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Full-Text Articles in Education

Institutional Impact Of The Build Program: Postsecondary Education For Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Mary Lindell, Jessica Daniels, Jodi Wolkerstorfer Oct 2023

Institutional Impact Of The Build Program: Postsecondary Education For Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Mary Lindell, Jessica Daniels, Jodi Wolkerstorfer

Day of Scholarship

The current higher education environment is plagued with declining enrollment (Eide, 2018) and shrinking budgets (Doyle, 2020) while historically under-represented and under-served students, including those with intellectual disabilities (ID) (Thoma, et al., 2011), have traditionally experienced limited access to higher education (Thelin, 2011). The purpose of this study was to research the institutional impact of the BUILD program, one university’s effort to increase access to and the effectiveness of higher education for all students, including those with ID, while simultaneously expanding the prospective student enrollment pool. Through a qualitative case study analysis, this research explored and evaluated the implementation and …


The Impact Of Trauma On Learning And Behaviors In The Classroom And How A Trauma-Informed Classroom Helps, Susanne W. Karris Jan 2022

The Impact Of Trauma On Learning And Behaviors In The Classroom And How A Trauma-Informed Classroom Helps, Susanne W. Karris

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As trauma is becoming more prevalent among our students, it is essential that districts, schools, and staff understand its impacts in the classroom. The American Psychological Association (2021) estimates that more than ⅔ of children experience a traumatic event by the age of 16. Trauma makes a neurobiological change to the brain that directly affects physical and cognitive performance. Teachers are getting frustrated with behaviors and the lack of learning that is taking place in the classroom. Research shows that evidence-based interventions and programs that are trauma-informed benefit students and show a reduction in unwanted behaviors and an increase in …


Self-Advocacy And Postsecondary Program Achievement In Students With High-Incidence Disabilities, Alyssa Nelson Jan 2022

Self-Advocacy And Postsecondary Program Achievement In Students With High-Incidence Disabilities, Alyssa Nelson

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This literature review examines studies that investigated and evaluated the relationship between self-advocacy and college program completion in postsecondary students with disabilities. Research was reviewed that used school-aged participants with disabilities, postsecondary-aged students with disabilities, high school faculty, postsecondary faculty, parents of the students with disabilities, and two and 4-year college Disabilities Services staff. Many factors are involved in why students with disabilities tend not to self-advocate for themselves or ask for support or assistance in secondary and postsecondary educational institutions. Inversely, some motivators promote students’ self-advocacy decisions, which has sparked interest in this area of study. The studies reviewed …


How Can Educators Better Inform Parents About The Special Education Process So That They Are Empowered To Increase Their Role As Active Participants In Their Students’ Education?, Beth Ann Thibodeau Jan 2022

How Can Educators Better Inform Parents About The Special Education Process So That They Are Empowered To Increase Their Role As Active Participants In Their Students’ Education?, Beth Ann Thibodeau

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The benefits of family involvement in students’ education range from academic and behavioral growth to better attendance and social skills. Parent involvement in the educational process for students with disabilities is a legal right, yet barriers to involvement result in what researchers call an untapped capacity for joint collaboration between parents and educators. This literature review sought to determine how parent involvement is defined and then identify barriers to involvement. Those barriers are addressed with research summaries of how to empower teachers to support family involvement and how to empower parents to be involved in the special education process. One …


Teachers' Union's Collective Bargaining Agreements And Their Impact On School Functions, Chad Jonas Borseth Jan 2022

Teachers' Union's Collective Bargaining Agreements And Their Impact On School Functions, Chad Jonas Borseth

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Teachers' unions have a vital role in public education. The collective bargaining agreements negotiated between them and school districts are viewed by many as the de facto rule book for how a school is organized and how it shall operate. Despite the importance of these formal contracts, the measurable effects of the teacher's union's collective bargaining agreements on school functions remain understudied. This literature review seeks to identify how teachers' union's efforts influence school funding, productivity, and educational inputs and outputs through their collective bargaining agreements. In summary, this literature review finds that collective bargaining agreements have a tremendous influence …


Factors Affecting The Academic Self-Concept Of K-12 Students With Reading Disabilities, Jamie L. Kaihoi Jan 2022

Factors Affecting The Academic Self-Concept Of K-12 Students With Reading Disabilities, Jamie L. Kaihoi

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The way students perceive themselves as learners is referred to as their academic self-concept (ASC). ASC is made up of the thoughts and feelings a student has about their experience in the classroom with learning tasks and research has shown it develops through a variety of comparisons. ASC has the potential to affect learning outcomes, academic achievement, behavior, and mental health. The goal of this literature review was to discover how ASC develops for K-12 students with reading disabilities and the specific factors that influence its formation. The review included a look at the research surrounding ASC in the general …


The Influence Of Restorative Practice On School Climate, Kay E. Lister Jan 2022

The Influence Of Restorative Practice On School Climate, Kay E. Lister

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The impact of restorative practices on school climate is affirmed as the fostering of teacher-student relationship impacts connection, empathy, and social skills. Bullying decreased, self-advocacy increased, and school communities became both more present and calmer comparatively. Communication increased with an acquisition of restorative language, learning outcomes increased when students were in the classroom, and authenticity was formed. The mode of restorative intervention was interchangeable to best meet the needs of the proactive or reactive approach. The impact of school climate and the longevity of restorative practice was dependent upon the process of implementation, the culture of the school, and investment …


Training And Supporting Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Brian P. Solum Jan 2022

Training And Supporting Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Brian P. Solum

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The roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education have increased over the years. Just as special education teachers see their caseloads, paperwork, and IEP responsibilities increase, the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals have become heavily relied upon for creating and maintaining successful programming in special education. The author of this thesis reviewed 20 relevant articles that explored and researched the changing roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education classrooms for students with developmental and cognitive disabilities (DCD). This thesis will explore recent research in both rural and urban schools about how paraprofessionals are recruited, trained, and maintained. It …


How Does Trauma Informed Teaching Impact Student Learning?, Keith Enstad Jan 2022

How Does Trauma Informed Teaching Impact Student Learning?, Keith Enstad

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This literature review will explore the impact of a trauma-informed approach on students' ability to learn. The reader will learn about key terms and definitions that are used throughout the literature. The following literature review explores studies and research done on trauma-informed programs that have been implemented in schools, foster care, and juvenile delinquent centers. The research and studies explore if trauma-informed training has had any impact on students' learning, or educators' way of teaching. The literature review concludes with any limitations of the research and data. There has not been many studies done in regards to trauma-informed education, which …


Strategies To Teach Grit And Perseverance To Students With Special Needs Through The Growth Mindset, Melissa J. Anderson Jan 2022

Strategies To Teach Grit And Perseverance To Students With Special Needs Through The Growth Mindset, Melissa J. Anderson

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Recently, there has been increased attention on the importance of non-cognitive skills in achieving academic success. Grit and The Growth Mindset are two of the characteristics. Research has established a positive correlation between Grit and The Growth Mindset with academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and better self-esteem. Evidence strongly suggests the benefits of developing strong cognitive skills reach beyond the school-aged years, providing individuals with the skills to be productive and successful adults. However, research on this topic is still in the early stages. There is limited qualitative information available. The studies offer quantitative information linking Grit and The Growth …


Asd Social Skills Development Using Immersive Virtual Environment Head-Mounted Display Interventions: A Review Of Feasibility And Effectiveness, Kasey Lynn Jan 2022

Asd Social Skills Development Using Immersive Virtual Environment Head-Mounted Display Interventions: A Review Of Feasibility And Effectiveness, Kasey Lynn

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This literature review determined the feasibility and effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD) interventions to develop social skills for children with ASD. Data summarized 11 research studies conducted within the past five years utilizing HMD interventions. The research examined several HMD technology options across various settings such as school, home and community. Analysis of the data found that HMD interventions demonstrated promise in terms of feasibility developing social skills for children with ASD. The review noted limitations of the reviewed studies as well as suggested a need for further research in this emerging field of …


The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions To Enhance Educational Experiences And Sense Of Well Being, Madeline Ruth Luoma Jan 2022

The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions To Enhance Educational Experiences And Sense Of Well Being, Madeline Ruth Luoma

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More recently than ever, teachers are witnessing an uptick in aggressive behaviors and emotional dysregulation and decreased academic engagement within their classroom walls. This can impact the learning environments of all students and hinder academic achievement. Currently, a push for including a social-emotional curriculum in schools that encourages mindfulness, awareness, and behavior regulation has been prevalent in education to attempt to combat the increase in behaviors and disengagement in academic content. Research has shown that different types of mindfulness interventions that include meditation and movement have been suggested to yield positive outcomes in helping students overcome dysregulation, perceived stress levels, …


Educator Burnout Prevention, Anna Sophia Stroebel Jan 2022

Educator Burnout Prevention, Anna Sophia Stroebel

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Burnout is a universal experience that impacts many educators. Within the first five years of teaching, 40% of educators will leave the profession (Mielke, 2019). Teachers of high needs students, including special education teachers, are at an even greater risk without adequate support to meet those needs (Ansley et al., 2019). Nationally, educator burnout is becoming concerning as many schools struggle to find experienced teaching staff. The sustainability of education is dependent on understanding and preventing burnout. Burnout prevention is a rapidly expanding area of study that is highly impactful for educators. While research suggests personal prevention strategies that educators …


Trauma: How The Student Teacher Relationship Impacts Student Success, Eujeana Starr Hinkle Jan 2022

Trauma: How The Student Teacher Relationship Impacts Student Success, Eujeana Starr Hinkle

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High behavioral and academic expectations are exceptionally challenging for students who have experienced trauma. With increasing numbers of students who have experienced significant trauma, it is essential that teachers create trauma-responsive classrooms to nurture and support students and encourage success. This thesis defines trauma and describes characteristics of students who have experienced trauma along with effects on academic and social relationships. Finally, the research summary highlights the importance of designing classroom environments, instructing, and responding to students looking through the lens of trauma as a way to improve the school experience for all students while significantly impacting students who have …


The Female Autism Experience: A Literature Review, Megan Elizabeth Maas Jan 2022

The Female Autism Experience: A Literature Review, Megan Elizabeth Maas

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by communication challenges, difficulties in socialization, and the occurrence of restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Current data in the United States indicates that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Males are diagnosed at a ratio of four to one compared to females. Evidence suggests that females with autism present differently than males. Current diagnostic criteria based on typical male presentation of autism may account for underidentification in females with ASD. This literature review explores the experience of females with autism, including diagnosis, differences in behavior, communication, social and emotional skills, and the lived experiences …


Importance Of Inclusion For Special Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Michelle L. Zidlicky Jan 2022

Importance Of Inclusion For Special Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Michelle L. Zidlicky

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This literature review aims to inform inclusive education and why it is crucial for all students. Inclusion is based on students' academic and social-emotional success from learning with general education peers from both general education, special education teachers, and support staff. Inclusion in education helps students with disabilities be able to learn in the same classroom as general education peers. It provides opportunities for staff to collaborate as team members to best support students. Studies included looking at inclusion and how it has evolved in education. It views teachers' attitudes and supports that staff needs to help inclusive education work. …


Parent Experience In Preschool Special Education Classroom Setting Decisions, Kaia Kathryn Nordtvedt Jan 2022

Parent Experience In Preschool Special Education Classroom Setting Decisions, Kaia Kathryn Nordtvedt

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Early childhood is a crucial time in a child's development and is often the entry point for a child experiencing developmental delays in the special education process. Parents play an essential role in the special education process as the child's primary caregivers. This study examined the decision-making process of economically disadvantaged Black and Hispanic/Latinx parents as they provide input on classroom setting decisions during preschool IEP creation. Through in-depth interviews, parents shared their lived experiences as they navigated the special education process and made decisions on classroom settings as part of the IEP team. Document analysis provided additional context in …


The Effects Of Poverty On Students' Mental Well-Being, Esther P. Nyagwencha-Nyamweya Jan 2022

The Effects Of Poverty On Students' Mental Well-Being, Esther P. Nyagwencha-Nyamweya

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Poverty is a global problem that has impacted the mental well-being of students. Research shows that in the US, one out of five children under the age of 18 live in poverty. This literature review sought to determine the effects of poverty on students’ mental well-being. Researchers have done in depth studies on poverty and their findings illustrated a close connection between poverty and an increase in mental health risks. Children born in poverty experience the effects of poverty early in life which affects their physical, behavioral, and developmental health. The gap between children from low economic status and those …


The Impact Of The Pandemic On Social Emotional Learning, Bryan Kilbourne Norman Jan 2022

The Impact Of The Pandemic On Social Emotional Learning, Bryan Kilbourne Norman

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The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March of 2020 disrupted the landscape of education and presented students and teachers with unforeseen impacts and obstacles. Notably, negative social and emotional issues arose as these changes drove students into isolation from peers and school staff amid concerns about the health of themselves and the people they love. Social emotional learning (SEL) supports academics, mental health, and healthy relationships (Rosenbalm, 2021). The pandemic caused a decline in each of these areas, as well as an increase in anxiety and depression among students, and limited the ability of educators to support social emotional learning. As …


Promoting Self-Management Skills Among Students With Disabilities Within The General Education Classroom, Elisabeth A. Pagel Jan 2021

Promoting Self-Management Skills Among Students With Disabilities Within The General Education Classroom, Elisabeth A. Pagel

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The purpose of this action research project was to determine how educators can promote self-management skills among students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Previous studies were used to summarize the current state of social-emotional learning in the American public-school system and to identify strategies that promote self-management skills in special education classrooms. The Delphi method was used to distinguish which of these strategies would promote self-management skills for students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Panelists (N = 18) generated and ranked strategies in three questionnaires, and they created consensus on the top 10 strategies with the …


The Relationship Between Inclusive Classroom Practice And Student Self-Perception Outcomes, Jenifer York Jan 2021

The Relationship Between Inclusive Classroom Practice And Student Self-Perception Outcomes, Jenifer York

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The majority of students with special education needs spend of 80% their time in general education classrooms (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019c). While participation in general education classes is linked to positive outcomes for students with special education needs, little has been researched regarding actual practices occurring in inclusive classrooms and the impact of such practices. Academic and social gains for students in general education classrooms are unlikely without effective instruction and intervention. This quantitative study investigated whether there was a relationship between the degree of implementation of inclusive practices in classrooms and student self-perception of academic self-concept and …


Effects Of Social Media On Adolescents, Jeffrey Scott Erickson Jan 2021

Effects Of Social Media On Adolescents, Jeffrey Scott Erickson

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Social media has a strong influence on adolescents. The effects of social media use can be both positive and negative for adolescents. Social media makes adolescents feel more connected to their friends, family, and interests. On the other hand, it creates an unhealthy reliance by some adolescents which can cause problems with addiction, communication, mental health, and schooling. Addiction to technology and cell phones in particular is a negative pertaining to adolescents. Negative effects occur when adolescents are overly dependent and unfocused due to the use of social media while at school. Studies show that communication skills can be harmed …


Special Education Teachers And Burnout: The Factors That Contribute To It And Effective Strategies That Combat It, Sydni M. Fancher Jan 2021

Special Education Teachers And Burnout: The Factors That Contribute To It And Effective Strategies That Combat It, Sydni M. Fancher

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This thesis will explore the reasons behind teacher burnout in special education. The field of special education has increased dramatically throughout the years. As more research is being done to determine the various disabilities out there, the need for special education teachers increases. There is a gentleman by the name of Maslach that discovered the term “burnout”. According to Maslach there are three different components of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. After researching this topic the four findings that contribute to teacher burnout include: stress management, workplace characteristics, benefits of mindfulness, and identifying the disabilities that …


Impact Of Relative Age On Need For Special Education Services, Leonie Giles Jan 2021

Impact Of Relative Age On Need For Special Education Services, Leonie Giles

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This thesis consists of a literature review of research on a potential correlation between a student's birthdate, age upon entry into kindergarten, and the potential need for special education services while in elementary school. Results were mixed on the benefits of delaying entry into school. While results appeared contradictory at times, closer analysis indicates that benefits depend on the individual, on the presence of a disability, the gender, and socio-economic status, and on when a student is born. Students born in the months directly preceding kindergarten eligibility are at a disadvantage when compared to those born right after the cut-off …


The Educational Impact That Social Media Has On School Age Children's Mental Health And Educational Experiences, Kasondra Janc Jan 2021

The Educational Impact That Social Media Has On School Age Children's Mental Health And Educational Experiences, Kasondra Janc

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Studies have shown that school involvement and the policies that they have created can impact adolescents’ mental health. Social media is one of the most widely used online platforms and a reason why school-aged children want cell-phones, tablets and computers. There are several types of social media platforms, both online, on the TV, and advertisements posted on online and on billboards. However, the lack of power over the social media world is cause for concern. If school age students have access to social media twenty-four seven, and many school districts are turning a blind eye to it, this is unacceptable. …


Understanding The Needs Of Children In Poverty To Improve Academic Achievement: A Literature Review, Christy Michele Lothrop Jan 2021

Understanding The Needs Of Children In Poverty To Improve Academic Achievement: A Literature Review, Christy Michele Lothrop

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Poverty affects one in five children in the U.S., where 50% of public schools identify as mid-high or high-poverty schools. Decades of research confirms a significant and constant economic academic achievement gap. This literature review sought to determine how poverty impacts children’s development and ways educators can improve educational outcomes for students in poverty. Researchers illustrate how poverty impacts children environmentally and neurologically, leading to brain changes associated with language, memory, socioemotional, and executive functioning skills. Researchers offer a multitude of ways that educators can improve educational outcomes for students in poverty including: improving school climate and teacher-student relationships, implementing …


The Impact Of Visual Schedules For Students With Disabilities: A Literature Review, Kristine L. Mcdonald Jan 2021

The Impact Of Visual Schedules For Students With Disabilities: A Literature Review, Kristine L. Mcdonald

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The purpose of this empirical research literature with application emphasis was conducted so I could better understand the effects of visual schedules and video modeling. Visual schedules and video modeling showed an increase of independence with transitions between classroom settings and daily routines had on students with autism. These studies reviewed students from elementary aged to young adults. The majority of students who participated in the reviewed research had no previous exposure to visual schedules. 20 peer reviewed publications were studied and analyzed on these simple interventions and the impacts and success students encountered. The documented success of a simple …


The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Adolescents With Special Needs And Mental Health Diagnosis, Rebecca Jean Mcquiston Jan 2021

The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Adolescents With Special Needs And Mental Health Diagnosis, Rebecca Jean Mcquiston

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Students with mental health diagnosis, trauma or special education labels such as emotional behavioral disorder or learning disabilities often show signs of distress, and/or dysregulation in the classroom. They are referred to providers and evaluated based on the behaviors or symptoms that are presented. Many times, these behaviors impact their ability to learn, regulate emotions and function when compared to their typically developing peers. These students have developed maladaptive behaviors to cope with strong feelings. Within the last ten years, clinics, schools and districts have increased their attention and efforts to develop social emotional learning programs to teach students essential …


Student Anxiety And Practical Strategies For The School Setting: A Literature Review, Cassie M. Ott Jan 2021

Student Anxiety And Practical Strategies For The School Setting: A Literature Review, Cassie M. Ott

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Since 2010, anxiety levels have risen worldwide. Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to anxiety as they experience varied life challenges. Considering anxiety disorders most common in youth (generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), and test anxiety), this thesis delves into research focused on diagnoses with comorbid anxiety (including Depressive Disorders (DD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)), and the underlying causes of anxiety. To clarify the research questions regarding symptom identification and successful strategies to use in school settings, the literature review provides information about symptoms, anxiety behaviors, and the impact on …


Students With Special Needs And Their Ability To Self-Monitor Goals, Erin L. Schmitz Jan 2021

Students With Special Needs And Their Ability To Self-Monitor Goals, Erin L. Schmitz

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Self-monitoring behavior is one way students can be involved in their learning. Research shows that desired behaviors increase, and academic performance improves, when students monitor their behavior during class. This action research project reviews self-monitoring literature and examines how accurately fifth-grade male students who are receiving services for Autism Spectrum Disorder can self-monitor their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and how self-monitoring affects their progress toward their IEP goals. The results suggest these students were able to accurately self-monitor and show progress toward their IEP goals.