Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Extended School Year On Students With Mild Disabilities And Its Relationship To Regression Rate, Whitney C. Sears

Theses & Honors Papers

This study is an historical study comparing the spring and fall test scores of students who attended summer academic program of one particular private school for students with learning differences, including autism, Asperger's Syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and nonverbal learning disabilities. This study concluded that there was a statistical significance between the regression rates in both reading vocabulary and reading comprehension among those who attended the summer program and those who did not attend the summer program. Those students who did not attend the summer program regressed in skills significantly. Those students who attended the summer program maintained or …

Relationship Between Self-Perception Of Individuals With Learning Disabilities And Coping Strategies, Nicholas Frantz Pontius

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between one's understanding of his/her own learning disability (LO) and coping strategies he/she employs to mitigate the effect of the disability. The subjects (N = 120) of this study were students with learning disabilities who attended and graduated from a private school in Richmond, Virginia between 1976 and 1997. A self­-developed questionnaire with two parts was used to collect data for this study. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 120 surveys mailed, 55 (45.8%) subjects responded. Hypothesis regarding relationship between knowledge and coping strategies …

Special Education Teachers' And Speech Therapists' Knowledge Of Autism Spectrum Disorder., Carol Hendrix Whaley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to survey special education teachers and speech therapists in eleven school districts in Northeast Tennessee regarding their knowledge level (etiology and educational programming) of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary focus of the study was to identify effective programs and methods used by special educators in this region, comparing them to the latest techniques and teaching methods prescribed by recent research. In addition, identified weaknesses were used to recommend future training and staff development to enable educators to provide the best possible programs for children with autism.

Five hundred fifty-two surveys were disseminated to …

An Analysis Of Instructional Components And Their Effects On Task Engagement And Self-Aggression Within A Classroom Setting, John J. Wheeler, Stacy L. Carter, Michael R. Mayton, Rebekah A. Thomas

John J. Wheeler

The Effects Of Self-Esteem Instruction For Children With Disabilities, James Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of self-esteem instruction for children with disabilities. Academic achievement, attitudes toward school and learning, and attitudes toward peers were measured prior to ninety days of self-esteem direct instruction. A total of 72 children with disabilities from grade 1 to 3 in 3 elementary schools in the same community participated. They were divided into both control and experimental groups in 3 elementary schools with a total of 3 experiment and 3 control groups. Three special education teachers provided self-esteem direct instruction to the experimental groups according to the same lesson plans …

Teachers' Perceptions On Special Education Students' Social Skills And The Effect Of Peer Perceptions In The General Educational Classroom., Erin E. Harman

Theses & Honors Papers

This study identified inconsistencies between teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and parallels between the lack of positive peer perceptions and the inconsistent perceptions of general and special education teachers. To establish data this study used a selective group of seventh grade general and special education teachers from a middle school in central Virginia. This study also used one general education classroom containing students with and without disabilities. General and Special Education teachers were surveyed using the Profile/ Form Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment. Students used a modified version of the peer interpersonal assessment developed by Farmer, …

Creating A Community Of Learners Among College Faculty Through The Use Of Reflective Practice, Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Joseph J. Onosko, Cate Weir

Institute on Disability

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Study Of The Effects Of Transition Services On The Quality Of Life For Post-High School (0 - 2 Years) Students With Down's Syndrome Who Are Educable Mentally Retarded, Joseph A. Finley Jr.

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This qualitative study examined the effects of Transition Services on the quality of life of special needs students. Selected parents, students, and district school employees were interviewed, observed, and presented with questionnaires in an investigation into the effects of Transition Services on the quality of life for post-high school special needs students. Data was transcribed, coded, triangulated, and analyzed to understand what effect Transition Services actually had on quality of life of these students. The study resulted in fifteen major findings: a) district personnel distill Transition Services down to positive adult outcomes for success, b) selection criteria for district level …

The Effectiveness Of Training Educators On Their Ability To Identify Function Of Problem Behavior, Charles Dukes

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of training educators in the pre - behavioral intervention process of functional behavioral assessment. An original evaluation instrument was developed entitled, The Survey for Students Exhibiting Challenging Behavior. The instrument included measures of participating educators, knowledge of function of problem behavior and their ability to generate recommendations for a behavior intervention plan. The instrument was distributed to schools in a large urban district and completed by special educators. Educators trained and untrained in the functional behavioral assessment process were compared in the study.

The study incorporated a post - test …

Parent Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding For Children With Varying Disabilities, Anita L. Scialli

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Disabilities affect 54 million people and 4.4 million children in the U.S. and are of importance to special education faculty (Center for Disease Control 2000). A survey design examines the effectiveness of human-animal interaction, specifically horseback riding, in children with varying disabilities.

Therapeutic horseback riding as an animal assisted therapy, aims to promote mind and body integration through movement (psychomotricity) and the human-animal bond (Delta Society, 2001a; Spink, 1993, All, Loving & Crane, 1999). Effectiveness is measured by parent assessment of improvement in 67 child behaviors resulting from child participation in horseback riding, using a new Horseback Riding Survey. Behaviors …

Implementation Of The Sound Partners Reading Program, Nancy E. Marchand-Martella, Ronald C. Martella, J. Ron Nelson, Lynn Waterbury, Sharon A. Shelley, Charalambos Cleanthous, David Hatfield

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Eleven first grade and 10 second grade students, all with reading and behavioral difficulties, received one-on-one tutoring using the Sound Partners reading program (Vadasy & Pool, 1997). Students received 30 min of tutoring each day for 5 months. Students were assessed on Letter-Word Identification, Passage Comprehension, and Word Attack subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson-Revised (WJ-R): Tests of Achievement. An informal measure (rapid letter naming) was also used. Results indicated that gains of approximately 1 standard deviation (or greater) were noted for subtests of the WJ-R for first-grade students; second graders showed relatively stable performance from pre- to posttest assessments. Similar performance …

The Effects Of Social Skills Training To Improve Peer Acceptance For Students With Disabilities, Jennifer L. Knoll

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined the effects of social skills training and social integration in play activities to facilitate the social competence and peer acceptance of students with multiple disabilities mainstreamed for non-academic subjects. Ten 3rd and 5th grade students with disabilities and 60 non-disabled 3rd graders participated in this study. The target students spent more than 65% of their day in a self-contained classroom and were included for non-academic activities such as homeroom, lunch and recess, and related arts.

A multidimensional approach to social skills instruction was provided to students with disabilities in their self-contained classroom. The students with disabilities …

The Effects Of Social Problem-Solving Training In An Inclusive Kindergarten Classroom, Kimberly R. Fontana

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting to improve socially from social problem solving training. An eight-week social problem-solving training program (SPS) was administered to twenty-three children. Three participants took part in this study. One child was classified as being emotionally disturbed and two other children were classified with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The behaviors observed were: positive social interaction, the ability to make friends, and attending behavior during big group, small group, and playtime. The teacher and teacher assistant observed the three participants using a baseline analysis. Results did exhibit a …

The Effects Of Parent Training On Parent-Child Interactions In An Urban Community, Christina Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Parent training based on previous studies was provided in an urban community. The effectiveness of parent training for parent-child interactions during freeplay and the effectiveness of parent training to change parents' attitudes towards parent-child interactions were examined. Three parents, together with their children in a Head Start program participated in the study. A multiple baseline design across paired parent and child was used. Baseline data were collected through observations on parent and child interactions prior to the training, and intervention data were conducted after the training was implemented.

The results showed that all participating parents increased in verbal interactions with …

The Effect Of Computer-Assisted Instruction For Students With Central Auditory Processing Disorder Using The Fast Forword Program, Michelle L. Barrett

Theses and Dissertations

Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a deficit in auditory perception that has been thought to be the underlying basis of many learning problems including specific reading and language disabilities. In today's classrooms many of the children with CAPD have been integrated into general education settings. These children need a program that helps them cope with or even overcome their learning difficulty. A computer program, Fast ForWord has been suggested for those students. The Fast ForWord program is a computer-assisted reading program that is linked electronically to Berkeley University via the Internet.

The purposes of this study were (a) to …

Handedness Distribution In A Transitional First Grade Population, Susan Paladino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: (a) to investigate the distribution of handedness between T-1 students over the past five years compared to their same-age peers; (b) to investigate the distribution of handedness between T-1 boys, same-age boys, T-1 girls, and same-age girls; (c) to examine the kindergarten teachers' attitudes toward left-handed students; (d) to determine which, if any, instructional and classroom modifications the kindergarten teachers used.

One hundred and twenty-two elementary school children and five kindergarten teachers from a large suburban school district located in the northeastern United States participated in the study. The students completed an 8-item questionnaire …

The Effects Of The Direct Instruction With Computer-Assisted Instruction In Reading For Students With Learning Disabilities, Arlene M. Dowd

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were: (a) to examine the effects of using the Direct Instruction Reading Mastery program along with Computer-assisted instruction to enhance the students' vocabulary learning; (b) to examine the effects of using the Direct Instruction Reading Mastery program in reading along with Computer-assisted instruction to enhance the students' reading comprehension; (c) to evaluate if students display a higher level of satisfaction in reading when taught with the Direct Instruction Reading Mastery program followed with computer-assisted instruction. Nine 5th grade students with learning disabilities in a resource room participated in the study. A multiple baseline design across …

A Comparison Study On Collaboration Between Regular And Special Education Teachers, Beverly L. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the collaboration between regular and special education teachers in a South New Jersey School District. A secondary purpose of the study was to evaluate the current inclusion program in the district where an inclusion program was implemented approximately 5 years ago.

A survey was distributed to approximately 50 teachers in this particular district. Thirty-two of the fifty teachers participating in an inclusion program completed the survey with 26 questions. Four categories were analyzed: Training/Preparation, Role of the Special Education Teacher, Role of the Regular Education Teacher and Improvements.

The results indicated that …

The Effects Of The Picture Exchange Communication System (Pecs) To Decrease Impulsive Behaviors And Increase Self-Management Skills Of Children With Autism, Lori A. Rizzo-Wise

Theses and Dissertations

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an augmentative communication system used for children with autism and social-communication disorders.

Self-management is an intervention extensively documented for its effectiveness to improve behavior. Self-management programs typically involve some combination of two or more of the following strategies: self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and positive reinforcement. With limited knowledge of growth in self-management techniques among autistic children, the study of PECS and its influence on self-management may be a beneficial technique to increase appropriate behavior/classroom management.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the decrease of impulsive behaviors while teaching self-management skills to children with …

Reading Achievement: A Comparison Of Inclusion, Pull-Out, And Combined Approaches For Students With Learning Disabilities, Ethel J. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

More children are referred for special needs because of their reading problems than in any other areas, and concerns on programs to assist students with learning disabilities were raised, (Bos & Vaughn, 1993). The purpose of this study was to examine if these students would gain reading achievements when they were instructed in an inclusive, pull-out, or combined program. A total of 36 students with learning disabilities from grades 2 and 3 participated in this study. They were enrolled in inclusion, pull-out, and combined programs respectively. The pretest and posttest of the Jerry L. Johns Basic Reading Inventory were administered …

Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusion: What Did They Say?, Lisa R. Waligore

Theses and Dissertations

This study used a survey to obtain information regarding regular education teachers' and special education teachers' attitude toward inclusive education and other related issues in inclusive classrooms, such as co-teaching, teaching strategies, instructional planning, learning capabilities, accommodations, and mutual respect. Two hundred copies of the surveys were distributed to 7 public schools, 105 were returned. Of those, 60 were elementary teachers, 14 were special education teachers, 16 were middle school teachers, and 10 were high school teachers.

The responses were analyzed using 1-5 points, 1 to indicated strongly agree, 2 to indicate agree, 3 to indicate neither agree nor disagree, …

The Effect Of Social Skills Training For Students With Disabilities, Michelle M. Wiseley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of a social skills training program for students with disabilities. A multiple baseline design across settings was used. The two settings were the mainstream class and the resource center. Five fourth grade students ranging from 10.1 to 10.11 years of age participated in the study. The social skills were focused on raising hands to ask for help, dealing with an accusation, and completing assignments in a given time. Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child was used as the social skills training program. Observations were conducted during baseline and intervention phases in …

The Impact Of Computer-Assisted Mathematics Instruction For Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities, Shirley A. Celentano

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this explorative study were to (a) compare results of the mathematics achievement of a group of secondary students with learning disabilities with and without computer-assisted instruction (n = 10) ; and (b) examine student satisfaction with computer-assisted instruction. The participants, ages 14-16 years old, were classified with SLD, or "Specific Learning Disability", and had mathematics performance significantly below grade level according to their IEPs. Procedure included ten weeks of teacher-direct instruction and ten weeks of computer-assisted instruction in the computer lab. A total of eight mathematics units were covered, four during each condition of the study. Students …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Integrating Special Education Preschoolers With Their Nondisabled Peers, Christina Donio Sansone

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined developmental outcomes associated with services in inclusive and self-contained preschool classrooms. The growth of nine inclusive special education students and twelve self-contained students were investigated. These students were matched for chronological age and classification. Progress was measured with the Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Early Development-Revised using a posttest only design in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, speech/language skills and general knowledge. Results show that there is a significant difference between these two groups on gross motor standing skills in the inclusive setting. There are no significant differences in other skill achievement.

Block Scheduling And Its Effect On The Academic Performance Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Paul J. Blass

Theses and Dissertations

This study surveyed the professionals from one middle school in southern New Jersey regarding their perceptions of block scheduling as well as their views on its effectiveness with students who have learning disabilities. The survey indicated that the participants favored teaching under the block schedule format. They felt that they can address the students' needs more effectively and that the quality and quantity of student work has improved. Some questions were directed only to special education teachers, and they also agreed that the time allocated using the block format helped them work more effectively with their students.

We Want To Play Too, Peter J. Titlebaum, Kate Brennan, Tracy Chynoweth

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that persons with disabilities be integrated to the maximum extent possible, and that these persons cannot be excluded from participation. Intramural directors need to be proactive in this area. The benefits of intramural sports are vast, and they help many students become part of the college community.

Forming an alliance with the Disability Services on campus, the first step, is the most vital aspect of making these programs successful. It is important to remember the difference between what can be done and what must be done. Even with the best of intentions, it …

Effects Of Self-Monitoring On Hyperactivity In A Student Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Lillian Lee Pedroza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This single subject multiple baseline study tested an intervention using a self-monitoring procedure. The Subject was a nine-year-old Hispanic male identified as having Other Health Impairments and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and was taking psychostimulant medication. Using an A-B-A-B design, the Investigator and two observers collected time interval data of on-task behavior, during baseline phases. During intervention phases the Subject was involved in a self-monitoring procedure addressing on-task behaviors. Additional data were collected on a scoring sheet, whereby the Subject, the Investigator and the two additional Scorers, scored the student on five on-task behaviors. The intervention was effective. Results …

Relationship Of Secondary Special Educators' Disciplinary Style To Teacher Burnout And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Ashley E. Wall

Theses & Honors Papers

Burnout and attrition among special education teachers has become a major problem in public schools today. Stress in the classroom, stemming mostly from inappropriate student behaviors, is one of the key sources of teacher burnout. Disciplinary styles and self-efficacy contribute to the risk of burnout. The authoritative disciplinary style is ideal in the classroom. Teachers work with students and negotiate with them, and the students develop a sense of responsibility in the classroom. Teachers who have a high sense of self-efficacy generally adopt the authoritative approach and have a lower degree of burnout. The results of this study indicate that …

Using Self-Management Strategies To Increase On-Task Behavior Of Students With Add/Adhd, Carolyn M. Porretta Grossi

Theses and Dissertations

This report describes the results of a self-management program to increase on-task behaviors of students with ADD/ADHD in an inclusive setting in a suburban community in the northeastern United States. Three 8th grade students participated in the study. The students' appropriate responses, inappropriate actions and inappropriate vocalizations were observed prior to and after self-management skills were introduced. The types and frequencies of behavior occurrences that were observed and recorded in the study were appropriate phrases, comments on topic, appropriate voice, inappropriate vocalizations, noises, talking to neighbors, name calling, walking around the room, banging and touching a neighbor, fooling around and …

The Best Of Both Worlds – The Hybrid Program, Hope Jordan, Marcia G. Derrick, Jill Crandell, Rhiannon Schuster

Essays in Education

The special education teacher shortage in the United States is a critical issue and becoming a national crisis. Universities struggle to provide sufficient numbers of trained and licensed teachers to fill this need. These shortages are intensifying as modern universities also struggle with concepts of on-line learning and adult learning styles. The Hybrid Model developed at Regent University, incorporates the best components of the traditional classroom with those of the on-line learning environment, and provides a program resulting in the best of both worlds. This article describes one such model, its successes, and suggestions for on-going improvement.