive classrooms. The literature highlights the importance of sustained, collaborative, and contextually embedded …

Exploring School-Based Early Intervention For Developmental Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study Of Parental Experiences, Brenda Nichol Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today it is estimated that one in six children in the United States has one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays. There is a large body of evidence pointing to the necessity of early intervention to improve both short and long-term life outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities from both the medical and social sciences. Despite this fact, the identification process during early childhood from a parental perspective remains under- researched. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of parents of children with developmental disabilities during the evaluation process and receipt of services …

Burned: A Phenomenological Study On Educator Burnout Within Self-Contained Classrooms, Nyausha West-James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout in Ozark County in Georgia. The social cognitive theory guided this research. The social cognitive theory can be supported by teaching new behaviors and encouraging educators to participate in behaviors that support self-efficacy. Self-efficacy can support teachers in managing their emotions and reducing educator burnout. The central research question was what are the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout? Although there was data that provided evidence on burnout, there was a lack of …

Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study describes the transition planning for parents collaborating with school and community professionals for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) at the high school level in Guam. The theory guiding this study is Schlosberg’s transition theory, as it supports parents in decision-making to help students with ID adapt to change. This study reviews how collaborative teams can be between schools and the community. The methodology examines parents’ interviews and observations and reviews the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents. An intrinsic case study is appropriate to understand parents’ perspectives in transition planning for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The …

Students' Social Attitudes Towards Students With Disabilities And Social Guidance In Inclusive Elementary Schools, Joko Yuwono, Ren Wenas, Nazmin Binti Abdullah, Mahardika Supratiwi, Fadjri Kirana Anggarani, Citra Tectona

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Teachers in elementary schools have a strategic role in providing social guidance to students to accept the presence of Students with Disability (SwD). The aims of this study were to determine the social attitudes of students, how teachers provide social guidance for non-disability students regarding the presence of disabled students in class/school and describe the challenges faced by teachers. This study uses a mixed method approach (Quantitative and Qualitative). This research method uses a data collection technique, namely a questionnaire distributed via Google Form to teachers in Indonesia. Through the questionnaire, quantitative data (percentage) and qualitative data were obtained regarding …

The Relationship Between A School Psychologists Workplace Stressors To Their Home Life Functioning, Trevor Burns

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

School psychologists face increasing professional demands due to rising caseloads, paperwork requirements, and staffing shortages, which contribute to elevated levels of occupational stress. Although prior research has examined job-related stress within the profession, little attention has been given to how these stressors may impact practitioners’ personal and home lives. The purpose of this study was to examine how occupational stress experienced by school psychologists relates to stress experienced in their home lives. A total of 176 practicing school psychologists from across the United States completed an anonymous online survey, which included the School Psychologist Distress Inventory (SPDI) and a newly …

Effects Of A Speech-To-Text Assistive Technology Writing Accommodation For Students With Cerebral Palsy, Kirstin Franklin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor disability characterized by impairments in movement, muscle tone, or posture that can also include intellectual, executive functioning, language and memory skills, and academic achievement deficits in children with CP (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022; Levitt & Addison, 2019). These neurological consequences and motor impairments can impact written expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a speech-to-text assistive technology (AT) accommodation that was applied to circumvent the impaired spelling and handwriting (i.e., transcription) skills resulting from CP. Three male students (Grades ranged from 6-10) with CP participated …