Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Fluency Interventions And The Impact On Comprehension, Colleen Cook

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Reading fluency is understood to be the rate and accuracy of that which is being read and comprehension is the understanding of what has been read. Many studies support the concept that fluency skills support reading comprehension. Many students with specific learning disabilities lack the fluency skills needed for successful reading comprehension. This study provided fluency interventions to elementary students with specific learning disabilities and evaluated any comprehension gains. Students graphed their own fluency gains during the interventions and a pre-test and post-test were given to monitor comprehension. There was in increase in both the average fluency rate for each …

Stereocilia-Staircase Spacing Is Influenced By Myosin Iii Motors And Their Cargos Espin-1 And Espin-Like, Seham Ebrahim, Matthew R. Avenarius, M’Hamed Grati, Jocelyn F. Krey, Alanna M. Windsor, Aurea D. Sousa, Angela Ballesteros, Runjia Cui, Bryan A. Millis, Felipe T. Salles, Michelle A. Baird, Michael W. Davidson, Sherri M. Jones, Dongseok Choi, Lijin Dong, Manmeet H. Raval, Christopher M. Yengo, Peter G. Barr- Gillespie, Bechara Kachar

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Hair cells tightly control the dimensions of their stereocilia, which are actin-rich protrusions with graded heights that mediate mechanotransduction in the inner ear. Two members of the myosin-III family, MYO3A and MYO3B, are thought to regulate stereocilia length by transporting cargos that control actin polymerization at stereocilia tips. We show that eliminating espin-1 (ESPN-1), an isoform of ESPN and a myosin-III cargo, dramatically alters the slope of the stereocilia staircase in a subset of hair cells. Furthermore, we show that espin-like (ESPNL), primarily present in developing stereocilia, is also a myosin-III cargo and is essential for normal hearing. ESPN-1 and …

Curriculum Decision-Making Processes Of Beginning Special Education Teachers, Camille Schulman

The Graduate Review

Teachers are constantly making decisions in their classrooms based on a variety of factors. With a sample of twelve first or second year special education teachers, this participatory action research project explores the decision-making processes in regards to curriculum development. Using group interviews, individual interviews, participant content maps, and a survey, data examining the decisions these teachers make about curriculum in their classroom was collected. These qualitative and quantitative data sets will be coded, analyzed, and compared to identify common elements and themes among participants. Preliminary results show that teachers struggle on a daily basis with different aspects of curriculum …

Perspectives Of Educators In Care And Treatment Programs On The Educational Needs Of Students, Jill F. Kramer

Theses and Graduate Projects

This qualitative research study examined the perspectives of educators working in a care and treatment facility on the educational needs of students enrolled in those programs. This research was conducted by interviewing six educators who were employed with an urban Midwest school district and were assigned to the care and treatment program examined in the study. Data was gathered to determine the participants' views and experiences with the field of education, specifically in the care and treatment program, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and curriculum. The results indicated participants perceived building relationships with students, collaboration between service providers, and engaging …

What Is The Perception Of Struggling Readers On The Impact Of Computer Games On Working Memory?, Kathleen Anderson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students with learning disabilities are faced with a lifetime of struggles to meet the demands of academics and daily activities. How can special education and classroom teachers effectively ensure that interventions provided to students will meet their needs? Research reports that working memory is no longer fixed but can be improved through targeted training. Computerized working memory training programs are promoted as a means to improve working memory. The purpose of this research was to discover the perception of struggling students on the impact of computerized working memory games on their working memory. In this qualitative research, data was collected …

Parent Perspectives On The Parent-Teacher Relationship In The Case Of Parents Of Children With Special Needs In Doha, Qatar, Corinne Lorence

Theses and Graduate Projects

Parent-teacher partnership is a key element to student achievement and success. While there is a large body of literature that supports the importance of parent-teacher partnership, and literature capturing teacher and parent perspectives alike, there are fewer studies involving perspectives of parents of children with special needs in the Middle East. This qualitative study sought the perspectives of such parents living in a small country in the Middle East. Three mothers of children who attended a special education school were interviewed, and the data was transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes. Despite their diverse backgrounds, participants shared a love for …

A Non-Traditional Learning Environment And Student Success From The Perspectives Of The Students Themselves, Arika R. Mareck

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this action research study is to examine a non-traditional learning environment and student success from the perspectives of the students themselves. This study defines a non-traditional learning environment as a hope- inspired and relational environment with a person a\ized, and relevant curriculum. It is an environment where teachers model collaboration, restorative practices, and compassion through intentional culturally relevant instruction, strength-based assumptions, whole-sfudent relationships, confl ict resolution, and sfudent advocacy and empowerment. The study seeks to understand if typically unsuccessful students (also commonly referred to as at-risk students) can find success if the delivery of their education is …

The Evaluation Of Educational Inclusion Programs For Students With Intellectual Disabilities In Jordan, Ahmad Salem Algolaylat

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATIONAL INCLUSION PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN JORDAN

By

AHMAD SALEM ALGOLAYLAT

August 2016

Advisors: Dr. Marshall Zumberg

Major: Special Education

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusive education programs for students with intellectual disabilities in Jordan, quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilized in this study to collect data. These methods included the Jordanian inclusive education scale and teacher interviews. The sample of the study consisted of thirty schools and eight teachers from both governmental and private sector, schools and teachers were selected from Amman. To achieve the aim …

The Effects Of Peer Mentoring On Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Keri Tichenor

Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of students with autism and their peer mentors that may contribute to the success of peer-mediated intervention strategies. Target students and peer mentors were matched based on skill level, age, and preferences; the students participated in a variety of activities throughout a week-long day camp. Peer mentors were taught how to interact with students, and behavior technicians were trained to facilitate these interactions. A qualitative case study was designed to determine patterns across the matched pairs. Findings indicate that peer mentor characteristics and the characteristics of the target student contribute …

Easing Reentry Of Incarcerated Youth With And Without Disabilities Through Employability And Social Skills Training, Taryn Vanderpyl

CGU Theses & Dissertations

When incarcerated youth – those with and those without disabilities – face the prospect of reentering the community, they have many obstacles to overcome. Employment requirements are often associated with terms of parole or aftercare. Those who fail to obtain and maintain employment often reenter the juvenile justice system instead of successfully reentering society. Research shows employment is critical for successful transition from incarceration back in to the community. Limited information is available about programs that positively impact post-incarceration employment for juveniles, however. Practitioners face the challenge of selecting effective curriculum, interventions, or supports. Unfortunately, the current knowledge base provides …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Independent Phonological Measures Of 2-Year-Old Speech: A Pilot Study, Katherine Wittler, Shari L. Deveney

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

Introduction: Within the field of speech-language pathology, many assume commonly used informal speech sound measures are reliable. However, lack of scientific evidence to support this assumption is problematic. Speech-language pathologists often use informal speech sound analyses for establishing baseline behaviors from which therapeutic progress can be measured. Few researchers have examined the test-retest reliability of informal phonological measures when evaluating the speech productions of young children. Clinically, data regarding these measures are critical for facilitating evidence-based decision making for speech-language assessment and treatment.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to identify the evidence-base regarding temporal reliability of two …

Development Of A Self-Efficacy Scale For Teachers Who Teach Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Abigail M. A. Love

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

This study aimed to measure teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Teacher self-efficacy refers to the belief teachers hold about their ability to affect student learning and has been shown to change teachers’ motivation, stress levels, and amount of given effort (Klassen, Tze, Betts, & Gordon, 2011). Numerous studies have dealt with the measurement of this construct and developed measures that assess teachers in different domains and populations; however, only one study (Ruble, Toland, Birdwhistell, McGrew, & Usher, 2013) has attempted to measure within the population of students with ASD. The purpose of the current study …

A Survey Of Preservice Teachers' Attitudes On Integrating Students With Disabilities In Inclusive Education Classrooms, Kelsey K. Mcnamee

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There are more than 2.4 million American public school students identified with learning disabilities who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). General education preservice teachers are expected to effectively teach all students, including those with disabilities. However, most teacher preparation programs only require a single course in teaching students with disabilities. Research shows that that teachers’ attitudes regarding inclusion are the greatest predictor of a successful inclusion classroom. This study explored the attitudes of preservice elementary and preservice secondary teachers regarding integrating students with disabilities into general education classrooms. A quantitative research design with a survey …

Self-Advocacy Among College Students With Learning Disabilities And/Or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Lynn Gagle Roper

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a seven-week self-advocacy intervention on students’ with LD and/or ADHD abilities to self-advocate with college professors and understand their disability.

Prior research has indicated that students with LD and/or ADHD must, in order to accomplish their postsecondary educational goals, be skilled at and responsible for accessing and utilizing any accommodations they need to complete their course of study. Despite the amendments to 2004 IDEA specific to transition planning, compared with same age peers, many students with LD and ADHD demonstrate less self-awareness entering college in addition to limited skills …

The Effectivness Of The Jordanian Arabic Version Of The Cognitive Abilities Screening Test (Cogat, Seven) In Identifying Gifted And Talented Children In Kindergarten And Elementray School, Ali M. Alodat

Wayne State University Dissertations

A great debate has been occurring in the field of gifted education regarding the validity of the identification procedures. Many scholars have called to change the current criteria that has been used to identify gifted students based on their intellectual abilities. The new trend in the field is calling to adopt comprehensive evaluation procedures that start with screening all students especially at an early age.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of using a Jordanian Arabic version of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Test (CogAT) Form Seven in identifying gifted and talented children between the ages of five and eight …

Honors In Practice: A Publication Of The National Collegiate Honors Council, Volume 12 (2016)--Complete Issue

Honors in Practice Online Archive

CONTENTS

Editorial Policy, Deadline, and Submission Guidelines v

Dedication to Patrice Berger — Karen Lyons

Editor’s Introduction — Ada Long

FIFTIETH-ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Founder’s Award Speech — Bernice Braid

RESEARCH ABOUT HONORS

Evaluating the Application of Program Outcomes to Study Abroad Experiences — Patricia Joanne Smith and Lawrence J. Mrozek

Why Not Honors? Understanding Students’ Decisions Not to Enroll and Persist in Honors Programs — Timothy Nichols, Jacob Ailts, and Kuo-Liang Chang

Effects of Peer Mentorship on Student Leadership — Giovanna Walters and Ashley Kanak

PRACTICAL AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR HONORS

The Challenge of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in …

Group Contingency Interventions For Classroom Behavior Management: A Systematic Review Of The Literature 2011-2016, Danielle M. Crawford Duff

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current literature base on the use of group contingency interventions to determine whether there is sufficient empirical evidence to recommend the practice for behavior management in K-12 classrooms. Studies were evaluated based on standards proposed by the What Works Clearinghouse. The results of the review indicate support for group contingencies as an evidence-based practice and highlight a need for increased experimental rigor and more detailed reporting to determine whether the interventions are effective and for which populations or settings they are most appropriate.

Using Video Modeling Plus A System Of Least Prompts To Teach People With Intellectual Disability To Participate In Faith Communities, Victoria Slocum

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

An important part of quality of life for people with moderate and severe intellectual disability (MSD) is being involved in community activities, including participation in faith communities. There is a need for meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in faith communities beyond physical presence. Although it has been recommended that evidence-based strategies, such as video modeling (VM) be used to increase the meaningful inclusion of people with ID in faith communities, there is a lack of empirical studies using evidence-based practices to teach the skills necessary for participation in community activities. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the …

Assessing The Writing Achievement Of Young Struggling Writers: Application Of Generalizability Theory, Steve Graham, Michael Hebert, Michael Paige Sandbank, Karen R. Harris

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

This study examined the number of writing samples needed to obtain a reliable estimate of young struggling writers’ capabilities. It further assessed if performance in one genre was reflective of performance in other genres for these children. Second- and third-grade students (81 boys, 56 girls), who were identified as struggling writers in need of special assistance by their teacher and scored at the 25th percentile or lower on a norm-referenced story-writing test, wrote four compositions: a story, personal narrative, opinion essay, and informative text. Applying generalizability theory (G-theory), students’ scores on three writing measures (total number of words [TNW], vocabulary …

Professional Practice And Ethical Issues Related To Physical Restraint And Seclusion In Schools, Brenda Scheuermann, Reece L. Peterson, Joseph B. Ryan, Glenna Billingsley

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Use of physical restraint and seclusion procedures in schools continues to be controversial, and foster proposals for federal and state legislation and regulation. Despite much discussion about what policies are needed, there has been little discussion about the professional practice issues and the ethical issues related to these practices. The purpose of this report is to present six clusters of professional practice and ethical issues that have not heretofore been specifically identified. To do so, we will examine the codes of professional practice and ethics of organizations representing educators who work with students with severe behavioral challenges. To illustrate these …