Education Commons^™

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 …

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, …

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 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.

A Comparison Of The Philosophy Of Maria Montessori To Current Research On The Educational Practices Of Developmentally Delayed And At Risk Students, Tonya K. Parks

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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Special Education Attorneys' Fees After Buckhannon Board & Care Home, Incorporated V. West Virginia Department Of Health And Human Resources, Mark C. Weber

Brigham Young University Education and Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Sequential Development Of Jaw And Lip Control For Speech, Jordan R. Green, Christopher A. Moore, Kevin J. Reilly

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Vertical displacements of the upper lip, lower lip, and jaw during speech were recorded for groups of 1-, 2-, and 6-year-olds and adults to examine if control over these articulators develops sequentially. All movement traces were amplitude- and time-normalized. The developmental course of upper lip, lower lip, and jaw control was examined by quantifying age-related changes in the similarity of each articulator’s movement patterns to those produced by adult subjects and by same-age peers. In addition, differences in token-to-token stability of articulatory movement were assessed among the different age groups. The experimental findings revealed that 1- and 2-year-old children’s jaw …

A Model Curriculum For Selected Physical Adaptations For Students With Special Needs, In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (Ealr's), Eric Davis

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model curriculum for selected physical education adaptations for student with special needs, in alignment with Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR's). To accomplish this purpose, a review of selected literature was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. The model curriculum was developed for implementation in the Ellensburg School District in the 2002-2003 school year.

Pre-Service Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusion In A Non-Traditional Classroom, Julie K. Ivey Ph.D., Kathryn Reinke Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 52 pre-service teachers’ participation in an outdoor education program, for sixth grade students, on their attitudes toward inclusion of students with special needs. A survey was administered before and after the three-day event. After the experience the subjects felt more familiar with the concept of inclusion and realized possible conflicts between expectations of regular classroom teachers and special education teachers. This suggests that experiences in outdoor settings, a learning environment not usually explored, can influence pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion of students with special needs as well as make …

Reducing California's Special Education Costs By Improving Access To Early Childhood Intervention: A Policy Review, Ann Laureen Hennessey

Theses Digitization Project

This project addressess the importance of early childhood intervention for California's infants and toddlers and how the managed care trends are affecting families' ability to obtain help for their children.

A Proposal To Create A College-Level Reading Class For Students With Learning Disabilities, Gary Richard Bergstrom

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Teaching A Child With Autism To Use An Independent Activity Schedule To Increase Play Behavior And Reduce Stereotypy, Korena Lyn Saunby

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to teach play skills to a six year-old deaf male child with autism and to determine if these play skills would reduce self-stimulatory behaviors. The child was introduced to an independent play schedule duing two teaching phases using prompting and reinforcement procedures that have in the past been successful in teaching new skills to children with autism.

Special Education Needs Among Children Exposed To Domestic Violence, Denise Jo Hollingsworth

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study is to discover whether exposure to domestic violence leads to higher rates of special education placement. The problem of concern is the effect of domestic violence exposure to children, which results in psychological and behavioral problems that may lead to school difficulties and placement in special education programs.

What Are Teachers Doing To Accommodate For Special Needs Students In The Classroom?, Brenda Stevens, Caroline Everington, Stacy Kozar-Kocsis

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Elementary teachers (N=42) from a district implementing inclusive practice were surveyed to determine: a) if the frequency of curricular modifications made differ by type of student disability, b) if there is a difference in the frequency of curricular modifications made for special and typical students, and c) if a relationship exists between modifications made for special needs students and for typical students. Results indicate the frequency of teachers' curricular modifications does not differ by type of disability; that they make significantly more frequent modifications for special needs students; and that there is a significant relationship between the frequency of modifications …