Education Commons^™

Interventions For Success: Perceptions On Rti, Renee Marie Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Current research strongly supports using response to intervention (RTI) to increase the academic achievement of all students, including those who experience academic difficulty in the general education classroom. The purpose of this study was to extend our understanding of RTI implementation. Specifically, semi-structured interviews were conducted with multiple school professionals at "Granby Elementary School" to document their experiences and perceptions related to referral procedures and early intervention services. The results of this study indicate that students at Granby Elementary are supported by some of the core features of an RTI approach. The key themes which emerged from the data are …

The Effectiveness Of The Wilson Reading Program In Improving Spelling And Decoding Skills Of A Selected Sample Of Special Needs Children, Helen E. Rosica

Theses and Dissertations

The Wilson Reading Program was designed by Barbara Wilson and published in 1988 for the first time. It was originally designed for students diagnosed with dyslexia, but its focus has been expanded to include struggling readers and spellers who are below their classmates. Wilson is based on the Orton-Gillingham multisensory principle. It is well organized and systematic.

The Wilson Reading Program was administered to a small group of two students, aged nine to eleven who receive all their academic instruction in a self-contained special education classroom. These students have similar intelligence levels, and a similar degree of difficulty with reading …

Investigation Into The Effects Of An After School Gepa Math Program In Raising Student Achievement, Denise J. Costigan

Theses and Dissertations

The intent of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an after school math program on raising student achievement on the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA). Regular education students were selected based on a review of their fourth grade standardized test, and the trend in their yearly Terra Nova scores from 5^th , 6^th and 7^th grade, if available. Based on a proficient score of 200, students who scored in the range of 185 to 210 were invited to attend the eighteen-week after school program. In addition, all special education students were invited to attend. Forty-five …

An Exploratory Investigation Of Charter Schools And Special Education, Kimberly Mulligan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to determine how well charter schools are able to comply with the many laws in special education. All of the charter schools in both Atlantic and Camden counties were sent surveys that asked various questions about their programs in special education. The surveys addressed special education class size, proper teacher certification, different classifications, placement, and services offered. Each school was asked to answer the questions on the survey to the best of their knowledge about their school. The results of the surveys were then collected and charted in graph form in order to compare …

A Study Of The Relationships Between Oral Comprehension And Silent Reading Comprehension, Christine M. Menold

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare the relationship between the comprehension levels of a student's silent reading level to their oral comprehension level when a passage is read to them. It will also address the theory that reading is a visual symbol system superimposed on auditory language. Theorists state that reading is a symbol system twice removed from the realities which they represent. This statement implies a developmental progression as described by Myklebust. That is, the child first integrates nonverbal experience directly. Next he acquires auditory, then later a visual verbal system which represents both the experience and …

An Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of The Pow Plus Tree And Cops Writing Strategies, Deborah A. Mclaughlin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of using the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) approach to teach Plan, Organize your notes, and Write (POW) plus Topic Sentence, Reasons, Explain your reasons, and Ending (TREE) to write a well-written opinion essay. Also, the SRSD approach will be used to teach Capitalization, Organization, Punctuation, and Spelling (COPS), an editing strategy. Harris, Graham, and Mason (2002) note that writing is a highly complex, demanding process. The purpose of writing is to communicate a message. Writers need a strategy or plan to communicate ideas clearly. To be successful and productive …

What Is The Effectiveness Of The Sra Direct Guided Reading In Promoting Phonological Awareness Skills, Linda A. Ewing

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the SRA Direct Guided Reading program in promoting phonological awareness skills in multiply disabled Kindergarten and first grade students. The effectiveness of this program was measured by a pre-assessment test from the SRA program and Mastery Tests spaced throughout the program.

The subjects for this study consisted of seven students from a diverse social and economic background all placed in the same multiply disabled classroom, because they were so severely disabled that this placement was considered the least restrictive environment. The teacher was experienced in the use of this …

Special Education Students' Perceptions Of Inclusion Versus Pull-Out Placements, Jennifer L. Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of special education students toward their placement in inclusion and/or pull-out resource settings. Inclusion and pull-out special education students were interviewed individually regarding their perceptions of the academic and social ramifications of their respective placements. Fourth and fifth grade students (N = 15) currently enrolled in inclusion or pull-out settings from a suburban middle class elementary school were interviewed. The data collected from this phenomenological study was analyzed in order to create broad statements that may be generalized to a more extensive population. This study demonstrated that the majority of …

An Exploratory Study To Determine Procedures For Implementation And Evaluation Of Pupil Assistance Committees, Joyce E. Klemic

Theses and Dissertations

Literature related to Pupil Assistance Committees indicates they were established to increase the capacity of regular education to serve pupils with learning and behavior problems without labeling them as handicapped. New Jersey mandates the establishment of Intervention and Referral Services which are "a coordinated system in each building for the planning and delivery of intervention and referral services designed to assist students who are experiencing learning, behavior and health difficulties and to assist staff who have difficulties in addressing students' learning, behavior or health needs." (N.J.A.C. 6A: 16-7.1)

The purpose of this study was to identify an effective model of …

Effective Vocabulary Development For Secondary Students In Weekly Small-Group Sessions, Susan L. Lange

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi-experimental one group study was to (a) ascertain the vocabulary acquisition of low-achieving language students in grades 9-11 (n = 14), and (b) to determine if implementation of a program of explicit instruction would lead to a significant improvement of the volume of knowledge of a controlled list of vocabulary words. Results revealed that all participants showed positive change in the number of vocabulary items answered correctly from initial pretest to final posttest (M = +15 items), with an average 97% improvement. The time to acquire one new vocabulary word was approximately 10.6 minutes. Implications for …

Effects Of A Metacognitive Think-Aloud Strategy Used To Improve Reading Comprehension In A Group Of Third Graders, Megan C. Scully

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effectiveness of a metacognitive think-aloud strategy used to improve reading comprehension in a group of third grade students. Fourteen general education students were pre-tested using an individual reading inventory to determine baseline independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels. Explicit and systematic instruction in the strategy, as well as hands-on practice with each component of the strategy, lasted for twelve consecutive weeks. Subjects were then post-tested with different forms of the initial reading inventory. Comparisons of pre-test and post-test scores indicate an average of one year's growth in the independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels for all …

The Effects Of Writing Process Instruction On Student Compositions, Kelly K. Letcher

Theses and Dissertations

Writing instruction has undergone many changes throughout the years. In the 1970's, instruction involved repetitive grammar drills. During the 1980's, instruction moved completely away from these drills and instead focused on creative writing. Currently, writing instruction seems to incorporate both philosophies, often times, through implementation of the writing process.

This study was designed to accomplish three purposes: first to clearly delineate and describe each stage of the process, second, to provide procedural suggestions for its implementation, and third, to document the effectiveness of such an approach on student writing.

The subjects of this study were 42 third and fourth grade …

The Effectiveness And Value Of A Character Education Program Administered To A Group Of Second And Third Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Adriana Germano

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and value of a character education program when administered over a six-month period to a convenience sample of second and third grade students eligible for special education. The subjects for this study attend Parkview Elementary School in Stratford, New Jersey, and are a part of the resource program there. This study can help determine whether or not a character education curriculum will lead to improved decision-making in morals and ethics. The design of the program is individual to the researcher, but each of the following nine character traits are covered: …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of The Wilson Fundations Program When Applied To A Group Of Children With Mild To Moderate Special Needs, Annette J. Sessa

Theses and Dissertations

A program that has addressed the needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities is the Wilson Reading Fundations Program for K-3. The targeted goal of the Wilson Language Training is to help students become fluent, accurate readers. It is a phonology, phonics, and spelling program that includes the basic components of the Wilson Reading System where emphasis is placed on systematic phonics and the study of word structure. Instruction is cumulative and scaffolds all presented skills.

The Wilson Fundations Program was administered to a small group of four children in grade 2, with mild to moderate learning disabilities. This …

The Effect Of Daily "Sustained Silent Reading" In Improving Fluency, Word Recognition, And Reading Comprehension Skills For Mild Cognitive Impaired Students, Elizabeth Kandabarow

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) when used daily with Mild Cognitive Impaired students. The purpose of the study was to measure strengths, deficits, and gains in fluency, word recognition, and reading comprehension abilities through pre and post-test procedures. Seven intermediate level students between the reading levels of two and three participated in this study. The experimental group consisted of four students, and the control group consisted of three students. The treatment group participated in Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). Forms A and B of the Jerry John's Basic Reading Inventory were administered to the students. Form …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Factors Contributing To Successful Inclusive Placements, Erin L. Tibetts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine variables that are associated with successful placement of children with disabilities into regular education classroom settings. Subjects were children with varying disabilities that were placed in regular education classrooms in a single elementary school building. In each setting, in-class support was provided by a special education teacher. Data was gathered by an examination of records including grades and child study team information. Also, teachers were interviewed to provide their perceptions of elements that are necessary for success in the regular classrooms. Teachers also expressed their overall impressions of the in-class support model …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Saxon Phonics On Phonemic Awareness, Dawnmarie Bach

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a structured, systematic phonics program such as the Saxon Phonics 1 program in improving the phonemic awareness of first grade students. The effectiveness of this program was measured by a pre and post assessment using The Test of Phonological Awareness (TOPA).

The subjects for this study consisted of two groups of first grade students (ages six and seven). Group one consisted of twelve students: seven girls and five boys. Group two consisted of nine students: six girls and three boys. Teachers that are experienced in the use of the …

Cognitive Writing Strategies, Arlene A. Paris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of cognitive strategy instruction in teaching writing. Writing is a process that results in a product. The learning that takes place will be continually developing and changing. Our goal as teachers of writing is to have our students produce quality written products. How does one accomplish this? Strategy instruction which includes metacognition and self-regulation can empower the writer. Students develop as writers when cognitive strategy instruction is used in the classroom. It requires knowledge, strategies, motivation, and practice with constructive feedback. (Harris & Graham, 1996)

The individuals who participated in …

The Effect Of The Wilson Reading Program On Spelling Skills In An Inclusive Sixth Grade Setting, Kathleen A. Dellinger

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the use of the Wilson Reading program as a method for instructing spelling rules and principles in an inclusive sixth grade setting. The subjects included eighteen sixth grade students, four special education and fourteen regular education students. Post testing results indicated that in 76% of all the students there was an increase of approximately one year in spelling ability. Two of the four special education students had an increase in age appropriate ability, with the two remaining special education students decreasing in grade equivalence.

The Effects Of Character Education On The Moral Decision Making Of A Selected Sample Of High School Students, Carol E. Lively

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a program of character education implemented in a public high school over a 6 month period would lead to measurable changes in value judgments as measured by the Student Survey of Social and Emotional Learning. The instrument contained 21 items requiring value based judgments to be responded to using a 5-point likert scale. One sample T-test showed no difference at the .001 level of confidence across the 21 items assessed. Also measured were teachers' perceptions of change in student behavior and attitudes toward school. Teachers felt there had been some improvement …

A Study Of How School Board Members Acquire Their Knowledge Of Educational Issues, Susan L. Rice

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how School Board Members acquire their knowledge of educational issues. A questionnaire was used to examine the socio-economic background of Board of Education members, along with their acquisition of knowledge. The questionnaire was distributed to Elementary and High School Boards of Education in the Southern New Jersey area. The data collected from the questionnaires, research on Boards of Education and conclusions drawn from the summary of the data are presented.

The study of the data indicates Boards of Education consist predominantly of white males, age 40 - 49, who have attended college, …

Effective Classroom Strategies For Students With Adhd, Jennifer A. Berenguer

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) identify practical strategies for ameliorating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder currently being implemented by teachers in the classroom setting; and (b) identify the strategies found to be most effective. Diagnostic criteria for the identification of students with ADHD are identified. Empirically validated treatments are identified and discussed. The role of educational professionals is delineated, demonstrating the need for identification of effective practical strategies for classroom utilization. Teachers demonstrated a high rate of frequency for utilizing practical strategies that they identified to be most effective. Implications for teaching students with ADHD in the …

Implementation Of Effective Practices By Special Education Teachers In The Classroom, Rae Malkiewicz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which teachers were aware of and using effective practices in their classrooms. Reasons why they did not use a particular practice were also obtained. Fifty-five teachers were sent questionnaires and thirty-one teachers returned the questionnaires. From this data, the percentage of usage of each practice was determined as well as the percentage of implementation of each practice in five different subject areas. The results of this study showed that teachers are aware of and are using the best empirically validated practices.

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Mcgraw-Hill Mathematics Series For Use With Inclusion Students, Margaret C. Green

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of using the McGraw-Hill Mathematics Series with second grade inclusion students. Two students were pretested in October of 2001, using the final test from the Silver Burdett Mathematics Series for first graders. In March of 2002, they were tested again using the same test. The tests were compared to see what areas the students made improvement in since October. The students were also given the McGraw-Hill Cumulative Test for second grade on chapters 1-6. This was given in order to further assess the their competence on the skill areas presented in this series so far …

Comparison Study Of The Reading Achievement Of Students Who Have Participated In The Fast Forword Program With Students Who Have Not Participated In The Program, Nancy A. Werner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in the Fast ForWord Reading Program had an effect on reading achievement. Fast ForWord is a computer-based program that utilizes a CD-ROM as well as the Internet to enable students to learn and practice skills that are critical to language comprehension and reading development. According to Scientific Learning, the developer of the Fast ForWord Program, 40% of students need to improve their reading skills. Therefore, Scientific Learning developed a computer program that can alter speech sounds, enabling students to differentiate between phonemes, increase language skills, increase phonological awareness, expand working …

The Effect Of Sports On Self-Concept: A Comparison Of Students In A Special Education Resource Room Who Participate In Sports And Students In A Special Education Resource Room Who Do Not Participate In Sports, Meredith Fiori

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that students in special education have a lower self-concept than their non-disabled peers (Manhattan College, 1998). Manhattan College also states that students with disabilities who play sports have a self-concept equal to or higher than individuals without disabilities. Identifying the degree to which participation in sports may raise the self-concepts of students in special education is an important strategy in educational programming. Discovering techniques to improve the self-concepts of students in special education has been a difficult task for both teachers and parents.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists between the self-concepts …

The Effectiveness Of Teaching Moral Development On The Ethical Decisions Of First And Second Grade Children, Anna M. Grant

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a program of character education administered to a group of first and second grade children over a six-month period. The subjects for this study attended or are presently attending Atlantis Elementary School, located on McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. This information can help determine whether or not an unstructured character education curriculum can lead to improvement in moral and ethical decisions. Participants were administered two forms of an assessment over a six-month period. The first assessment was executed in September of 2001. The participants were then introduced to …

The Identification Of Best Practices For Teaching Students With Limited English Proficiency And Degree Of Implementation In Salem And Cumberland Counties, Alice Nezu Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine best practices for teaching students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and to investigate the extent to which these are implemented in two Southern New Jersey Counties. An analysis of current educational research revealed eleven characteristics of successful programming and instruction for students with LEP.

A total of 113 questionnaires were sent to randomly selected schools within Salem and Cumberland counties and 56 were completed and returned. Of the 56 schools that returned questionnaires, 20 contained significant populations of students with LEP. Ninety percent of the schools were in compliance with state mandates …

Average Effort Extended In Person Hours To Complete An Initial Child Study Team Evaluation, Lisa Hak Licciardello

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of person hours necessary to complete a Child Study Team initial evaluation by School Psychologists and Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultants in a random sample of school districts in Southern New Jersey. Sixteen components of an initial evaluation were identified and respondents were asked to report the time in minutes devoted to each component. Thirty questionnaires were distributed and twenty-four were returned. On the basis of the responses, it was found that School Psychologists spend fourteen hours completing an initial evaluation, and Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultants spend ten hours completing an …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Structured Tutoring Program On Student Reading Skills, Rita M. Neyer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the students in the after school tutoring program made greater gains when receiving tutoring by certified teachers in a consistent structured program when compared to students not enrolled in the program as measured by a pre and post assessment using the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Informal Reading Inventory and Decoding and Phonics Inventory.

The population for the study consisted of two groups of first and second grade students. Group one (treatment group) attended the tutoring program, which met two times per week. A certified teacher tutored students, one on one. Group two (control Group) …