Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Elementary Special Education Resource Teachers’ Practices And Perceptions Of Curriculum-Based Measurement, Susan Brooks Seymour

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined elementary special education resource teachers’ practices and perceptions of curriculum-based measurement (CBM). A significant body of research since the 1970’s has shown that CBM is a reliable and valid predictor of subsequent performance on a variety of outcome measures, and thus useful for a wide range of instructional decisions (Deno, 2003; Busch & Reschley, 2007). Numerous studies have shown that when teachers use CBM, as originally intended, to write databased IEP goals, monitor the effects of their instructional programs, and adjust their interventions according to data-based decision rules, student achievement improves (Fuchs, Fuchs, Hamlett, 1989b; Jenkins, Graff …

“When Do I Cross The Street?” Roberta’S Guilty Reflection, Irene A. Lietz

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Following a student’s evolving attitudes on race issues through her undergraduate years, a researcher concludes that a critical pedagogy can have long-term effects on student and instructor alike.

Sibling Experiences: Living With Young Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tina Dyches, Beth Ward, Brianna Smith Tanner, Barbara Mandleco, Donna Freeborn

Faculty Publications

Like other young people, those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an impact on siblings in both positive and negative ways. Research indicates positive attributes include maturity and responsibility; positive self-concept; less quarrelling and competition; admiration for the person with ASD; and satisfactory sibling relationships. Negative attributes include fear of frightening or violent behavior, decreased sibling intimacy, and social and emotional difficulties. However, most research relies on information from parents/teachers, rather than from siblings. Therefore, this qualitative descriptive study explored experiences of 11 brothers and 11 sisters living with a young person with ASD through audiorecorded semi-structured interviews. Analysis revealed …

Graduate Bulletin, 2016-2017 (2016), Minnesota State University Moorhead

Graduate Bulletins (Catalogs)

No abstract provided.

Caseload/Workload Study Of Speech Language Pathologists In Missouri Public Schools, Jinyu Du

Masters Theses

"A survey was distributed to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Missouri public schools to obtain statewide information regarding caseload number, workload related activities and SLPs' level job satisfaction on various aspects of their job. An online questionnaire was sent to school-based SLPs in Missouri to solicit factual information on average monthly caseload numbers, factors that impact caseload assignments and the percentage of time spent on various professional responsibilities and job satisfaction ratings. Results indicated that 24% of the respondents had caseloads that exceeded the maximum state regulated caseload number for SLPs. Respondents were also largely unaware of the maximum caseload regulation …

The Impact Of Font Type On Reading, Stephanie Hoffmeister

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Significant differences in brain activation patterns exist between readers with and without dyslexia (Shaywitz, 1998). One possible area of difference involves font style that has led to the development of specific fonts to help individuals with dyslexia. Recent studies of dyslexia-specific fonts provide no specific evidence that they improve an individual's reading ability or speed of reading.

Multi-Sensory Techniques In Spelling Instruction: An Action Research Study For Students With Dyslexia, Alyssa Ashbaugh

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to use instructional inquiry to study multisensory spelling instruction with a single fourth grade student diagnosed with dyslexia. Multisensory teaching techniques and strategies stimulate learning by engaging students on multiple levels encouraging students to use some or all of their senses. To examine the effectiveness of multisensory teaching techniques in spelling, I conducted pre- and post assessments of two spelling inventories, collected weekly dictated sentences, identified writing samples from his classroom, and had conversations with the student and the student’s teacher. The student continued to receive intervention services as previously scheduled twice …

Effects Of Explicit Instruction And Self-Directed Video Prompting On Text Comprehension Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily C. Sartini

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

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of explicit instruction combined with video prompting to teach text comprehension skills to students with autism spectrum disorder. Participants included 4 elementary school students with autism. A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Results indicated that the intervention was successful for all participants. All participants mastered the comprehension skills; however, data were highly variable during the acquisition phase. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Teaching An Algebraic Equation To High School Students With Moderate To Severe Intellectual Disability, Suzannah M. Chapman

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

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using the system of least prompts and concrete representations to teach students with moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) to solve simple linear equations. A multiple-probe (days) across participants, single case research design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of task analytic instruction along with concrete representation on teaching students with MSD to solve algebraic equations. The results showed the system of least prompts and concrete representations were effective in teaching students with MSD to solve simple linear equations.

Teaching Peer Tutors To Use A Simultaneous Prompting Procedure To Teach Sales Tax Computation To Secondary Students With Mild And Moderate Disabilities, Sarah Whitfield

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

The purpose of the study was to provide training to peer tutors to teach students with mild and moderate disabilities sales tax computation using a simultaneous prompting procedure with fidelity. Non-target information presented during training sessions and generalization to natural environment settings was assessed. A multiple probe (days) across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the dependent variables. The results showed peer tutors could use the simultaneous prompting procedure with fidelity to teach sales tax computation and students with disabilities could acquire sales tax computation. The students acquired the non-target information presented and generalization …

Effects Of Computer-Assisted Instruction Using Multiple Video Exemplars To Increase Safety Skill Knowledge With Students With Intellectual Disability, Katherine E. Shelton

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

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of a treatment package consisting of computer-assisted instruction using multiple video exemplars to teach safety skills to students with intellectual disability. A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate knowledge acquisition and the generalization of knowledge to the authentic setting (e.g, the school parking lot). The results showed training was effective in knowledge acquisition and improving skills demonstrated while crossing the parking lot.

Video Activity Schedules To Increase Independence For Students With Multiple Disabilities, Madison H. Johnson

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

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a video activity schedule (VidAS) via iPod to increase independence within novel tasks across three school settings (i.e., office, cafeteria, library) to students with multiple disabilities. Participants, ages 12 and 14, included two individuals with various disabilities who received special education services in a self-contained classroom. Results indicated both participants were able to independently complete novel tasks in three different school settings with the use of the visual activity schedule with embedded video prompts. Implications and limitations are discussed.

The Relationship Between Extracurricular Stem Activities And Performance On The Florida Science Assessment, Karin Fisher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with disabilities perform below their non-disabled peers in science (National Center for Educational Statistics [NCES], 2011; National Educational Longitudinal Study [NELS], 1998; National Science Foundation [NSF], 2013). The achievement gap is a problem because the nation's competitiveness depends on individuals with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge, skills, and abilities to drive innovation that will lead to new products and economic growth (Business-Higher Education Forum [BHEF]/Act Policy Brief, 2014; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016; National Science Board, 2015). If Florida is to continue to grow and prosper, all students, including students with disabilities must be …

Effects Of Mixed-Reality Peer Interactions On Workplace Problem-Solving Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Caitlyn Bukaty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have deficits in problem-solving skills within the realm of social communication, which may pose a barrier to employment (Livermore & Goodman, 2009). The ability to provide appropriate verbal responses is critical to success in an inclusive workplace for people with ID (Alber, Heward, & Hippler, 1999). Foley and colleagues (2013) found individuals with ID with strong communication skills were more likely to be engaged in independent employment than peers with weak communication skills. Furthermore, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA; 2014) mandated improved access to inclusive employment opportunities for people with …

The Role Of Virtual Avatars In Supporting Middle School Students From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds On Science In After School Programs, Benjamin Gallegos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students who receive additional educational supports in afterschool programs were the focus of the investigation. This study was conducted to measure what effects a TeachLivE avatar, a mixed-reality virtual environment, used in combination with a video game, had on the activation of prior knowledge in science for students in rural middle school. The delivery of the biology science lessons on cell structures and processes were delivered using the video game, Cell Command. The TeachLivE adult avatar was customized as a biologist who spoke to students in the treatment group about science concepts prior to playing the science video game. Unexpected …

Project Ican: A Stem Learning And Persistence Model For Postsecondary Students With Disabilities, Aaron Koch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Education and work in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) are of utmost importance in a post-modern society. Yet American performance in the STEM disciplines has waned over recent years. In order to recapture a global advantage in STEM, efforts are being made by educators and policy makers to compile and implement instructional supports. Of particular interest to this study are post-secondary students with disabilities (SWDs) who persist and learn in STEM degree paths. This population is an "untapped resource" with limitless potential for contribution to the collective fields of STEM (Leddy, 2010, p. 3; Alston, Hampton, Bell, & Strauss, …

Short­‐Term Test-­Retest Reliability Of Informal Phonological Analysis For 2­‐Year‐Old Late Talkers, Jordan Gearheart, Ann Walker, Shari L. Deveney

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

This poster discusses: Background, Research Question, Method, Results, Conclusions, Clinical Implications, and Limitations & Future Directions.

Voice Disorder Management Competencies: A Survey Of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists In Nebraska, Amy F. Teten, Shari L. Deveney, Mary J. Friehe

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to determine the self-perceived competence levels in voice disorders of practicing school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and identify correlated variables.

Method: Participants were 153 master’s level, school-based SLPs with a Nebraska teaching certificate and/or licensure who completed a survey, including demographic information and a 25-item voice disorders competency checklist.

Results: Findings indicated school-based SLPs did not feel particularly competent in their ability to assess and treat students with voice disorders. Only 1 response mean was higher than a “moderately competent” level. All other item means were at or below this level. Four correlations indicated …

Comparison Of Parent-Implemented And Clinician-Directed Intervention For Toddlers Identified As Late Talkers: A Literature Review, Shari L. Deveney, Jessica L. Hagaman

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

Claire had been worried about her son Henry for several months. He did not seem to talk like other children his age and did not say as many words as his older sister when she was a toddler. Claire consulted with Henry's pediatrician at his two-year wellness check. They discussed Henry's medical history and, other than his lack of words, neither had concerns about his development. "He really seems to understand everything we say to him or tell him to do," Claire explained, "But he barely says anything at all."

She decided to contact her local public school district for …

From Rainman To Rainmaker: A Presentation Of Jim’S Journey And Rapidly Advancing Technologies: Integrating Proven Behavioral Therapies With Emergent Measurement And Testing Advances Will Result In Transformational Progress In Autistic Individuals, Richard Zajac

CMC Senior Theses

The autism treatment status quo was reviewed and accompanied by a narrative contextualizing past and present progress with my younger brother Jim’s journey with the condition, sharing proposed next steps for bettering the current state of affairs in the space. The impetus for this piece was to share in the lessons of Jim’s life thus far and the revelations of those who have supported him, as well as to determine ways to create more impactful, lasting change in the limited window of early intervention therapy whilst empowering individuals on the spectrum to optimize for their skills and talents rather than …