Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Wild Magic Farms: Increasing Student Engagement And Decreasing Academic Regression In Middle School Extended School Year Through Use Of A Role-Playing Game, Maryanne Cullinan

Educational Studies Dissertations

The Extended School Year (ESY) is a federal program that falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Law (2004) as part of Special Education in public schools in the United States. It is intended to help reduce regression in student progress towards Individualized Education Program goals. However, in New Hampshire, ESY struggles with a lack of clear goals, student buy-in and quality engagement. This study examined how a researcher designed role-playing game (RPG) could impact both summer academic regression and student engagement in a middle school ESY. Utilizing i-Ready testing (n=13) data and attendance data (n=9), this study compared …

The Role Of Parents In Achieving The Objectives Of Therapeutic Kindergartens In Jerusalem From The Points Of View Of Parents And Teachers, Suhad Abdul Abdalrhmn, Nora Al-Hajj Othman, Jultan Hijaz

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

This study aimed to define the role of parents in achieving the objectives of therapeutic kindergartens in Jerusalem from the points of view of parents and teachers. The researchers adopted the descriptive method of research and developed two questionnaires to measure the role of parents in achieving the objectives of kindergartens from the points of view of parents on the one hand and the teachers on the other hand. Both questionnaires were reliable according to Cronbach’s Alpha. The sample consisted of 80 teachers out of 90 from therapeutic kindergartens in Jerusalem, who were selected by a comprehensive survey. It also …

"It Would Ruin My Life”:Pacific Islander Male Adolescents’ Perceptions Of Mental Health Help-Seeking Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Focus Group Study, Melia Fonoimoana Garrett, Elizabeth Cutrer, G. E. Kawika Allen, Ellie Young, Kristopher J. Urbina, Isabel Medina Hull

Faculty Publications

Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about …

No Sugar-Coating: Advice For Future Teachers Of Students With Behavioral Challenges, Carolyn C. Mitchell, Steven J. Kenis, Tracy Gershwin

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

Many special education teacher preparation programs overlook behavior-based instruction, leaving teachers ill-prepared for students with challenging behaviors. This qualitative study interviewed special education teachers to explore their experiences acquiring behavioral knowledge and managing challenging behaviors. Results highlighted the necessity for targeted preparation and continuous professional development, reliance on peer support, utilization of proactive behavioral interventions, and specific advice for future educators. The implications for practice underscore the importance of enhancing teacher education in behavior management while suggesting avenues for further research to address this critical need in special education training.

A Review Of The Validity Of The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2, Keegan Cundiff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2020), people with ASD have a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. One common ASD evaluation tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2), which helps a clinician decide if the student exhibits social and communication skills expected of someone with or without ASD. Since ASD is a disorder for which symptoms need to be present within the early developmental period, it is common for schools and pediatricians to be initial sources of referral …

Effective Individualized Services By Case Managers Of Special Education Students At The Secondary Level, David Allan Wenell

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Special education case managers in secondary education may need to utilize check-ins as a service for students. While students should be kept in the least restrictive environment, their needs sometimes necessitate services outside the general education classroom setting. A check-in offers an opportunity for case managers to build positive relationships with their students while providing time to work on student-specific deficits that may not be addressable in the secondary classroom. Special education students across multiple disabilities sometimes have deficits in executive functioning skills and/or social, emotional, and behavioral skills. These may be best addressed briefly at a weekly or monthly …

The Effects Of Literature Groups On Social-Emotional Learning And Reading Motivation Among Adolescents, Jennifer Krista Geisinger

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As students move into adolescence there is an increased need for social and emotional competencies to navigate academic expectations, personal identity, and social structures. Research has shown that social and emotional learning can increase learning engagement, self-management, and social awareness. This literature review explores the use of book clubs to promote social and emotional competencies among adolescents and build reading motivation. Research has shown that when students are provided a choice in what they read, and books that reflect their own cultural and/or personal identity, reading engagement increases. Book clubs can be a powerful tool for students to share their …

Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies For Secondary Students With Disabilities In The General Education Setting, Karlie N. Groves

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Concern regarding the quality of reading instruction continues to be a topic addressed by researchers, educators, administrators, and policymakers. Historically, there have been many avenues reported to teach reading comprehension skills. This study reviews researched-based strategies for secondary students with reading deficits in the general education setting; specifically, students who receive special education services and participate in general education courses. To make progress in reading skills and have access to general education content, students benefit from explicit reading comprehension that includes vocabulary, pre-reading, active reading, and post-reading strategies. This information equips educators and educational staff with research-based strategies, tools, and …

Decreasing Disruptive Behaviors In Elementary Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders To Promote Academic And Social Success, Parker K. Bakke

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated how elementary special education teachers can support students with EBD to promote social and academic success. Students with EBD struggle with behaviors that can negatively affect the classroom environment such as aggression, inattentiveness, impulsivity, defiance, and lack of self-regulation. These result in poor relationships with peers and adverse effects on learning. Teachers who use proper interventions, structured classroom schedules, and consistent routines can support these behaviors. Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL), as well as building safe and strong relationships with both students and their families, can also aid in promoting positive outcomes. Without the appropriate knowledge, support, and …

Co-Teaching Models To Meet Academic And Behavioral Needs Of Elementary School Students, Shannon L. Roy

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching is a collaborative instructional model in which general and special education teachers work together to plan, deliver, and assess supporting students with and without disabilities. Research indicates that successful co-teaching requires strong collaboration and communication skills between educators. Co-teaching positively impacts student engagement, academic performance, and social-emotional development, particularly those students with Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD). Co-teaching ensures that students have their right to education in the general education setting, creating an inclusive classroom environment.

Effective Instructional Strategies For Students With Special Needs In A Co-Taught Classroom, Adam J. Ludwig

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the effectiveness and strategies of co-teaching, with a focus on teacher preparedness, co-teaching models, and the benefits and drawbacks of implementation. Through a literature review of teacher surveys and anecdotal experiences, the study examines how co-taught classrooms can be improved through targeted preservice and in-service training, familiarity with co-teaching approaches, and a clearer understanding of its impact on students with special needs. Findings suggest that effective co-teaching is linked to increased collaboration, shared responsibilities among teachers, and enhanced student access to the curriculum. However, evidence remains inconclusive regarding its impact on academic achievement. The study highlights the …

Benefits Of Fluency Instruction For Students With Disabilities, Rebecca Lapham

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational fluency is a foundational skill in math instruction that allows students to access a variety of higher level skills. Mastery of fluency requires the coordination of several brain systems, including the hippocampal memory system, the working memory apparatus, and appropriate connections between brain regions, especially within the prefrontal cortex. A variety of disabilities affect different parts of these systems and cause different deficits, which require specific strategies and interventions. Many students have multiple deficits or learn in classrooms with other students whose deficits vary from their own. Multimodal approaches to fluency instruction are most effective, with three to five …

The Effect Of Extracurricular Engagement On Academic Performance, Personal Growth, And Positive Behaviors In Students, Jonah Jackson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in student development. They drive learning, encourage friendships, and build confidence. For many students, clubs, sports, or group activities enhance their potential and help them develop crucial skills. Without such involvement, important growth opportunities may be missed. Opportunity for involvement, however, can depend greatly on factors such as socioeconomic status, accessibility, cultural expectations and racial or ethnic identities. Ensuring all students have access to extracurricular activities is an important step for overall success. This thesis will examine how extracurricular activities prevent school dropout, develop essential skills such as leadership and adaptability, and encourage school …

Current Practices In Training Paraeducators: A Literature Review, Rebekah Pearson

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

I conducted a brief literature review to examine current practices for training paraeducators in school settings. I reviewed literature published after 2010 using an online database. Using an author-made inclusion criterion, 13 articles were considered for review. Findings suggest that behavior skills training (BST), brief performance feedback, didactic training, and a strategy instruction framework are currently being used to train paraeducators. These trainings have yielded positive results in increasing desired paraeducator behaviors. I conclude by discussing the limitations and directions for future research.

Influence Of Naturalistic Language Intervention On Child Communication And Engagement, Olivia R. Abate

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

The purpose of this study is to parallel naturalistic instructional contexts that often occur during caregiver-child interactions (e.g., one-to-one arrangement during play) to learn more about how children respond when prompting is introduced compared to responsive interaction strategies alone or with environmental arrangement strategies. This exploratory study was designed to evaluate the potential differential effects within an ATD, comparing RI alone, RI + EA, and RI + MP on joint engagement, communication acts, and interfering behaviors. This study is ongoing and lacks results for communication acts. Preliminary results supported and contradicted aspects of the hypothesis: joint engagement would occur at …

The Story Of Yosef And The Pharaoh: A Masterclass On Empowerment Of An Autistic Person, Dr. Liliya T. Bakiyeva Wheatcraft

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Running For Understanding 5k Guide, Adelaide J. Roell

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

In April 2025, during Autism Awareness month, I organized an Autism Awareness 5K event on EMU’s campus, inviting the College Supports Program, Best Buddies, and other students from EMU, as well as members of the broader community to participate. The event aimed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and support local students in special education. It also served as an opportunity for hands-on community advocacy and leadership in my future field of speech-language pathology. This project demonstrates many benefits of community inclusion outcomes (Cameron et al., 2022). This guide outlines the organization, how hosting community events ties to ASD, and the …

South Dakota's Path Forward: Education Professionals On Formal Free-Standing Sel Competency Standards, Kirsten Biersbach

Dissertations and Theses

This study employed reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) to examine South Dakota general education teachers’ perceptions and experiences with the implementation of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the absence of formal, free-standing SEL competency standards. As one of the few states without such standards in K-12 education, South Dakota presents a unique context for examining how educators navigate SEL practices in the absence of consistent state-level guidance. Grounded in a qualitative, constructivist paradigm, this research aims to inform future educational policy and practice by amplifying the voices of practitioners who are often overlooked in top-down reform processes. A comprehensive literature review established …

Exploring Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions Of Lockdown Drills: Preparedness, Training Needs, And The Balance With Social-Emotional Development, Juniper Alaska Brewer

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

The purpose of this study was to evaluate early childhood educators’ perceptions of lockdown drills. It assessed feelings of preparedness, perceived training needs, and balancing safety protocols with children's social-emotional development. A multi-methods online survey was distributed to 13 early childhood educators and students in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) field, collecting both quantitative and qualitative responses via Qualtrics.

Survey data showed educators strongly agreed drills prepare them for emergencies (average 4.46/5) and generally agreed drills prepare children (4.08/5), though responses were more neutral about reducing educator anxiety (3.77/5). Only one participant reported occasional training; most (7 of 13) …

Assessing Generalization Along Side Acquisition Using System Of Least Prompts Versus Video Modeling Plus System Of Least Prompts Of Simulated Vocational Tasks, Victoria B. Shafer

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

The purpose of this study was to assess if system of least prompts alone or video modeling plus system of least prompts was more effective when teaching a student with a moderate intellectual disability three simulated vocational tasks using paper materials. Additionally, generalization was assessed using real-world materials. An adapted alternating treatment design was used to compare conditions. The results indicated that system of least prompts alone was more effective than video modeling plus system of least prompts. There was no demonstration of generalization.