Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Increasing On-Task Behavior And Academic Engagement With Students With Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Using Self-Management Approaches In A Secondary General Education Classroom, Kelsi Anne Kinnunen (Burfeindt)

Dissertations and Theses

With the increased prevalence of ADHD and concerns about students’ academic performance, intervention is necessary to increase students’ success in secondary school (Fried et al., 2016; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS, n.d.). Otero and Haut (2015) discuss the correlation between on-task behavior and academic achievement. Academic achievement is a predictor of high school completion; therefore, on-task behavior positively contributes to a student’s ability to finish high school. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-management strategy to increase on-task behavior in students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a general education classroom at the secondary …

Preservice Preparation Practices To Increase Family-Professional Collaboration: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review, Chelsea Pansé-Barone, Janet Vanlone, Annie George-Puskar, Lisa Ziegler

Faculty Journal Articles

Due to the important impact family-professional collaboration has on child outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and students with disabilities, research in special education preservice personnel preparation has evaluated the impact of higher education programs and curricula geared towards improving preservice educators’ knowledge and practices regarding family-professional collaboration in inclusive settings. The resulting qualitative and quantitative literature has provided the field with insights as to instructional strategies faculty have implemented to better prepare preservice special educators to collaborate with families. The purpose of this mixed-methods systematic review was to identify and synthesize the current state of knowledge behind these instructional strategies …

Examining The Effects Of Technology-Signaled Noncontingent Reinforcement On Disruptive Behavior During Small-Group Instruction For Elementary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey Ecklar

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

This study aims to expand upon existing research by examining the effects of teacher-implemented noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) through technology-signaled reinforcement breaks for elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during small-group instruction. The primary research question guiding this inquiry is: Does the implementation of a technology-signaled NCR package, which delivers breaks on a fixed-time interval schedule, effectively reduce disruptive behavior among elementary students with ASD in a small group setting? By integrating technology into the reinforcement process, this study seeks to enhance engagement and minimize disruptive behaviors, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment. The findings are expected to contribute …

Career And Technical Education: Historical Insights, Current Impacts, And Policy Implications, Meleah Ellison, David B. Naff, Phelton Moss, Jenna Lenhardt, Morgan Meadowes, Jonathan Staylor, Latonja Y. Wright, Luke Parker, Andy Bristow, Kelsey Pacer, Samantha Hope, Shelby Garofalo, Singith Nawagamuwage Perera, Georgia Youngquest, Rachel Hale, Sharrie Merritte

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) summarizes recent peer reviewed literature, publicly available trend data, and policies at the federal, state, and school division level related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. It explores the following questions:

1. What are the purposes of CTE courses?
/="/">2. What are the trends in CTE participation and how does this vary by student and school demographics?
/="/">3. What are the impacts or benefits of CTE?
/="/">4. What are evidence-based practices and innovative programs related to CTE?
/="/">5. What are policies guiding the …

The Integration Of Certified Therapy Dog Teams Into Special Education: Insights Of Volunteer Handlers, Rana Aabed

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to better understand how certified volunteer dog therapy handlers can be integrated into special education settings. Although the pet therapy discourse confirms the overall impact dog therapy has on youth’s psychological health (e.g., Groenewoud et al., 2023), research that could elucidate how volunteer handlers modify the way they have their dogs interact with special education populations is a present-day need that has otherwise not appeared in the literature. In response, this study involved a qualitative multiple-case investigation about the role of volunteer certified handlers and the dog therapy provisions they offer special education populations. …

Applying The Evidence: Taste Manipulation As A Dysphagia Management Strategy, Ross M. Westemeyer, Angela M. Dietsch, Rachel W. Mulheren

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize the evidence regarding taste manipulation as a dysphagia management strategy within the evidence-based practice framework, with a focus on clinical application for speech-language pathologists.

Method: First, we present background information on the physiology of taste and swallowing. A summary of research evidence on the effect of taste on swallowing is presented, followed by suggested methods for incorporating taste into swallowing evaluation and intervention. An overview of individual factors that can impact taste perception is provided. Finally, we discuss methods of clinical application and future directions for clinicians.

Conclusions: Although taste …

Pennsylvania K-8 General Education Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preparedness For The Inclusion Of Students With Autism: A Mixed Methods Study, Erica Tate

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This convergent mixed-methods study gathered insights from Pennsylvania kindergarten through eighth-grade general education teachers regarding their perceptions of preparedness for including students with autism. Utilizing Bandura's theory of self-efficacy (1962), which underscores the importance of continual opportunities for individuals to build confidence in their abilities, the study sought to understand teachers' viewpoints on their readiness for inclusion. To achieve educator insight, a combination of surveys and interviews was employed to understand better what preservice and in-service educators learned in their pre-professional and professional experiences. In the survey phase, (n=51) general educators responded to questions covering demographics, teacher education programming, …

Individuals Who Experienced Early Reading Difficulty: How Teacher Connections And Educational Practices Shape Motivation, Nicole Tinney

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Reading instruction is consistently controversial in education, whether it be the Reading Wars, a debate over the Science of Reading, or issues surrounding standardized reading testing. An often overlooked component in reading instruction is motivation. Why do some students struggle to learn to read while others sail seemingly effortlessly through reading benchmarks? How do some students overcome early reading difficulty while others struggle throughout their education? Students who have a difficult time reading in elementary school often lack motivation to read and continue to have low achievement on reading tests throughout schooling (Becker et al., 2010; Mcgeown et al., 2012). …

Spiritual Experiences Of Young People With Cognitive Impairments Within Christian Communities Of Faith, Lea Danihelova

Dissertations

This study was initiated with the primary objective of delving deep into the spiritual experiences of individuals living with cognitive impairments. The research was centered on seven young adults with cognitive impairment who were members of the Christian communities of faith and resided in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The study focused on giving voice to these young people since there were no studies about the spirituality of people with cognitive impairment done in central Europe. The hermeneutic phenomenological approach was chosen as the research method due to its capacity for facilitating personal interactions, thus enabling a comprehensive understanding of …

Effective Communication With People With Dementia: An Exploratory Study Of Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy Students, Samita Kirve, Lucy Perkins

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Dementia is a major global concern, with 50 million people already affected worldwide in 2018, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Healthcare practitioners, specifically occupational therapists, are responsible for providing care and ensuring the well-being of people with dementia. However, occupational therapy students may not always have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and support dementia patients, which could negatively impact the quality of care they provide. To explore this issue, a study was conducted with final-year pre-registration occupational therapy students at a public university in England. The study used a qualitative methodology, with semi-structured …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Interprofessional Education Experiential Learning (Ipeel) For Health Professional Students, Kelle Deboth Foust, Madalynn Wendland, John Schaefer, Suzanne Giuffre, Donald Allensworth-Davies

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is critical for health professional students to form professional identities and develop collaborative skills. Although accrediting bodies mandate incorporating IPE, the effects of IPE programming on health professional students and the best pedagogical approach for achieving desirable outcomes are still unclear. In addition, specific effects of IPE within the context of experiential learning are not fully understood. That is, the literature has not presented a clear framework for structuring IPE programs, nor have outcome measures for IPE utilizing experiential learning (IPEEL) been established. The purpose of this study was to complete a grounded theory qualitative analysis of …

The Importance Of Endrew: Analyzing The Influence Of A New Legal Precedent In Pennsylvania Due Process Hearing Officer Decisions Before And After Covid-19 Closures, David H. Rush

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

In 2017, a new standard for determining substantive violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was established with the ruling for Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. Recently, the United States Department of Education and State Education Agencies have cited the Endrew decision as being important in defining what constitutes a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under the IDEA, in light of mandated school closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite its noted importance, there has been limited analysis into how this new legal precedent has influenced special education due process hearing officer decisions. …

Reframing Deficit Narratives To Honor The Community Cultural Wealth Of Immigrant Families Of Children With Disabilities, Soyoung Park

All Faculty and Staff Papers and Presentations

Existing research suggests that immigrant families navigating the special education process are rarely positioned as powerful partners working alongside educators. This is a manifestation of the racism and ableism endemic to the United States schooling system that leads to educators viewing immigrant families from a deficit-based lens. Do these perceptions, however, match the ways that immigrant families view themselves? This qualitative participant-observation study addresses this question by exploring educators’ and families’ perceptions and positionings of immigrant families who are navigating special education. I unpack discrepant views among educators and families of 16 children labeled “English Learner” with or suspected of …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Postsecondary Transition For Students With Disabilities: Provider Perspectives, Haley L. Muir Knox

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Transition planning is an essential component of special education for students transitioning from high school to the adult world. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ways in which transition education is implemented and has been a catalyst for change and potential improvement in transition education practices. Research is just beginning to emerge regarding the ways in which education has changed as a result of the pandemic. Teachers and transition coordinators are key stakeholders in the transition process and serve as a link between the school and the students and their families. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with both special …

Accessibility For All: An Interdisciplinary Team's Perception Of Multisensory Community Experiences For Students With Severe Disabilities, Karrissa Ebert

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This phenomenological study sought to understand how members of a special education team account for and navigate successes and barriers faced during the planning and implementation of community experiences for students with severe disabilities. The needs and abilities of this population are vast and often difficult to accurately define, and there remain many gaps within the research. Individual interviews of six special education team members from varied professional backgrounds yielded thick, rich narratives about the successes and barriers faced while planning and implementing community experiences for their students. The dominant theme that emerged was that successful community learning experiences had …

An Evaluation Of The Process For Assigning Standardized Testing Accommodations For Students With Autism, Lisa Ober

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This dissertation evaluated the process for assigning standardized testing accommodations for students with autism on the standard course of study. The study captured current levels of teacher understanding, their perceptions regarding how testing accommodations might increase equitable access for students with autism, and how these beliefs influence the process of assigning accommodations. The study identified key themes surrounding current processes and equity through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with exceptional children and general education teachers and observation of professional learning communities and individualized education plan meetings. The findings revealed that inadequate teacher training and the lack of universal protocols for …

Reducing Emergency Department Visits For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Nurse-Led Home Interventions, Teri Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with …

What Do You Know About Adhd? A Comparison Between Mainstream And Special Education Teachers, Sigal Eden, Nufar Sukenik

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes toward Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among a large cohort of mainstream and special education in-service teachers in Israel. Given the pivotal role of teachers in identifying and managing ADHD symptoms within the classroom, it is crucial to ensure they possess adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward the disorder. Previous studies have indicated a gap in knowledge and attitudes between mainstream and special education teachers, often influenced by factors such as teacher training, personal experience, and demographic characteristics. This study addresses these gaps by utilizing the well-validated ASKAT questionnaire to provide a comprehensive assessment of …

The Complexities Of Disproportionality In A Large Urban School District: A Look Into District Interventions And Identification Processes, Linnie Tennile Tarrant

Dissertations of Practice

This study delves into the implementation of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and the special education identification process in a large urban school district in Illinois, with a specific focus on disproportionality in special education referrals. The district has been identified as disproportionate in categorizing African American students under the emotional disturbance (ED) category since 2014. Using a grounded theory approach, interviews were conducted with ten building-level administrators to investigate the consistency of MTSS implementation and the process of identifying students for special education services. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, and themes were analyzed using open, axial, and …

Amplifying Voices Of Postsecondary Outcomes For Physically Disabled Students A Qualitative Research Study, Jessica Keogh

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The present qualitative research study analyzed and amplified the voices of physically disabled and/or chronically ill students' perspectives of their postsecondary transition process. Previous transition research dating back to 1983, just a decade after the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, focuses on students with cognitive disabilities, Autism, and Intellectual Disabilities (Will, 1983). From my professional and lived experiences, there appears to be a gap in postsecondary transition services for youth with physical disabilities, which is further substantiated in previous bodies of research (Faggella-Luby et al., 2014; Targetta et al., 2013). This research study is important as it …