Education Commons^™

Teachers' Attitudes Toward The Inclusion Of Young Children With Special Needs Into Regular Early Childhood Classes, Marilyn I. Forbes

Theses and Dissertations

All children have special abilities and special needs that make them unique individuals. Most teachers work with children who have a wide range of abilities and learning styles. Early childhood teachers are no exception. They may have children enrolled in their classrooms who have subtle learning disabilities, significant physical, mental or emotional problems, high intelligence, or conditions which limit speech and motor development. Teachers may not have been taught that the continuum of development is similar for all children, but that timetables may vary. This thesis examines staff attitudes toward the placement of young children with special needs into regular …

A Two Year Study Of Children Enrolled In A Transitional First Grade Program, Sharleen Selfridge Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a longitudinal followup of the educational status of children years two and three after completing a transitional first grade program. The samples selected for the study were fifteen children from the first and second grades in a southern New Jersey public school system.

Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires. Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers completed survey forms. Parents of previous transitional first grade students were also asked to respond to a questionnaire.

Information noted included: (1) factors influencing the decision to place a child in a transitional first grade (T1) program; (2) attitudes …

Secondary Teachers' Attitudes Toward Increased Mainstreaming: Use Of Effective Instruction For Students With Learning Disabilities, Nancy Tartaglione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of instructional strategies offered in mainstream classes. Twenty mainstream teachers of academic subjects in grades 9 through 12 were asked to complete a self-evaluation concerning instructional strategies used in their general education classes. Also, the teachers completed a questionnaire concerning their attitudes toward mainstreaming and their perception of the success of the mainstreaming program in their school. Results indicate that over one third of the teachers felt no strong commitment to mainstreaming and did not utilize many instructional modifications that are proven to benefit students with disabilities. Implications of these …

Does Secondary Educational Programming As Reflected In The Iep Differ For Students Classified Emotionally Disturbed And Those Classified Perceptually Impaired?, Diane Saaybe

Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study of three K-12 school districts was designed and conducted in order to determine how educational programming, as reflected in the IEPs (Individual Education Plan) of secondary students, differed for students classified as Emotionally Disturbed and Perceptually Impaired (Learning Disabled). In each of these three districts, six files of students classified ED and six files of students classified PI were pulled at random and examined as to content in particular areas.

Specifically, the congruency of the IEP, or how the annual goals were related to assessment data and vice versa, was examined, as were related services recommended, and …

A Study In The Effectiveness Of A Developmental Kindergarten In Promoting Academic Achievement In Pupils Identified As Developmentally Not Ready For School, Lynn A. Wildrick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine if participation in a year long developmental kindergarten prior to school entry would prove beneficial in promoting academic achievement. A screening of all kindergarten-age eligible children the spring prior to school entry, utilizing the Childcraft DIAL-R Screening Test, identified students considered to be developmentally young. The subjects in this longitudinal study were comprised of identified students that either participated in the developmental kindergarten prior to school entry or, due to parental objections, chose to go directly into the traditional kindergarten. Outcome measures utilized included teacher assigned report card grades as a functional …

A Comparative Study Of The Attitudes Of Experienced Vs Inexperienced Teachers Toward Inclusion, Danielle Dicken

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the preference for a disability teachers with previous experience teaching included students have versus teachers with no experience teaching special education students in the regular classroom. It was hypothesized that (a) teachers who have taught included students will have no significant preference level for a specific disability; and (b) teachers with no experience teaching included students will have a definite level of preference.

The study uses a descriptive design. A total of 50 teachers were surveyed among three districts. Twenty surveys from the experienced group and 20 surveys from the inexperienced group …

Teaching Listening Skills To Pre-Referral Students To Decrease Full Child Study Team Referrals, Karen E. Garnett

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the teaching of listening skills as a way to possibly decrease full referrals to the Child Study Team. The subjects were regular first grade students in four different classrooms. The procedure consisted of teachers using specific interventions to maintain focus, increase concentration, decrease distractibility and improve academic achievement. A comparison was made between pre and posttest scores on checklists, a comprehension passage, repeating and performing two and three-step directions, and anecdotal records. Conclusions can be drawn from the results, that students who are taught effective listening skills will demonstrate positive growth in focus, concentration and academic achievement; …

Support Services And Accommodations Provided For College Students With Learning Disabilities, Mary C. Tortorici

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to compile a listing of support services available and accommodations provided for college students with learning disabilities from a selected sample of surveyed four year colleges and universities. This information will be used in conjunction with other research being conducted by the Special Education Department at Rowan College in order to provide the college's Department of Specialized Services with recommendations for support services with this population at Rowan College.

The number of students with learning disabilities attending college since the late 1980s has increased dramatically. Several factors account for this increase, but the …

Teacher Expectations Of Bilingual Education Students In Mainstream Classes, Diana C. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if regular education teachers have lower expectations for bilingual students who have been in bilingual programs than for bilingual students who have not. Also, will the expectations of the teachers change as the teacher becomes more familiar with the student?

The sample consisted of twenty elementary classroom teachers from five different elementary schools. A teacher rating scale was devised to identify student behaviors in the following areas: Educational, Social Skills, Behavior, and Home. During the second week of school, each teacher was asked to complete the rating sheet on two students. One …

What Determines A "Severe Discrepancy?": An Analysis Of Discrepancy Factors In Determining Eligibility For Classification As Perceptually Impaired In Four New Jersey School Districts, Robin G. Dolan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to review heterogeneous school districts in an attempt to analyze discrepancy factors used by districts in determining eligibility for classification as perceptually impaired in New Jersey. A record review of child study team confidential files was conducted in four school districts to research the methodology of the classification of perceptually impaired. A total of 80 student files with an initial classification of perceptually impaired within the last 3 years were evaluated for the severe discrepancy factor In each of the districts, 20 files were selected randomly for the research.

The data gathered from the …

A Survey Of Special Education Students' Preferences For Placement In The Educational Continuum, Margaret Dipalma

Theses and Dissertations

Inclusion of special education students in the regular classroom setting is an issue that has caused much debate over the past decade. Many school districts have approached this issue by offering a continuum of services while others are slowly eliminating all self-contained classrooms. These special education students are placed in a resource center program which provides in-class support in the regular classroom. The decision-making process for student placement in the least restrictive environment has involved the education professionals and the child's parents. Rarely is the student's preference in the placement decision ever considered.

The purpose of this survey was to …

The Effectiveness Of A Social Skills Program, Sharon D. Hetzell

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a social skills program to reduce aggressive behavior in special education students. The need for such intervention has been established, however, the empirical evidence to support educational programs which promote effective social skills is just beginning to emerge.

Instruction of social problem solving and role-play activities were used in this intervention. Alternatives to aggression were taught and role-played daily for a five week period. Two special education students from a resource room were the subjects of the study. Pre and post intervention assessment was conducted by students and teachers. Time outs …

Does Mainstreaming Positively Influence Academic Achievement And Self-Concept At The Elementary Level?, Priscilla Hanzok

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine if mainstreaming would have a positive influence on the self-concept and reading achievement of learning disabled students. Pre- and post-testing was given to 17 third and fourth grade special education students. The control group consisted of 7 learning disabled students who were in a self-contained classroom. The experimental group consisted of 10 learning disabled students who were mainstreamed.

A standardized achievement test was given to the students, with the pre-test and post-test given one year apart. The reading portion of the test was used for assessment. A self-concept scale was also given to each …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Reading Recovery Program Compared To A Traditional Bsi Program, Karen K. Garrison

Theses and Dissertations

Children enter first grade eager to read, but reading is a complex task. Some children require a remedial reading intervention to acquire the reading skills necessary to be successful. This study hypothesized that the direct individualized instruction supplied through the Reading Recovery program would help children attain higher levels of achievement than a traditional small group Basic Skills Program.

Eight children in the bottom 20% of their first grade class were divided into two groups. Four received the strategy-driven Reading Recovery intervention, and four received the skills-oriented BSI intervention, Pre and post intervention data was collected for both groups using …

A Comparison Of The Rates Of Progress Between Low Achieving And High Achieving Fourth Grade Children Using A Whole Language Reading Program, M. Ayako Loder

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the rates of progress between low achieving and high achieving fourth grade children using a whole language reading program. Subjects were fourth grade students at a Bridgeton Elementary School, grouped into low and high ability groups each containing 7 students. Reading instruction was provided during 90 minute class periods 5 times each week for 24 weeks. Instruction centered on reading short stories and trade books considered appropriate for fourth graders. Subjects completed a pre- and post-test using the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement in reading and spelling. A holistically scored writing example was completed in the fall …

Transition Services And Their Effectiveness, John E. Mccarty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if transition services as they are currently performed in a large suburban regional high school district are effective in helping classified students make the transition to the world beyond high school.

A review of current literature on transition shows that services vary in scope and effectiveness from state to state and from district to district. Interviews with district personnel reveal no follow-up once a student has left the district through graduation or "aging out."

A survey instrument was compiled and mailed to 200 former students who were classified while attending school in …

A Study Of General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Their Ability To Provide Effective Instruction In An Inclusive Model, Judith A. Myers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine if general educators felt they were meeting the diverse needs of classified students in the mainstream setting. The sample consisted of twenty teachers from an elementary school in an affluent community. The classification of the special education students ranged from perceptually impaired to emotionally disturbed. A questionnaire consisting of four open ended questions was distributed and content analysis methodology was used to analyze the responses. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed felt they had a positive experience teaching the special education student, while thirty percent expressed negative experiences and fifteen percent of the …

Does Mainstreaming Positively Influence Academic Achievement And Self-Concept At The Elementary Level?, Tracy L. Morse

Theses and Dissertations

Within the past decade and a half, considerable discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to educate students with disabilities.

This study looks at classified students in two different settings. It will compare the academic achievement levels and self-concept of students who are classified P.I. and receive instruction in a regular class with in-class support to those students who are classified P.I. and receive instruction in a self-contained classroom.

There are 12 participants in this study. Seven of the participants are in a self-contained classroom. All are of 3rd or 4th grade level. Two participants are in …

A Study To Compare The Effectiveness Of A Response Cost Approach And A Traditional Approach To Behavior Modification With An Add Child, Maureen T. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to compare the effectiveness of a response cost approach and a traditional approach to behavior modification. The subject is a seven year old boy diagnosed with characteristics of ADD. Baseline data was collected for five consecutive school days Three behaviors were targeted. Intervention consisted of six weeks of traditional behavior modification involving an individual sticker chart when filled earning computer time followed by six weeks of response cost involving the removal of chips for negative behaviors. Remaining chips could be exchanged far computer time at the end of each day.

The results of …

A Longitudinal Assessment Of The Educational Status Of Children Enrolled In A Title I Preschool Program, Mary L. Corriveau

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempts to determine if children who have been through the Title I Preschool program require less special services than the rest of the district in subsequent years. The sample consisted of children who had been through the Title I Preschool program during the 1991-1992 school year through the 1997-1998 school year and are still currently enrolled in the Gloucester Township School District. Computer records were used to check the number of children who had received the benefit of the Title I Preschool program and were receiving services as of Oct. 15, 1998. The percentage of Title I students …

The Impact Of Psychological Trauma On Learning And Functioning In Women Wit Learning Disabilities: Looking At Classroom Trauma, Jane Utley Adelizzi

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study investigates women and learning disabilities and the impact of psychological trauma.

A Case Study Of A Child Who Is Speech Impaired, Dia Peralto-Ortiz

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This case study is that of a five year old child who is Speech Impaired. It is written by his former teacher who incorporated her first year's work with him, a year of 'play sessions' and present school experiences with research to create an Independent Study.

The areas covered by this study include: Description of Child, Review of the Literature, Family and Developmental History, School History, Play Sessions, Summary, Recommendations and a Bibliography. The Appendices contain the actual educational assessments of this child, from when he began school to the present. these include Speech and Language Evaluation, Psychological Evaluations, his …

Attitudes Of University Students Towards Students With Physical Disabilities, Farida Kazemi

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to explore the social and dating attitudes of university students who are able-bodied towards students with physical disabilities at California State University, San Bernardino.

Providing Positive Programming For Students In Special Education Identified As Being Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, Derrick Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Study Of School District Compliance Efforts With The Americans With Disabilities Act In Illinois Schools, Roger L. Eddy

Masters Theses

The problem of compliance with state and federal statutes while maintaining a healthy financial picture in a school district has long been a challenge for the educational community. The passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is an example of legislation which has caused school districts to evaluate their educational program as it relates to accessibility, opportunity and accommodations of people with special needs. Indeed, this statutory compliance also challenges school districts to comply while maintaining a sound financial basis. The constraints of funding has made the ADA an even greater challenge than some statutes.

This study was conducted …