Validation Of The Symptoms And Functioning Severity Scale In Residential Group Care,
2015
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Validation Of The Symptoms And Functioning Severity Scale In Residential Group Care, Matthew C. Lambert, Kristin Duppong-Hurley, Thomas J. Gross, Michael Epstein, Amy L. Stevens
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications
Tests that measure the emotional and behavioral problems of children and youth are typically not normed and standardized on youth diagnosed with disruptive behavior, particularly those youth in residential care. Yet professional standards mandate that before instruments are used with a specific population the psychometric properties need to be studied and re-established: specifically, psychometric properties, including validity, need to be evaluated (AERA, APA, & NCME, 1999). The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity characteristics of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS; Bickman, et al., 2010), a widely used test developed for use in outpatient clinics, …
Using Visual Scene Displays As Communication Support Options For People With Chronic, Severe Aphasia: A Summary Of Aac Research And Future Research Directions,
2015
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Using Visual Scene Displays As Communication Support Options For People With Chronic, Severe Aphasia: A Summary Of Aac Research And Future Research Directions, David R. Beukelman, Karen Hux, Aimee R. Dietz, Miechelle L. Mckelvey, Kristy S.E. Weissling
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications
Research about the effectiveness of communicative supports and advances in photographic technology has prompted changes in the way speech-language pathologists design and implement interventions for people with aphasia. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of photographic images as a basis for developing communication supports for people with chronic aphasia secondary to sudden-onset events due to cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Topics include the evolution of AAC-based supports as they relate to people with aphasia, the development and key features of visual scene displays (VSDs), and future directions concerning the incorporation of photographs into communication supports for people with …
White Matter Differences Between Multiple System Atrophy (Parkinsonian Type) And Parkinson’S Disease: A Diffusion Tensor Image Study,
2015
Nanjing Medical University
White Matter Differences Between Multiple System Atrophy (Parkinsonian Type) And Parkinson’S Disease: A Diffusion Tensor Image Study, L. Ji, Yingying Wang, Nanjing Medical University, J. Shi
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications
The clinical differential diagnosis between the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is difficult in early stages. To identify objective markers for differential diagnosis, we combined the novel tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and region of interest (ROI) analyses for the first time to investigate three groups (15 MSA-P, 20 PD patients and 20 controls) with diffusion tensor imaging data. By TBSS, we performed pairwise comparisons of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity maps. The clusters with significant differences between MSA-P and PD were used as ROIs for further analyses. FA/RD …
Formative Assessment And Writing: A Meta-Analysis,
2015
Arizona State University
Formative Assessment And Writing: A Meta-Analysis, Steve Graham, Michael Hebert, Karen R. Harris
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications
To determine whether formative writing assessments that are directly tied to everyday classroom teaching and learn- ing enhance students’ writing performance, we conducted a meta-analysis of true and quasi-experiments conducted with students in grades 1 to 8. We found that feedback to students about writing from adults, peers, self, and com- puters statistically enhanced writing quality, yielding average weighted effect sizes of 0.87, 0.58, 0.62, and 0.38, respectively. We did not find, however, that teachers’ monitoring of students’ writing progress or implemen- tation of the 6 + 1 Trait Writing model meaningfully enhanced students’ writing. The findings from this meta-analysis …
Childhood Hearing Loss And Its Stress On Hearing Families,
2015
Walden University
Childhood Hearing Loss And Its Stress On Hearing Families, Julie Macker
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Childhood disability increases parental stress. Research on the laterality of childhood hearing loss or presence of a cochlear implant(s) as it relates to stress in hearing parents was limited before this study. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify relationships between the independent variables of laterality (unilateral and bilateral) of a childhood hearing loss or presence of a cochlear implant(s) and the dependent variable of stress in hearing parents. Family systems theory provided a framework for viewing each member of the family as a part of a whole, whose life events, feelings, and actions affect all of the …
Using Hand-Held Technologies To Support The Transition Of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Into Adult Roles,
2015
Walden University
Using Hand-Held Technologies To Support The Transition Of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Into Adult Roles, Janet E. Green
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
People with intellectual disabilities (ID) struggle with social interactions that are vital to the development of a high quality of life. Although evidence exists to support the use of technology as cognitive aids for youth with ID, little exists on the use of common hand-held devices for social support. The use of such devices has the potential to level the playing field in adult social roles, helping people with ID make and keep relationships. It is unclear how applications like video chatting might be used to support transition-age youth with ID in adult social roles. Using a framework of modeling …
General Education And Special Education Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusion,
2015
Walden University
General Education And Special Education Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusion, Carmen Yvette Charley
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Educational reformers have mandated inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. However, general education teachers often do not regularly receive training in inclusive practices, and this lack of training can affect teachers' attitudes and levels of self-efficacy, which may ultimately affect their ability to successfully teach students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in general education and special education teachers' attitudes towards inclusion of students with disabilities and if levels of self-efficacy (overall and 3 subscales), gender, education level, teacher type, and grade level taught were predictors of Teachers' Attitudes Toward …
Impact Of Professional Learning Community On Coteaching,
2015
Walden University
Impact Of Professional Learning Community On Coteaching, Lalita Karpen
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
A professional learning community (PLC) is designed to increase pedagogical knowledge and encourage collaboration amongst teachers. Many schools are using a variety of PLCs to increase collaboration and improve teaching and learning. The study school implemented a PLC, but collaboration and effective coteaching practice have not improved. Guided by social constructivism and social cognitive learning theories, the goal of this research was to explore coteachers' perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about the overall effectiveness of the PLC coteaching model to improve instructional strategies. A qualitative case study with semistructured interviews to collect data and a narrative analysis for reporting was utilized. …
Examining The Social Interactions Of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders In A Virtual Environment,
2015
University of Central Florida
Examining The Social Interactions Of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders In A Virtual Environment, Jennifer Gallup
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This phenomenological study examined the social interactions during online game play in a virtual environment for five young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who attended a large metropolitan university, enrolled in the first 60 credits of a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field of study. Given the evolution of technology and opportunities to socialize in virtual communities, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how young adults with ASD assimilate into new social opportunities that provide supports for extraneous variables such as face-to-face situations. As research begins to emerge on virtual environments there is little research addressed …
The Perceptions And Experiences Of General Education Teachers Toward Cotaught Inclusion Classes,
2015
Walden University
The Perceptions And Experiences Of General Education Teachers Toward Cotaught Inclusion Classes, Beth Milhoan Feustel
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
This project study addressed the low rate of general education teachers volunteering to coteach inclusion classes at a large urban high school in southeastern Georgia. This low volunteer rate caused administrators at this school to assign general education teachers, who did not opt in, to coteach inclusion classes. Teachers' efficacy was negatively impacted when they were required to teach classes that they did not volunteer to teach. The model of cooperative teaching advanced by Bauwens, Hourcade, and Friend's work served as the conceptual framework for this intrinsic case study. The purpose of the study was to examine how general education …
Self-Perception As A Predictor Of Academic Performance In Adolescents With Learning Disabilities,
2015
Walden University
Self-Perception As A Predictor Of Academic Performance In Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Kirk Lamar Rhodes
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Adolescents often suffer with negative feelings and low self-esteem, leading to an overall negative self-perception. Prior researchers have linked adolescent self-perception, academic performance, and learning disabilities, but more research is required. This quantitative study examined relationships between self-perception of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics competence. In addition, global self-worth was examined through the Harter-Renick Self-Perception Profile for Learning Disabled Students (HRSPP). Student academic performance as measured by Stanford Achievement Test-10 Total Reading (SATrd) and Total Math (SATmh) scores among adolescents with learning disabilities were also examined. Student records from the Green School were gathered (n = 128), with their perceived …
How Inclusion Is Defined And Implemented In Elementary Classrooms,
2015
University of Northern Iowa
How Inclusion Is Defined And Implemented In Elementary Classrooms, Bailey Jo Wright
Honors Program Theses
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the various interpretations of inclusion and how we can implement it to a greater and more successful degree in elementary schools. Individuals with disabilities are discriminated against in many education systems, where additionally the law is not being upheld. This thesis provides an accessible, coherent framework for practicing teachers and future educators to gain a better understanding of the definitions of inclusion, the barriers they may encounter, and the best practices to guide them towards inclusive success.
A Preliminary Investigation Of The Relationship Between Direct Behavior Rating And The Conners 3 Teacher Rating Scale - Short Form,
2015
University of Northern Iowa
A Preliminary Investigation Of The Relationship Between Direct Behavior Rating And The Conners 3 Teacher Rating Scale - Short Form, Jessica Stodden Stumme
Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
A growing body of evidence shows that Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) should continue to be examined as a method of behavior assessment to inform decisions about universal screening as well as progress monitoring for group or individual interventions. Researchers have looked toward DBR as a potential method to capture levels of problem behavior for use in tiered problem solving models. Most research on DBR has focused on comparing its ratings against systematic direct observation. The current study examined the correlation between DBR ratings of academic engagement and disruptive behavior with the Conners 3-Teacher Short (Conners 3-T(S)) form. This is important …
Classroom Management Practices For Male African American Students With Behavioral Disorders,
2015
Walden University
Classroom Management Practices For Male African American Students With Behavioral Disorders, Jamie Helton Hubbard
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Male African American students with disabilities in a South Carolina school district have received a greater proportion of discipline referrals and exclusionary consequences than have other demographic groups. The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to explore classroom management strategies that may reduce this disproportionality. The conceptual framework was Skinner's applied behavior theory, which states that to change behavior, the environment must be changed. The qualitative guiding question investigated teacher beliefs about best classroom management practices. The quantitative research questions were intended to provide a description of discipline preferences. Quantitative data were collected through the Behavior and Instructional …
An Adapted Shared Storybook Reading Program Implemented In Inclusive Preschool Classrooms: An Investigation Of Its Use And Effectiveness,
2015
University of California - Berkeley
An Adapted Shared Storybook Reading Program Implemented In Inclusive Preschool Classrooms: An Investigation Of Its Use And Effectiveness, Andrea Golloher
Faculty Publications
The Pathways to Literacy reading program (Lee, Mims, & Browder, 2011) has been demonstrated to be effective at increasing both engagement and comprehension during shared storybook reading for students with exceptional needs. To date, research on Pathways to Literacy has been limited to students in early elementary school rather than preschool, which is when shared reading is usually emphasized as part of the general education curriculum. In these investigations, the reading program has been administered in one-on-one instructional settings, often in special education classrooms. No existing research has examined the ability of participating students to generalize newly learned skills to …
Preparedness Of Pre-Service Teachers For Inclusive Education In The Solomon Islands,
2015
Monash University
Preparedness Of Pre-Service Teachers For Inclusive Education In The Solomon Islands, Umesh Sharma, Janine Simi, Chris Forlin
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Recent policy changes in the Pacific Islands have seen a strong emphasis on implementing inclusive education. Preparing teachers for this change in education will be essential if they are to have the knowledge, skills and understandings so that they can become inclusive practitioners. Pre-service teacher education will play a critical role in supporting this process. This paper considers the perceptions of pre-service teachers undertaking the first year of the Diploma of Teaching in the one university in the Solomon Islands. This is the only university that prepares teachers to work across the entire archipelago. Data are collected pre and post …
Finding Childcare For The Disabled Child: The Process And Decisions Through The Primary Caregiver’S Lens,
2015
Antioch University - Seattle
Finding Childcare For The Disabled Child: The Process And Decisions Through The Primary Caregiver’S Lens, Misty Dawn Torres
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
In this qualitative, Grounded Theory study, the researcher examined the process that primary caregivers go through when selecting a childcare placement for children who have special needs. Data were collected through participant interviews with primary caregivers (n=10) who responded to recruitment notices posted on (1) listservs by organizations directly affiliated with early intervention and child care services; (2) local Internet classified sites; and (3) through word of mouth. The research demonstrated that caregivers who learned of their child’s disability in a prenatal diagnosis or prior to an adoption identified with having a greater sense of choice and control over their …
Designing A Data-Tracking System For A Private Therapeutic Day School,
2015
Antioch University - Seattle
Designing A Data-Tracking System For A Private Therapeutic Day School, Olin J. Bittner
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The Children's Institute on Mercer Island (CHILD) is a private therapeutic day school in the Seattle area serving students in elementary and secondary education. Their stated mission is to "provide innovative school programs and therapies that promote social, emotional and academic development for children with special needs." In the fall of 2012 they engaged in a program evaluation that in many respects resembles a needs assessment in order to explore and improve aspects of their functioning. Through preliminary evaluation processes, including dialogue with CHILD's Leadership Team and a survey of internal stakeholders, an area of interest in student mental health …
Music Therapy And Communication Disabilities: Singing, Speech, And The Brain,
2014
Bridgewater State University
Music Therapy And Communication Disabilities: Singing, Speech, And The Brain, Jennifer Drake
Honors Program Theses and Projects
Music therapy interventions, especially singing, can aid those with communication disorders to attain and develop verbal and non-verbal communication and language skills, as well as functional social skills. Throughout my own interactions with those with communication impairments, I have witnessed many individuals who struggle with typical speech, but are better able to communicate when music is involved. For instance, a young boy with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who does not typically speak independently or when prompted is able to sing every word to familiar songs on the radio that he enjoys. Such evidence of the positive effect that music can …
Exploration Of Implicit Bias On Multidisciplinary Team Members When Referring African American Students For Special Education Services,
2014
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Exploration Of Implicit Bias On Multidisciplinary Team Members When Referring African American Students For Special Education Services, Twana Romona Fletcher
Theses and Dissertations
The disproportionality or overrepresentation of African American students in special education is a longstanding problem that continues to be prevalent today. There are numerous reasons why this phenomenon continues to persist including but not limited to implicit bias among multidisciplinary team members (MDT). One function of the MDT is to decide if a student needs to be referred for special education services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the decision making processes of the MDT members to determine if implicit bias impacted their decision to refer an African American student for special education services. This qualitative study …
