Digital Commons Network^™

Increasing The Use Of Data-Based Individualization And Data-Based Decision-Making In Secondary Resource Settings, Melissa D. Garside

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Data-based decision-making (DBDM) and data-based individualization (DBI) are two evidenced-based and high-leverage practices that improve student outcomes when implemented with fidelity. Unfortunately, these practices face various implementation obstacles, particularly when applied to students with intensive academic, functional, and behavioral needs in a secondary school setting. With this project, I aimed to improve my personal practice to provide secondary special education teachers in my district with professional development and support to understand, implement, and sustain the implementation of DBDM and DBI. Report 1 describes a day-long professional development session about DBI as applied to intensive reading interventions provided by middle school …

Caregiver Mand Training: Evaluating The Effects Of Using Bug-In-Ear Coaching Via Telehealth, Makenna P. Carnesecca

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Applied Behavior Analysis has been seen to be an effective way to help teach skills to children with autism. Caregivers' involvement in teaching these skills is beneficial for their child's progress. Using Bug-in-Ear coaching, which provides in-the-moment instructions and feedback to caregivers via Bluetooth headphones, has been demonstrated to be a potential way to train caregivers to teach skills to their children. This current study aimed to evaluate if the use of Bug-in-Ear coaching via telehealth was an effective way to teach caregivers to train their children how to ask for wanted foods using picture cards. The results of this …

Challenging Behavior In Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs, Samantha J. Nercesian

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Inclusive postsecondary education programs – higher education programs that are specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities – have grown exponentially in the last 10 years. With this growth has come the emergence of several barriers to inclusive postsecondary education admission and completion. Given the relatively short time inclusive postsecondary education programs have existed, only a small amount of research has looked into barriers that prevent graduation from inclusive postsecondary education programs. One barrier in particular has received little to no attention from researchers – challenging behavior. Challenging behavior is a construct that includes socially inappropriate behaviors, which may harm …

An Evaluation Of Using Linked Digital Activity Schedules To Teach Sociodramatic Play, Nicholas Lindgren

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Individuals with ASD often have difficulties communicating with peers and navigating social interactions (APA, 2022). Building these skills may help these individuals interact with peers, siblings, and others in the community. One area where individuals with ASD may need support is engaging in play. Specifically, in engaging in sociodramatic play (i.e., pretend play that involves role-playing aspects of real life). Traditionally, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and activity schedules are evidence-based approaches that have been used to teach play behaviors to individuals with ASD. However, few researchers have evaluated how a linked digital activity schedule can increase the sociodramatic play responding …

Caregiver Implemented Standardized To Individualized Behavior Analytic Toilet Training Package For Autistic Preschoolers, Jessica A. Osos

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Autistic children often face challenges with toilet training and may benefit from a more structured and systematic approach compared to methods used for neurotypical children. While research and literature in this area has shown that behavior analytic toilet training packages can lead to increasing successful urinations and reducing accidents for autistic children, limitations such as not including caregivers as the individuals implementing the package, unsustainable sit schedules, and lack of acceptable levels of checks for accurate data collection and implementation of procedures highlight the need for refining of implementation oversight and examination of updated toileting procedures without the use of …

Component Analysis Of Interactive Computer Training To Teach Paraprofessionals To Deliver Behavioral Skills Training, Scott V. Page

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In education and Applied Behavior Analysis, there is growing demand for well-trained entry-level individuals to deliver behavior interventions. Interactive Computer Training allows trainees to access online instruction with video demonstrations, interactive tasks, and feedback, without a live instructor. This training approach could save valuable training time and money. Prior researchers demonstrated these types of training can teach trainees to correctly use behavior interventions. There are gaps in our understanding of Interactive Computer Trainings that limit its successful use. Few studies measured cost-effectiveness, identified the effective features of Interactive Computer Training (e.g., videos, quizzes, feedback), or trained users to deliver effective …

Utah State University Commencement, 2025 – Southwest Campus, Utah State University

Commencement Programs

2025 Commencement Ceremony for the Southwest Campus of Utah State University.

The Utah Statesman, April 28, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Exploring The Social Validity And Diffusion Potential Of Common Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Strategies Implemented In Community Preschools, Sophia R. D'Agostino, Trenton J. Landon, Alyssa Roylance, Avery Briggs, Naima Bhana-Lopez

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

It is imperative that researchers include the perspectives from key voices regarding early support practices, yet very few studies have included direct assessment of autistic individuals and parents of young autistic children. Despite emerging evidence of effectiveness of naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) strategies, it is currently unknown whether autistic adults and parents of autistic individuals know about NDBI and if they view NDBI strategies as socially valid practice. We aimed to explore the perceptions of autistic adults and parents of young autistic children regarding the social validity of NDBI strategies implemented in community preschool classrooms and their dissemination potential. …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda March 6, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - February 6, 2025
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
• Caine College of the Arts
• Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
• Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
• College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
• College of Science
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Faculty Senate Agenda March 3, 2025, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - February 3rd minutes
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:35 Information
• EPC Report - February 3, 2025
• Emergency/Risk Survey
• 3:45 Report
• School of Graduate Studies
• Professional Responsibilities (PRPC)
• Parking and Transportation
• 4:00 New Business
• 4:05 Old Business
• Adjourn: 4:30

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda February 18, 2025, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:35 Information
• EPC Report
• Emergency/Risk Survey
• 3:40 Report
• Professional Responsibilities and Procedures Committee
• School of Graduate Studies
• Parking Committee
• Old Business
• New Business
• Adjourn 4:30

Education Policy Committee Agenda February 6, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 2, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes February 06, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
• Caine College of the Arts
• Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
• Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
• College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
• College of Science
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:04 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda February 6, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 2, 2025
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
• Caine College of the Arts
• Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
• Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
• College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
• College of Science
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Other
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Education Policy Committee Minutes February 6, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:36 pm

Education Policy Committee Agenda March 6, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - February 6, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

General Catalog 2025-2026, Utah State University

University Catalogs

This catalog contains information on the Academic Departments and Programs as well as Course Descriptions for the above school year at Utah State University.

Using A Token Economy In A First-Grade Classroom To Increase On-Task Behavior, Ana Kesler, Emma Preston, Milad Najafichaghabouri, Kristen R. Rolf

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

Token economies are an adaptable intervention used effectively in many settings to improve behavior, including schools. When used in schools, students are often given a board or chart on which to collect tokens (i.e., small items or marks) for desired behavior(s). Tokens are then exchanged for students’ preferred rewards. This chapter presents a case study of token economies implemented with five students who were unresponsive to class-wide (Tier 1) strategies in a general education first-grade classroom. The intervention was designed and implemented by a paraeducator who worked collaboratively with the classroom teacher to select students, develop intervention procedures, collect and …

Implementing Reading Mastery As A Component Of Tiered Literacy Instruction, Kristen R. Rolf, Peter Ehlen, Teresa Buttars

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

Despite attempts at reform over the decades, many students with and without disabilities in the United States struggle to learn to read. Bear River Charter School is a K-6 public charter school in Utah that has effectively used Reading Mastery Signature Edition to teach most students to read at grade-level by the end of third grade. Data from the 2022-2023 school year show that over 80% of students in kindergarten, over 70% of students in Grades 1 and 2, and over 90% of students in Grade 3 met grade-level reading benchmarks by the end of the year. This chapter describes …

Teaching Methods To Build The Numeracy Skills Of Preschoolers With Disabilities And Complex Communication Needs, Avery Briggs

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project explored the use of a curriculum that incorporates naturalistic and explicit instructional approaches through literature and direct teaching moments on the numeracy skills of three students with disabilities and complex communication needs. The numeracy skills targeted included patterning and sorting, shape discrimination, and quantity discrimination. This project took place during Extended School Year (ESY), a program that extends the traditional school year to provide services to students with disabilities. Student present levels and progress were assessed through a pretest and posttest given on the first and last days of ESY, in addition to progress monitoring data taken during …

Professional Portfolio: Assessment Of And Strategies For Improving A Middle School Student’S Mathematics Performance, Gwenyth O. Falck

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project explores strategies to help secondary students with disabilities improve their mathematics performance. With eighth-grade math scores trending downward and algebra serving as a critical gateway to higher education, target interventions are needed. The literature review highlights two main instructional methods: the Explicit Inquiry Routine (EIR) and the Concrete-Representational-Abstract Integration (CRA-I). Both incorporate physical and virtual manipulatives. These approaches have been shown to help students grasp algebraic concepts, retain what they have learned and apply the skills to new types of problems.

In addition to the research review, this paper includes assessment and intervention reports for a seventh-grade student …

Systematic Review On The Use Of Self-Monitoring Interventions With Adhd/Asd Students In School Settings, Sari Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This systematic literature review was done to determine characteristics and descriptive analysis of the use of self-monitoring behavior interventions (SMI) with students in the educational setting who are diagnosed with ASD/ADHD. The objective was to create resources for future practitioners and interventionists to direct future use of SMI in schools and identify areas of study needed. Behavior interventions are often used to support students with disabilities to access their education in a school setting. Individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are included in this population. A type of behavior using the analysis of …

Assessing The Attitudes Of General Education Kindergarten Teachers Making Classroom And Teaching Adaptations For Students With Disabilities, Joseph Graul

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The transition from preschool to kindergarten can be particularly challenging for children with disabilities in inclusive classrooms (general education classrooms where typically developing children and children with disabilities are taught together) as children face new academic, social, and behavioral expectations. Classroom and teaching adaptations can help these students succeed, making the transition to kindergarten and elementary education smooth and effective. This study looks at how general education kindergarten teachers feel about making various classroom adaptations for children with disabilities and compares current teachers’ views to those of a similar 1999 study conducted by Vaughn et al. which this study replicates. …

Education Policy Committee Agenda November 07, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Subcommittee Reports
• Other Business
• Adjourn

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:30pm

Educational Policies Committee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 3, 2024
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 3, 2024
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews: https://usu.curriculog.com/
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda October 3, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business - Registrar's Summit Topics, Graduate School
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Educational Policies Committee Minutes October 3, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes – September 5, 2024

• Subcommittee Reports – Curriculum Subcommittee, Academic Standards Subcommittee, General Education Subcommittee

• Other Business

• Adjourn: 3:30 pm