Education Commons^™

Responses From Young Children Not On The Autism Spectrum On Selected Questions From The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (Ados-2), Lauren Lamar

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a widely used instrument in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder. One of the modules requires students to answer questions requiring relatively high-level language skills but that module could be given to children as young as four years of age. It is unclear how young non-spectrum children would respond to such questions. This study analyzed types of responses provided by kindergarten, first, and second grade students when asked questions from a subtest on the ADOS-2, Module 3. The sample was largely made up of typically developing students (n = 146) with the …

Autherine Lucy & The University Of Alabama Integration At U Of A 1952-1956, Tamera Lott

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama was chartered in 1820 and is Alabama’s oldest public university. Prior to 1956, the University was segregated; admission was limited to white men and women. On February 3, 1965, Miss Autherine Lucy stepped foot on campus for the first time to attend classes at the University; history was made as she was the first African American present. Lucy’s attendance stirred conflict throughout campus and the state of Alabama. Unbeknownst to many, Lucy’s attendance garnered both national and international attention. The central argument here is that Lucy’s experiences at the University of Alabama …

Agriculture Education Teacher Perspectives On Stem In Secondary Classrooms -A Delphi Study, Nicholas Kyle Porter

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Recent statistics tell us that the number of jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields are growing at a rapid rate, it is projected that STEM related careers will grow 17% between 2008 and 2018 (Langdon, n.d.). Within these areas lies agriculture. Given the shift of career opportunities, such as in the areas of research and development, a change has to be made in the way students are educated within agriculture. The ultimate goal of all educators is to better prepare students for their future careers and endeavors because these students are the future of our food …

The Impact Of Teacher Perception Of Gifted Individuals On The Instruction Of Gifted Students, Justin Moreschi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study explores the impact of teacher perception on the instruction and identification of gifted students. All certified teachers in a local elementary school were invited to complete a survey addressing the state of gifted training opportunities and personal perceptions of giftedness in multiple capacities. Results from the survey led to the discussion of four themes: the support for gifted students in the traditional classroom, the amount of professional training for teachers, the identification of gifted students, and the fact that all teachers impact gifted students and their instruction.

Anxiety Patterns In Gifted Adolescents From Parents' Perspectives, Felicia Moreschi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study explores the connection between giftedness and anxiety. Families of gifted adolescents were invited to participate in a survey to identify themes of anxiety within the school and home settings. The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, parent report (Spence, 1999) was used as the survey instrument. A total of 18 participants responded. Several themes were revealed based on the responses to questions on the survey. The themes that emerged have been identified as patterns of anxiety, including separation anxiety, physical injury fears, and social anxiety.

An Examination Of Mentoring As An Intervention For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Candace Michele Bone

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite evidence demonstrating that mentoring may be an effective intervention for neurotypical students, there is limited literature investigating the impact of mentoring on outcomes for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a comprehensive review of the available literature, the present specialist project provides a summary of available mentoring literature which implemented mentoring programs with students on the autism spectrum. After eliminating irrelevant literature from an initial search, a small sample of relevant articles were reviewed (N = 8). These studies demonstrated that ASD mentoring programs are often limited in scope to higher functioning young adults. Additionally, the reviewed articles …

The Academic Outcomes And Adverse Childhood Experiences For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jeralyn Danielle Kessler

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to review the literature to examine the academic outcomes and experiences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There were three research questions to examine academic outcomes, experiences of ACEs, and determine if research has addressed the possible interaction between academic outcomes with ACES for students with ASD. A systematic literature review was completed. Twenty-two articles were coded for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and math and reading achievement outcomes. Studies included within the review indicated that children with ASD are at an increased risk for …

College Students Level Of Educational Success And Social Capital: A Comparison Of Traditional And Nontraditional Students, Travis Jacklyn

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study investigated how female/male nontraditional and traditional college students’ educational success could be influenced by both the social capital their family and friends provide and the responsibilities those close to them require. However, gender socialization may influence how certain networks, such as family and peers can help or hinder college students. Previous research found family and peers could help college students’ educational success (Betts et al., 2013; Seon, 2019), however, they can also be detrimental (Dill & Hayley, 1998). This study examined whether (1) gender and traditional/nontraditional student status are associated with educational success; and (2) whether support …

Barriers, Racism, Discrimination, And Stereotypes Against An Adult Immigrant Pursuing Adult Education: A Case Study, Kendra Mccracken

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Barriers, racism, discrimination, and stereotypes are experienced by immigrants every day. These problems are especially important when immigrants are seeking education. Education is critical for immigrants because it allows for integration, which is vital to an immigrant’s life in the United States. The study asked a participant, who had come to the United States for a degree, for a description of their experiences in the United States. The study confirmed that barriers, racism, discrimination, and stereotypes are experienced by immigrants when pursuing education in the United States. Taking a pedagogy approach may improve learning outcomes in immigrants. Education on racism, …

Addressing The Needs Of All Learners: The Art Of Accommodation, Angelica Lynn Garnett

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Schools in Kentucky identify gifted students at a young age. Those students are labeled and should be provided with services based on their gifts throughout their educational career. It is the teacher’s duty to provide these services in their individual classrooms. This becomes progressively difficult as the student increases in grade level. Supporting teachers in their ability to recognize and manage the different levels in their classrooms does not always happen. The research question of this study focuses on how teachers meet the academic needs of gifted students in their classrooms in middle and secondary schools.

Participants included forty-four teachers …

Differentiation For Gifted And Talented Elementary Students: What Teachers Know And Implement, Karyn Michelle Andrews

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this research was to measure the ways elementary school teachers are differentiating instruction for their gifted and talented students and to gauge their awareness of the need for implementing appropriate differentiation strategies they use in their classrooms. The study surveyed elementary teachers currently teaching in one large school district in Kentucky. Teachers responded to 38 survey items, indicating how often they use specific practices with their gifted students versus with their average-achieving students.

The results indicated that there is much work to be done to increase teacher awareness of the importance of differentiated instruction for gifted and …

Response To Intervention In Early Childhood Education, Kendyl Young Hinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to review literature on Response to Intervention (RTI) at the early childhood level. RTI has become increasingly prevalent within K-12 settings. Less research exists for the expansion within early childhood settings. A systematic review of literature was conducted and all available literature on RTI in early childhood education since 2004 was identified and reviewed. Articles were sorted into three broad categories for review: (a) combined, (b) academics, and (c) social emotional behaviors. The review indicated the different behaviors recommended to be examined within the early childhood setting, types of assessment methods used, and interventions …

Gender Differences In Typed And Handwritten Probes For Written Expression Curriculum-Based Measurement, Allison Kaye Henderson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Previous research has shown that there are gender differences in Written Expression Curriculum-Based Measurement (WE CBM) with female students scoring higher than male students (Fearrington et al., 2014; Jewell & Malecki, 2005; McMaster et al, 2017; Scheiber et al., 2015). However, research looking at a different transcription mode (i.e., typed) in WE CBM is a new area of development (Mercer et al., 2019). Differences in gender with typed writing has not yet been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine if gender differences exist in typed, as well as handwritten WE CBM probes. The participants from this study …

A Systematic Review Of Reading Interventions For English Language Learners, Alfredo Gomez

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The majority of fourth graders (65%) read below grade level, making it more likely for them to fall behind as curriculum progresses. English Language Learners (ELLs) are more likely to fall behind because of the additional risks and barriers they may face. In order to provide appropriate, evidence-based, reading instruction for this population of students, research was examined, summarized, and synthesized to determine which components of reading were targeted, their grade level, their native language, and intervention effectiveness.

A systematic review of the literature shows how fundamental the five components of reading are to the development of ELL students’ ability …

Using Theatre To Teach Social Skills To Students On The Autism Spectrum, Meaghan Nicole Ritchie

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Theatre-based interventions are an emerging field to improve social skills in individuals with autism. This study analyzed 10 different articles using theatre-based interventions, combined with evidence-based practices, to increase social skills deficits in students, ages 8-17, diagnosed with autism. Results indicate improvement in social skills for individuals with autism after participating in theatre-based interventions.

Teacher Perceptions Of Grade Retention: An Update, Jillian Brianne Kintner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of the current project was to replicate a previous study examining the beliefs and knowledge of grade retention (i.e., Witmer et al., 2004) and evaluate any changes in the past 17 years. Nineteen teachers completed all sections of the Teacher Retention Beliefs Knowledge Questionnaire (TRBKQ; Witmer et al., 2004). Support for the use of retention as an effective intervention was demonstrated. Influential factors differed by level of importance depending on the grade level the participant taught. Statistically significant correlations were also found between the practice of retention and propositional and practical knowledge before and during/after the Covid-19 pandemic. …

Knowledge Is Power: A Study Of Juvenile Justice Facilities And Educational Programs, Molly Anne Latham

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Juvenile Justice System is established to maintain public safety, as well as rehabilitate youth that have involved themselves in criminal activity. The overall goal is to create a better future for these individuals and transform them into law-abiding citizens for the good of society. In order to understand where the system has failed in doing this, we must first examine what opportunities and programs these individuals have to help them succeed. The current study will employ a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey through which the United States Bureau of the Census (1995) collected data on the characteristic of …

The Predictive Validity Of Star Early Literacy, Karlissa Pollack

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In recent years, paper-and-pencil screenings have, to a degree, given way to computer adaptive tests as a more effective way to screen students, though some measures lack research in regards to their utility. The utility of Star Early Literacy (SEL) for predicting future state test performance was examined by analyzing student performance on SEL and student performance on state testing two years later. The following research questions were examined: What is the relationship among first grade SEL scores and performance on the third grade reading state test? What is the diagnostic accuracy of SEL for predicting reading state test performance …

Working Memory And Study Strategies: Effects On Performance Gaps, Chloe Stearns

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Working Memory (WM) is a critical contributor to learning. Those with low WM (LWM) are frequently at a disadvantage compared to those with high WM (HWM). Effective study strategies like practice retrieval, and self-explanation have been found to increase retrieval performance. This study compared the use of effective strategies between those with HWM and LWM, to determine whether the effect of study strategies on verbatim, inference, and total retrieval test scores differed due to WM when effective strategies were provided. Results indicated no significant difference in strategy quality between those with HWM and LWM. When looking at retrieval performance, WM …

Research Into Practice: Exploring Teacher Practices With Young Gifted Learners, Andrea Lauren Heming

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research study investigates teacher practices with young gifted learners and provides recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the Primary Talent Pool through examination of the program as it is implemented in four Kentucky school districts. Gifted coordinators were interviewed and primary (kindergarten-third grade) teachers were surveyed. Though each school has different methods for meeting the needs of high potential learners, there are commonalities across all seven schools represented. The present findings indicate teachers feel confident in their ability to recognize high potential in academic areas. Teachers are comfortable using differentiation, and often differentiate to support gifted learners.

Families First: Impact On Parent Knowledge, And Association Between Program Quality And Child Symptom Severity, Cibrian Johnson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The Families First parenting workshops were developed for caregivers of children recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary site hosts inperson workshops, but webcasts the workshops to remote sites in different areas of the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess whether parents have an increase in knowledge after participating in Families First workshops at a remote site, and to assess whether program quality ratings and child symptom severity are associated with parent knowledge. The current study addressed the following research questions:

1. Do parents participating in the Families First workshops at a remote site …

Positive Behavior Intervention And Support: Barriers And Facilitators To Implementation, Kendall Blanche Jarboe

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

PBIS is a comprehensive prevention framework utilized in schools to teach positive, prosocial behaviors and to prevent problem behaviors from developing. Although PBIS has been introduced in many schools in the U.S., almost 75% of public schools have not yet implemented PBIS. Despite evidence suggesting PBIS improves behavior and academic achievement in students of all ages and is associated with positive long-term outcomes, many public schools still refrain from exploring implementation of school-wide or district-wide positive behavior supports (Reinke, Herman, & Stormont, 2013). In order to improve the efficiency and fidelity of implementation, it is imperative to understand the variables …

Reliability Of Index And Subtest Discrepancy Scores On The Wj-Iv Cognitive, Kacy Stinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Many guidebooks and publication manuals for intelligence tests recommend that practitioners calculate subtest and index level discrepancy scores along with many other types of scores. The reliability of the discrepancy scores, however, are not provided in the test manuals. The purpose of the study was to determine the reliability of the discrepancy scores in the Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG, 2014). Using data from the WJ IV technical manual, the reliability of the discrepancy scores were examined at both the subtest and index level. The results were compared to the reliability criteria recommended by the assessment …

Evidence-Based Bullying Prevention Programs In Elementary Schools, Kaitlyn Ferries

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Youth bullying has gained national attention in recent years and is continuing throughout our educational systems. With technology advancing, students are now faced with an increased chance of being bullied inside and/or outside of school. As members of the school system, children need preventive supports to address this growing issue. Although a large amount of research has focused on bullying prevention programs in middle and high school, this review specifically looks at the prevention of school bullying during a child’s elementary years (e.g., Kindergarten through fifth grade). Failure to address school bullying as young as elementary school-age can have harmful …

Plcs And Shifting School Culture: A Case Study, Ashley R. Gorman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this action research was to effectively measure and evaluate the extent to which implementing professional learning communities in a high school setting can shift the school toward a more collaborative culture. Additionally, the study set out to aide school leadership in analyzing their role in designing and implementing PLCs so that they might make informed decisions regarding PLCs for collaborative school culture and improvement in the future. Data was collected utilizing staff surveys before and after the implementations of PLCs. Additionally, a focus group of staff was interviewed and provided feedback regarding PLCs and the role of …

The Effectiveness Of Mobile Eye-Tracking To Enhance Guided Show Cave Experiences, Jenna Michele Hammond

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Karst terrains are landscapes with a distinctive hydrology and set of landforms that arise from a combination of high bedrock solubility and well-developed secondary (fracture) porosity. Karst areas are easily polluted due to the rapid transport of unfiltered percolating water through the systems. While many individuals are able to identify karst landforms such as sinkholes and caves, an understanding of the interconnectedness of the surface and subsurface in karst landscapes, as well as the vulnerability of karst areas to degradation, is often limited. Show caves, which are caves made accessible to visitation by humans through built infrastructure, can serve as …

Self-Efficacy Of School Psychologists: Developing A Scale For Working With And For Lgbtq Youth, Shelby Monahan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students report higher levels of harassment and assault, exposure to prejudiced language, and diminished feelings of safety at school compared to their non-LGBTQ counterparts. Due to the difficulties these young people experience at school as well as their increased risk for psychological distress and suicidality, these students may need additional support to be successful. Although professional organizations support school psychologists acting as advocates to support LGBTQ students, research suggests that practitioners’ knowledge about issues faced by LGBTQ students as well as training related to their needs may lag behind this appeal for …

Examining Collegiate Students’ Perceptions Of Date Rape And Sexual Assault, Jalen Rhodes

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine how collegiate males and females perceived date rape and sexual assault by looking into their views on sexual scripts, consent, and alcohol in dating situations. Participants consisted of 323 male and female undergraduate students enrolled in psychology classes at a mid-south university. All participants were directed to an online questionnaire and were randomly assigned to one of four versions of a vignette where a man and a woman are at a party together. After reading their vignette, all participants answered researcher-created questions pertaining to the behavior of the people in the vignette …

How Does Classroom Context Affect Head Start Teachers' Use Of Cognitively Challenging Talk?, Jordan Alexis Gregory

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

No abstract provided.

A Review Of Written Expression Curriculum-Based Measurement With A Focus On English Language Learners, Shelby Montgomery

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to review the literature on English Language Learners and written expression curriculum-based measurement. In recent years, there has been little research completed in the area of curriculum based measurement for writing for English Language Learners. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and all available literature on the use of written expression curriculum-based measurement since 2006 was identified and reviewed. Given the increasing diversity in our schools, particularly non-native English speakers, this review focused on studies including this group. There were differences in some of the technical features such as sample durations, writing …