Education Commons^™

Tapping Hidden Talent: The Identification Of Culturally Diverse Students For Gifted Education Programs In The Southeastern United States, Priscilla Richmond

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide a profile of gifted education identification procedures for culturally diverse ethnic populations (African-American, Native-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic) in the southeastern region of the United States. In this research, data from educators was analyzed by means of surveys and in-depth inquiries to provide a profile of gifted education identification procedures. The objectives for this study were to determine with respect to the identification of culturally diverse students for gifted education: their proportional representation in gifted education programs, the utilization of multiple identification measures with these populations, the consideration given to their gifted and …

Comprehensive Services For Students With Serious Emotional Disturbance: An Analysis Of State Legislation And Policy, Elizabeth B. Hill

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine state legislation and policy related to comprehensive, integrated services for students with serious emotional disturbance. Legislation and policy documents from nine states, Virginia (the pilot study), Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin, were examined. These documents were compared to a set of components extracted from the literature as recommended practice. The document analysis was confirmed through telephone interviews with state-level policymakers in each state's department of education, department of mental health, and/or department of children's services. Support documents were also examined to establish a history for each …

A Study Of The Effect Of Interactive Language In The Stimulation Of Cognitive Functioning For Students With Learning Disabilities, Kathleen Ricards Hopkins

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Much can be gained by applying knowledge and insight gleaned from the field of neuropsychology to the field of education. Diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities (LD) could be enhanced through an increased understanding of neurolinguistic functioning. The present study examined the effect of five instructional techniques aimed at stimulating the cognitive functioning of students with diagnosed learning disabilities. The defining characteristic of each of the five techniques is the use of interactive dialogue to stimulate oral language production leading to greater cognitive efficiency. Evidence is presented for the need for interhemispheric collaboration in complex linguistic tasks such as reading, …

Sacred Spaces, Jean Trounstine

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Drama in the prison classroom teaches that transgression can enhance spirituality.

From Writers To Writer/Designers, Margaret Batschelet, Linda Woodson

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Instructors should extend the idea of thought in word only to possibilities offered by the visual.

Break Point: The Challenges Of Teaching Multicultural Education Courses, Arlette Ingram Willis, Shuaib J. Meacham

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Teaching multicultural education courses to preservice teachers exacts an emotional toll as they begin to acknowledge their ethnic awareness.

Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach: A Guide To Coordinating Educational Support Services, Michael F. Giangreco

College of Education and Social Services Faculty Publications

Vermont interdependent services team approach: A guide to coordinating educational support services (VISTA) is a guide to coordinating educationally related services (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) for students with disabilities in inclusive schools.

When The Distressed Teach The Oppressed: Toward An Understanding Of Communion And Commitment, Christopher Ferry

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Jane Tompkins' adaptation of Paulo Freire's educational philosophy is critiqued through exploring the spiritual basis of his idea of the "Easter experience."

Aiding Aids Through Writing: A Study And Bibliography, Emily Nye

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

A writing group at an HIV clinic generated four kinds of narratives, each with a different healing function. A selected bibliography follows.

Designing Supportive School Environments, J. Ron Nelson, Geoff Colvin

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

There is no question that all students, especially those with serious emotional disturbance, benefit from a predictable, consistent, well-organized, and safe school environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe and illustrate an effective approach that has had positive results in achieving such a school environment. Specifically, the paper describes how to achieve effective ecological arrangements and common area routines across the school environment. In addition, we present a case study with preliminary results.

Are Special Needs Qualifications And Teaching Experience Factors In Teacher Attitudes Towards Collaborative Action Plans?, T. Spittle

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this exploratory study was to ascertain if teachers who have special needs training or teaching experience have a statistically significant difference in their attitude towards the implementation of the Western Australian Education Department's Collaborative Action Plans. Using a stratified random sampling method a sample of teachers (N = 2 x 50) was generated from regular primary schools and education support facilities within the Perth metropolitan area. Survey variables canvassed were source reliability, time, efficacy, collaboration, assessment measures, information types and summary issues. A mailed questionnaire produced a response rate of 66%. Survey data indicated that in terms …

Use Of Section 20 Of The Education Act 1928: The Study Of A Contemporary Issue Using The Narrative Form, Janette R. Gray

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

There is a growing acceptance in the social sciences that in the telling and reading of a story a form of truth can be developed. This 'truth' will be dependent on the reader actively constructing knowledge from constant reflection and modification using cultural (bounded) knowledge as a basis for comparison. Typically the narrative form employs the use of evocative, contextualised language to create implicit meaning, a plot based on some form of conflict within a temporal framework, and the use of multiple voices and genres. Generalisation from the sequence of events subsumed in the plot is assisted by the effective …

The Effects Of The Write Source 2000 Program On Adolescent Students With Learning Disabilities In The Area Of Writing, Debra E. Gray

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Write Source 2000 Program on adolescent students with learning disabilities in the area of writing. A single-subject was used in this A-B design. In the study the subject was exposed to various writing techniques found in the Write Source 2000 Program. A pre-writing sample was taken before treatment began. This writing sample was assessed with a Rubric Writing Assessment. Mid-way through treatment another writing sample was taken and assessed with the Rubric Writing Assessment. The student was also at this time placed into a regular education classroom where …

Self-Perceptions Of Special Education Students Within The Regular Classroom, Sean Rayner

Theses & Honors Papers

This study was conducted to determine the self-perceptions of special education students within the regular education classroom . The subjects in this study consisted of 25 students from a mid Atlantic school system in Virginia . The subjects were high school students. The data were collected by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included 18 closed ended or likert questions. The data were then analyzed qualitatively by descriptive statistics. The results showed that students with disabilities perceive their behavior to be the same in both the special education and the regular education classroom.

Teacher Perspectives Of Student Transitioning In Special Education From Correctional Facilities To Public Schools, Elanor B. Mccormack

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore correctional special education teachers' and public high school special education teachers ' perspectives of student transitioning from correctional facilities back to public schools. The point of interest was regarding what information these two groups of teachers believe to be important for transitioning to occur more smoothly from correctional education to the public schools.

Surveys were distributed to the two groups of teachers. Respondents indicated the need for collaboration between correctional facilities and public schools. They also indicated the need for transference of information about the student prior to the student's arrival in …

Perceptions Of Regular Education And Special Education Professionals Regarding Involvement In The Iep Process, Donna B. Howland

Theses & Honors Papers

Special education and regular education professionals in public high schools in Virginia were surveyed regarding their perceptions of student, parent, special and regular educator involvement in the IEP conference. The survey aimed to compare the teachers' perceptions on the ideal level of involvement with what actually occurs in the schools. Students and regular education teachers had lower levels of actual involvement in the IEP conference than the teachers believed it should be. Furthermore, both groups of teachers indicated that the primary responsibility for developing the IEP should fall to the special education professional.

Students' Perception Of Involvement In Transition, Linda D. Sadler

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the exceptional student's perception of his or her involvement in the transition process as well as expectations and desired outcomes for adult life. A sample of twenty-one students classified as learning disabled who were taking a study skills class chose to participate in this study. The results show that over half of this sample were not aware that they were currently in a program designed to assist them with planning their future. Even so, over ninety percent stated that they had a future plan in mind, with over ninety percent planning to …

The Effects Of Direct Instruction On The Decoding Skills Of Learning Disabled Student With An Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Stephanie Sample

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of direct instruction on the decoding skills of a student identified as learning disabled and with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A procedure called the Corrective Reading Decoding Program was used to test this hypothesis. A single subject sign was used for this study. The subject received a direct instruction decoding program that consisted of sixty-five lessons, that took approximately six weeks to complete. An analysis by descriptive statistics showed that the subject improved his percentages at each grade level on the word lists, and improved at each reading level …

Are The Personnel Of Support Centers Trained To Meet The Needs Of Students With Learning Disabilities In College?, Sheri Barger

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the directors of support centers are prepared to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities in college. The subjects in this study were selected from all two and four year public schools from three states. They responded to a questionnaire about their training and the pertinence of their training to their work . The data were analyzed using a Pearson-r to examine the relationship between the variables . All questions were found to be statistically significant. Seventy-five percent of the variables were found to be significant at the …

Factors Related To School Involvement By Parents Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Kristen White

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to a parent's involvement in their child's education. More specifically it addressed the factors related to the involvement by parents of children with learning disabilities. The subjects (n=52) were all parents of children with learning disabilities. All parents attending a convention sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina were surveyed. A self-developed questionnaire was used for this research. 37% of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Pearson r. A significant correlation was found between teacher involvement and parental involvement (r= …

Kuwait Special Educators Program, William R. Nelson, Linda Friedman, James L. Narduzzi

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

The United States has long been recognized as a world leader in responding to the developmental needs of individuals with mental retar­dation (Rowitz, 1989). Particular strengths exist in the educational arena, both in traditional settings as well as in the vocational area (Glidden & Zetlin, 1992; Clark & Kolstoe, 1990; Wehmen, 1990; Schlack, McGaughey, & Kiernan, 1989). Because of these strengths, an increasing number of inter­national groups are seeking training opportunities to study these practices. In July 1992, the Cultural Attache at the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, D.C. issued a request for proposals directed at special education practices in …

The Effect Of "Project Adventure" On Self-Esteem Of Learning Disabled Students, Nava Shaked

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of "Project Adventure," a program of physical activity, and self-esteem on learning disabled children and non-disabled children. The hypothesis was that the "Project Adventure" program would have a positive effect on the self-esteem of all the students, with an especially strong effect on the Learning Disabled students.

The subjects, 22 regular education students and 11 Learning Disabled students participated in a 9 week Project Adventure program in Oakcrest High School (Mays Landing, New Jersey). The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory had been used for assessment as a pretest and a posttest. The …

Factors Affecting Parent Perceptions Of Children's Performance In Inclusive Classroom Settings, Amy M. Johnson

Theses & Honors Papers

The subjects of this study included parents of forty - five students with learning disabilities who were integrated in the regular education classroom from rural Virginia. A self developed questionnaire was used to collect the data . Thirteen (28%) of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that divorced parents, married couples working between 20 to 29 hours per week, married parents who both had finished college, single I divorced parents who had finished High School only, and parents who had one child or all children in the family receiving Special Educational services …

The Effects Of Dialogue Journal Writing On The Writing Apprehension Level Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Jennifer H. Dooley

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examined what effects writing in dialogue journals has on the writing apprehension level of middle school students identified as having a learning disability related to writing. Twenty eight students participated in the study , eleven of which served as a control group and eleven as an experimental group (other subjects were eliminated randomly ). Each subject completed the Writing Apprehension Measure before and after the treatment. During the six - week study , the control group wrote in journals three times each week. The experimental group wrote in journals three times each week and received a response from …

De-Institutionalized Skills: Utilized Or Useless, Linda Golden

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis was on the topic of de-institutionalized skills. My goal was to discover if my subjects had gained, lost, or maintained skill areas since they have left the institutional setting. These subjects, a total of 11 male adults with mental retardation, now reside in two group living facilities. Their ages range from 31 - 62 years and their Intelligence Quotients range from 63 - 68.

Two test booklets were used to gather raw score means for functioning levels. Four main skill areas were assessed: Communication, Daily Living, Socialization, and Motor. Results exhibited growth for most domain and subdomain skill …

A Study To Determine The Effects Of The Use Of Sign Language With Mildly Mentally Retarded Students On Social Interaction And Communication, Catherine Serafinelli

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the use of sign language with mildly mentally retarded children would increase their social interaction and communication. All the children in the study have been described as having moderate to severe language delays. Pre and post intervention observations were conducted for five consecutive days during free play in the classroom setting. After the completion of data collection, intervention was begun. Intervention consisted of a selection of basic signed vocabulary pertinent to classroom activities which were introduced during a sign circle three afternoons a week for ten minute sessions. After the signs …

Instructional Techniques For Elementary Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Marlene Tiller

Theses & Honors Papers

Instructional techniques used with elementary students diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were investigated. Subjects included fifty (n=50 ) special education teachers of elementary level (K-5 ) students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or emotional disabilities (ED). Of the fifty subjects, only twenty-three surveys were returned . Subject s were asked to choose the most effective desk placement, classroom placement , classroom strategy , and teaching method for an elementary level student with ADHD . A t-test, chi- square, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data . No significant differences were found between the choices of teachers …

General Case Principle Applied To Microwave Cooking: Can Severely Handicapped Students Generalize The Skills They Learn In The Classroom, Victoria Elizabeth Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper was to apply an example of general case strategy when training severely handicapped students how to use a microwave. Two types of machines were chosen that represent the range and type available: (push button, turns dial - color: white, brown).

Three students were selected to participate in the study all coming from a special education district. The students were 17 years old and classified multiple handicapped. In addition, their test scores and other data indicated they were severely disabled.

Using a task analysis approach both machines were taught simultaneously. Instruction was given on the relevant/non-relevant …

Generalization Of Organizational Skills From One Setting To Another, Kristine J. Jansen

Theses and Dissertations

Learning disabled students have consistently had difficulty generalizing organizational skills from a resource center, where the skills are taught, to a mainstream classroom without support. This study hypothesized that organizational skills taught in a mainstream classroom with resource support (inclusion) would generalize more frequently to a mainstream classroom without resource support than skills taught in the resource center. Ten seventh grade students with learning disabilities were taught strategies for organizing themselves to complete classwork and homework, keep an organized notebook and come prepared to class. Mainstream classroom teachers felt these four skills were necessary for students to become successful in …

The Effect Of A Self-Monitoring Program On Perceptually Impaired Students' Compliance To Class Rules, Michael A. Scully

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a self-monitoring procedure that was designed to increase compliance to classroom rules in a middle school setting. Four male seventh grade students classified as Perceptually Impaired with histories of discipline and academic difficulties served as subjects for this investigation. After a baseline period in which a rating scale was used to evaluate their behavior, the subjects were taught to use the same scale and were required to rate their compliance to a predetermined set of rules. Points to be used for participation in a reinforcement activity could be earned …