Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Single Parenthood On Juvenile Delinquency, Lisa A. Barbetti

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the effects of parental separation and divorce on the occurrence rate of delinquent acts committed by male youths. The age of the child at the time of parental breakup, parental education, and parental employment were also measured for effects on delinquent behavior. The sample consisted of sixty male youths between the ages of twelve and fourteen. The students were sampled while in homeroom at several Vineland, New Jersey public schools. The data analyzed in this study was obtained through administration of a twelve question self report in which the students circled …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Pupil Assistance Committee's Interventions In A Secondary High School In New Jersey, John P. Taima

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to determine if Pupil Assistance Committee interventions reduce student classification and entry into special education. Also as part of the research project was the statement that the Pupil Assistance Committee intervention process enables students to succeed in the secondary school systems of the state of New Jersey. Success, for the purpose of the research project, was defined as a reduction of behavioral referrals, academic improvement and achievement, and resolution of crisis situations. The school that the Pupil Assistance Committee served was a secondary school in a suburban section of southern New Jersey. Observations, …

The Effects Of Premenstrual Syndrome On Women With Mental Disabilities, Richard H. Doughty Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that P.M.S. has a negative effect for women on many aspects of life. P.M.S. seems to affect social situations, family life, stress, mood, substance abuse, and crime. The purpose of this one way analysis study is to evaluate the effects of P.M.S. on women with mental disabilities with non-compliant behaviors. Fifty women, whose intelligence quotient levels range between severe and profound, who reside in an institution for individuals with mental disabilities were selected for this study. Each woman has some type of non-compliant behavior. Each female has been placed on a behavior modification program plan to reduce …

Family Preservation Services: Aftercare Services That Help Families Maintain Success, Mary S. Perez

Theses and Dissertations

This research reports placement outcomes at 6 months post intervention for a sample of sixty families enrolled in a family preservation program. Families with at least one child who is "at imminent risk" of being placed in the community participated in the family preservation program. During the intervention, families were introduced to several skills(communication and discipline skills) that would enable them to diffuse any crises that may arise due to parent/child conflict. After the families successfully completed the intervention, forty were referred to either another in-home based counseling program or outpatient therapy. Twenty families received no aftercare services. Follow-ups were …

A Study Of The Attitudes Of Nondisabled Students Toward Their Severely Disabled Peers Before And After Inclusive Intervention, Regina Jane Johns

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the attitudes of nondisabled students toward their severely disabled peers could be positively affected following their involvement within a public school inclusion activity. The hypothesis was that the inclusion activity would result in positive attitude changes.

Two separate groups of nondisabled students were used for this study. The fifty-two students in Group One were 9th through 12th grade members of a high school band class. Group Two was made up of seventeen 7th graders of an instrumental music class. Both groups were located in suburban type school districts with a variety …

The Adaptive Behavior Scale: A Correlation Study At A Residential Treatment Facility, Simone Bey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine correlation of scores on the American Association on Mental Retardation Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Second Edition (ABS-SE:2) across two settings. The sample consisted of thirteen males and seventeen females who participate in a Behavior Disorders program. It was hypothesized that scores would be significant at the .05 level (p<.05). Previous research on adaptive behavior scales has resulted in mixed findings. Partially this is due to problems and differences in methodology. First, there are four versions and editions of the AAMR Adaptive Behavior Scales that have been utilized in research within the last twenty years. Second, differences in sample variations affected these results. For example, subjects were included with a range of intellectual functioning (severe to normal) and classification (e.g., conduct disorder). Further, correlation between settings (school and home) in previous research had ranged from low to high. About half of the studies reviewed indicated significant correlation between parent and teacher scores. The other half indicated an insignificant relationship between these scores. Score correlations were computed with the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient(r). The results indicate significant correlations on seven Domains. Also, residential counselors rated subjects higher on six Part Two Domains.

The Head Start Program And Subsequent Reading And Math Achievement Of First Graders, Marisa B. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of the Head Start Preschool Program on fist graders' academic achievement in math and reading. A literature review reported the results of other studies and the effect of early educational experiences on at-risk students' elementary school achievement. In general, these studies found that early educational intervention increased cognitive gains in the primary grades, but these gains were not sustained in the upper grades. Also, students from low socio-economic areas demonstrated greater gains than middle class children, In the present study, the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills was administered to first grade students of low socio-economic …

Facilitating Socialization And Problem-Solving Skills Of The Multiply Handicapped Child Through Play, Irene Ann Digilio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to study the implementation of a program for the multiply handicapped child to improve their social skills and problem-solving ability. The subjects in this study were three females, fourteen, twelve and eleven years old, and one thirteen year old male. The program began with all the subjects being pretested for five days on their ability to socialize and problem-solve. The study ran for ten weeks. The subjects were part of a one hour daily intervention with the teacher modeling the desired behavior. Each of the subjects was familiar with the table/board games. Data on …

A Comparative Study Of Social Competence And Antisocial Behavior Between Regular Education And Learning Disabled Children, Kathleen A. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

This study tested the hypothesis that learning disabled children, when compared to regular education children at an equivalent age level, would score significantly lower on a test of social competence and significantly higher on a test of antisocial behavior according to a teacher rated behavior Scale. Sixty 5th and 6th grade students, 34 males and 26 females, were assigned to one of three conditions according to their educational classification: regular education (N=26), learning disabled resource (N=16), or learning disabled self-contained (N=18).

Four teachers served as judges and rated a selected number of subjects on the constructs social competence and antisocial …

A Study Examining Social Skills Ratings In A Special Education Classroom, George J. Rafferty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of relationship between students' self-ratings scores and their teacher's and teacher assistant's scores. Ten students classified ED were chosen, along with a social comparison group of ten regular education students. A correlational matrix was computed to measure the degree of association between students' self-ratings and their teachers' ratings of them. The same was done for the regular education sample. Two t-tests for independent samples were used to (1) measure any differences between the ratings of the special education teacher and the regular education teacher, and (2) measure any differences between …

Classroom Management Skills And Teacher Locus Of Control, Sandy Sheard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of a relationship between locus of control of early childhood teachers and their behavior management skills. Subjects in the study were 55 group teachers in child care centers serving children ages 3 to 5 in low, middle and high socioeconomic communities in Camden County, New Jersey. The teachers were rated by their supervisors on the Classroom Management Rating Scale (CMRS), a 13 item Likert like scale developed for this study. Teachers completed a self rating on the CMRS and Rotter's I-E Locus of Control Scale. The Rotter I-E scores and …

Support Services And Accommodations Provided For College Students With Learning Disabilities, Mary C. Tortorici

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to compile a listing of support services available and accommodations provided for college students with learning disabilities from a selected sample of surveyed four year colleges and universities. This information will be used in conjunction with other research being conducted by the Special Education Department at Rowan College in order to provide the college's Department of Specialized Services with recommendations for support services with this population at Rowan College.

The number of students with learning disabilities attending college since the late 1980s has increased dramatically. Several factors account for this increase, but the …

A Comparative Study Of The Attitudes Of Experienced Vs Inexperienced Teachers Toward Inclusion, Danielle Dicken

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the preference for a disability teachers with previous experience teaching included students have versus teachers with no experience teaching special education students in the regular classroom. It was hypothesized that (a) teachers who have taught included students will have no significant preference level for a specific disability; and (b) teachers with no experience teaching included students will have a definite level of preference.

The study uses a descriptive design. A total of 50 teachers were surveyed among three districts. Twenty surveys from the experienced group and 20 surveys from the inexperienced group …

Transition Services And Their Effectiveness, John E. Mccarty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if transition services as they are currently performed in a large suburban regional high school district are effective in helping classified students make the transition to the world beyond high school.

A review of current literature on transition shows that services vary in scope and effectiveness from state to state and from district to district. Interviews with district personnel reveal no follow-up once a student has left the district through graduation or "aging out."

A survey instrument was compiled and mailed to 200 former students who were classified while attending school in …

A Survey Of Special Education Students' Preferences For Placement In The Educational Continuum, Margaret Dipalma

Theses and Dissertations

Inclusion of special education students in the regular classroom setting is an issue that has caused much debate over the past decade. Many school districts have approached this issue by offering a continuum of services while others are slowly eliminating all self-contained classrooms. These special education students are placed in a resource center program which provides in-class support in the regular classroom. The decision-making process for student placement in the least restrictive environment has involved the education professionals and the child's parents. Rarely is the student's preference in the placement decision ever considered.

The purpose of this survey was to …

Teaching Listening Skills To Pre-Referral Students To Decrease Full Child Study Team Referrals, Karen E. Garnett

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the teaching of listening skills as a way to possibly decrease full referrals to the Child Study Team. The subjects were regular first grade students in four different classrooms. The procedure consisted of teachers using specific interventions to maintain focus, increase concentration, decrease distractibility and improve academic achievement. A comparison was made between pre and posttest scores on checklists, a comprehension passage, repeating and performing two and three-step directions, and anecdotal records. Conclusions can be drawn from the results, that students who are taught effective listening skills will demonstrate positive growth in focus, concentration and academic achievement; …

The Validity Of The Beck Depression Inventory-7 In The Crisis Center Setting, Ross Feld

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness and validity of the Beck Depression Inventory-7, a seven question multiple choice self report questionnaire that measures the severity of depression in a crisis center setting, in order to lend support to whether or not a patient's self report of symptoms matches a clinical evaluation of their chief complaint, done with the Prime MD Mood Module. The sample consisted of fifty subjects, 23 females and 27 males. All subjects presented to the emergency room an initial chief complaint of depression, suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. Upon arrival in the …

Does Mainstreaming Positively Influence Academic Achievement And Self-Concept At The Elementary Level?, Priscilla Hanzok

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine if mainstreaming would have a positive influence on the self-concept and reading achievement of learning disabled students. Pre- and post-testing was given to 17 third and fourth grade special education students. The control group consisted of 7 learning disabled students who were in a self-contained classroom. The experimental group consisted of 10 learning disabled students who were mainstreamed.

A standardized achievement test was given to the students, with the pre-test and post-test given one year apart. The reading portion of the test was used for assessment. A self-concept scale was also given to each …

The Effectiveness Of A Social Skills Program, Sharon D. Hetzell

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a social skills program to reduce aggressive behavior in special education students. The need for such intervention has been established, however, the empirical evidence to support educational programs which promote effective social skills is just beginning to emerge.

Instruction of social problem solving and role-play activities were used in this intervention. Alternatives to aggression were taught and role-played daily for a five week period. Two special education students from a resource room were the subjects of the study. Pre and post intervention assessment was conducted by students and teachers. Time outs …

A Comparison Of The Rates Of Progress Between Low Achieving And High Achieving Fourth Grade Children Using A Whole Language Reading Program, M. Ayako Loder

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the rates of progress between low achieving and high achieving fourth grade children using a whole language reading program. Subjects were fourth grade students at a Bridgeton Elementary School, grouped into low and high ability groups each containing 7 students. Reading instruction was provided during 90 minute class periods 5 times each week for 24 weeks. Instruction centered on reading short stories and trade books considered appropriate for fourth graders. Subjects completed a pre- and post-test using the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement in reading and spelling. A holistically scored writing example was completed in the fall …

A Study To Compare The Effectiveness Of A Response Cost Approach And A Traditional Approach To Behavior Modification With An Add Child, Maureen T. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to compare the effectiveness of a response cost approach and a traditional approach to behavior modification. The subject is a seven year old boy diagnosed with characteristics of ADD. Baseline data was collected for five consecutive school days Three behaviors were targeted. Intervention consisted of six weeks of traditional behavior modification involving an individual sticker chart when filled earning computer time followed by six weeks of response cost involving the removal of chips for negative behaviors. Remaining chips could be exchanged far computer time at the end of each day.

The results of …

What Determines A "Severe Discrepancy?": An Analysis Of Discrepancy Factors In Determining Eligibility For Classification As Perceptually Impaired In Four New Jersey School Districts, Robin G. Dolan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to review heterogeneous school districts in an attempt to analyze discrepancy factors used by districts in determining eligibility for classification as perceptually impaired in New Jersey. A record review of child study team confidential files was conducted in four school districts to research the methodology of the classification of perceptually impaired. A total of 80 student files with an initial classification of perceptually impaired within the last 3 years were evaluated for the severe discrepancy factor In each of the districts, 20 files were selected randomly for the research.

The data gathered from the …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Reading Recovery Program Compared To A Traditional Bsi Program, Karen K. Garrison

Theses and Dissertations

Children enter first grade eager to read, but reading is a complex task. Some children require a remedial reading intervention to acquire the reading skills necessary to be successful. This study hypothesized that the direct individualized instruction supplied through the Reading Recovery program would help children attain higher levels of achievement than a traditional small group Basic Skills Program.

Eight children in the bottom 20% of their first grade class were divided into two groups. Four received the strategy-driven Reading Recovery intervention, and four received the skills-oriented BSI intervention, Pre and post intervention data was collected for both groups using …

A Study Of General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Their Ability To Provide Effective Instruction In An Inclusive Model, Judith A. Myers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine if general educators felt they were meeting the diverse needs of classified students in the mainstream setting. The sample consisted of twenty teachers from an elementary school in an affluent community. The classification of the special education students ranged from perceptually impaired to emotionally disturbed. A questionnaire consisting of four open ended questions was distributed and content analysis methodology was used to analyze the responses. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed felt they had a positive experience teaching the special education student, while thirty percent expressed negative experiences and fifteen percent of the …

Teacher Expectations Of Bilingual Education Students In Mainstream Classes, Diana C. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if regular education teachers have lower expectations for bilingual students who have been in bilingual programs than for bilingual students who have not. Also, will the expectations of the teachers change as the teacher becomes more familiar with the student?

The sample consisted of twenty elementary classroom teachers from five different elementary schools. A teacher rating scale was devised to identify student behaviors in the following areas: Educational, Social Skills, Behavior, and Home. During the second week of school, each teacher was asked to complete the rating sheet on two students. One …

A Study In The Effectiveness Of A Developmental Kindergarten In Promoting Academic Achievement In Pupils Identified As Developmentally Not Ready For School, Lynn A. Wildrick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine if participation in a year long developmental kindergarten prior to school entry would prove beneficial in promoting academic achievement. A screening of all kindergarten-age eligible children the spring prior to school entry, utilizing the Childcraft DIAL-R Screening Test, identified students considered to be developmentally young. The subjects in this longitudinal study were comprised of identified students that either participated in the developmental kindergarten prior to school entry or, due to parental objections, chose to go directly into the traditional kindergarten. Outcome measures utilized included teacher assigned report card grades as a functional …

Does Mainstreaming Positively Influence Academic Achievement And Self-Concept At The Elementary Level?, Tracy L. Morse

Theses and Dissertations

Within the past decade and a half, considerable discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to educate students with disabilities.

This study looks at classified students in two different settings. It will compare the academic achievement levels and self-concept of students who are classified P.I. and receive instruction in a regular class with in-class support to those students who are classified P.I. and receive instruction in a self-contained classroom.

There are 12 participants in this study. Seven of the participants are in a self-contained classroom. All are of 3rd or 4th grade level. Two participants are in …

Regular And Special Educators' Attitudes Towards Dual Certification, Beth Anne Deluca

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of regular and special education teachers towards dual certification. In this study the attitudes of elementary, special and dual certified teachers are compared.

An attitude survey designed by the researcher was administered to 62 subjects. From this population, approximately 31 of the subjects were certified as regular education teachers, 17 were certified as special education teachers and 14 were certified in both special and regular education.

Tests of significance and percentages of subjects responses were conducted to analyze the data. Also, a Scheffe F-test was conducted to determine precisely which …

Enhancement Of Coastal Dredge Disposal Sites To Create Habitat For Endangered, Threatened, And Protected Species, Mary Beth Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

As human activities and development along the shoreline continue to increase, more and more wildlife habitat is lost, leaving many species with a precarious prospect for survival. Biologists and environmentalists are continually exploring options which may prevent plants and animals from becoming extinct. Strategic placement of new sites is becoming increasingly valuable as a management tool.

the purpose of this study was to develop a plan for enhancement of a cluster of dredged material islands, in order to create suitable habitat for four endangered, threatened, and protected animal species.

Four dredged material islands were assessed for suitability. Surveys were conducted …

Enrichment Course In Environmental Education For Studying Coastal Wetlands Ecology Through The Visual Arts, Cynthia Lynn Hasbrouck

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to develop an environmental education course to be offered to students in grades 4-6 at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The course was designed to teach coastal wetlands ecology through the visual arts to supplement and enrich the current environmental education program offered by the Institute. Although the course is designed specifically for use at the Institute, the activities can be adapted to a similar wetland site and used in part by a resourceful teacher to suit the needs of students of any age or level.

The course format consists of …