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The Impact Of Trauma On Learning And Behaviors In The Classroom And How A Trauma-Informed Classroom Helps, Susanne W. Karris Jan 2022

The Impact Of Trauma On Learning And Behaviors In The Classroom And How A Trauma-Informed Classroom Helps, Susanne W. Karris

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As trauma is becoming more prevalent among our students, it is essential that districts, schools, and staff understand its impacts in the classroom. The American Psychological Association (2021) estimates that more than ⅔ of children experience a traumatic event by the age of 16. Trauma makes a neurobiological change to the brain that directly affects physical and cognitive performance. Teachers are getting frustrated with behaviors and the lack of learning that is taking place in the classroom. Research shows that evidence-based interventions and programs that are trauma-informed benefit students and show a reduction in unwanted behaviors and an increase in …


Self-Advocacy And Postsecondary Program Achievement In Students With High-Incidence Disabilities, Alyssa Nelson Jan 2022

Self-Advocacy And Postsecondary Program Achievement In Students With High-Incidence Disabilities, Alyssa Nelson

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This literature review examines studies that investigated and evaluated the relationship between self-advocacy and college program completion in postsecondary students with disabilities. Research was reviewed that used school-aged participants with disabilities, postsecondary-aged students with disabilities, high school faculty, postsecondary faculty, parents of the students with disabilities, and two and 4-year college Disabilities Services staff. Many factors are involved in why students with disabilities tend not to self-advocate for themselves or ask for support or assistance in secondary and postsecondary educational institutions. Inversely, some motivators promote students’ self-advocacy decisions, which has sparked interest in this area of study. The studies reviewed …


How Can Educators Better Inform Parents About The Special Education Process So That They Are Empowered To Increase Their Role As Active Participants In Their Students’ Education?, Beth Ann Thibodeau Jan 2022

How Can Educators Better Inform Parents About The Special Education Process So That They Are Empowered To Increase Their Role As Active Participants In Their Students’ Education?, Beth Ann Thibodeau

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The benefits of family involvement in students’ education range from academic and behavioral growth to better attendance and social skills. Parent involvement in the educational process for students with disabilities is a legal right, yet barriers to involvement result in what researchers call an untapped capacity for joint collaboration between parents and educators. This literature review sought to determine how parent involvement is defined and then identify barriers to involvement. Those barriers are addressed with research summaries of how to empower teachers to support family involvement and how to empower parents to be involved in the special education process. One …


Teachers' Union's Collective Bargaining Agreements And Their Impact On School Functions, Chad Jonas Borseth Jan 2022

Teachers' Union's Collective Bargaining Agreements And Their Impact On School Functions, Chad Jonas Borseth

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Teachers' unions have a vital role in public education. The collective bargaining agreements negotiated between them and school districts are viewed by many as the de facto rule book for how a school is organized and how it shall operate. Despite the importance of these formal contracts, the measurable effects of the teacher's union's collective bargaining agreements on school functions remain understudied. This literature review seeks to identify how teachers' union's efforts influence school funding, productivity, and educational inputs and outputs through their collective bargaining agreements. In summary, this literature review finds that collective bargaining agreements have a tremendous influence …


Factors Affecting The Academic Self-Concept Of K-12 Students With Reading Disabilities, Jamie L. Kaihoi Jan 2022

Factors Affecting The Academic Self-Concept Of K-12 Students With Reading Disabilities, Jamie L. Kaihoi

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The way students perceive themselves as learners is referred to as their academic self-concept (ASC). ASC is made up of the thoughts and feelings a student has about their experience in the classroom with learning tasks and research has shown it develops through a variety of comparisons. ASC has the potential to affect learning outcomes, academic achievement, behavior, and mental health. The goal of this literature review was to discover how ASC develops for K-12 students with reading disabilities and the specific factors that influence its formation. The review included a look at the research surrounding ASC in the general …


The Influence Of Restorative Practice On School Climate, Kay E. Lister Jan 2022

The Influence Of Restorative Practice On School Climate, Kay E. Lister

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The impact of restorative practices on school climate is affirmed as the fostering of teacher-student relationship impacts connection, empathy, and social skills. Bullying decreased, self-advocacy increased, and school communities became both more present and calmer comparatively. Communication increased with an acquisition of restorative language, learning outcomes increased when students were in the classroom, and authenticity was formed. The mode of restorative intervention was interchangeable to best meet the needs of the proactive or reactive approach. The impact of school climate and the longevity of restorative practice was dependent upon the process of implementation, the culture of the school, and investment …


Training And Supporting Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Brian P. Solum Jan 2022

Training And Supporting Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Brian P. Solum

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The roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education have increased over the years. Just as special education teachers see their caseloads, paperwork, and IEP responsibilities increase, the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals have become heavily relied upon for creating and maintaining successful programming in special education. The author of this thesis reviewed 20 relevant articles that explored and researched the changing roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education classrooms for students with developmental and cognitive disabilities (DCD). This thesis will explore recent research in both rural and urban schools about how paraprofessionals are recruited, trained, and maintained. It …


How Does Trauma Informed Teaching Impact Student Learning?, Keith Enstad Jan 2022

How Does Trauma Informed Teaching Impact Student Learning?, Keith Enstad

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This literature review will explore the impact of a trauma-informed approach on students' ability to learn. The reader will learn about key terms and definitions that are used throughout the literature. The following literature review explores studies and research done on trauma-informed programs that have been implemented in schools, foster care, and juvenile delinquent centers. The research and studies explore if trauma-informed training has had any impact on students' learning, or educators' way of teaching. The literature review concludes with any limitations of the research and data. There has not been many studies done in regards to trauma-informed education, which …


Strategies To Teach Grit And Perseverance To Students With Special Needs Through The Growth Mindset, Melissa J. Anderson Jan 2022

Strategies To Teach Grit And Perseverance To Students With Special Needs Through The Growth Mindset, Melissa J. Anderson

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Recently, there has been increased attention on the importance of non-cognitive skills in achieving academic success. Grit and The Growth Mindset are two of the characteristics. Research has established a positive correlation between Grit and The Growth Mindset with academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and better self-esteem. Evidence strongly suggests the benefits of developing strong cognitive skills reach beyond the school-aged years, providing individuals with the skills to be productive and successful adults. However, research on this topic is still in the early stages. There is limited qualitative information available. The studies offer quantitative information linking Grit and The Growth …


Asd Social Skills Development Using Immersive Virtual Environment Head-Mounted Display Interventions: A Review Of Feasibility And Effectiveness, Kasey Lynn Jan 2022

Asd Social Skills Development Using Immersive Virtual Environment Head-Mounted Display Interventions: A Review Of Feasibility And Effectiveness, Kasey Lynn

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This literature review determined the feasibility and effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD) interventions to develop social skills for children with ASD. Data summarized 11 research studies conducted within the past five years utilizing HMD interventions. The research examined several HMD technology options across various settings such as school, home and community. Analysis of the data found that HMD interventions demonstrated promise in terms of feasibility developing social skills for children with ASD. The review noted limitations of the reviewed studies as well as suggested a need for further research in this emerging field of …


The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions To Enhance Educational Experiences And Sense Of Well Being, Madeline Ruth Luoma Jan 2022

The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions To Enhance Educational Experiences And Sense Of Well Being, Madeline Ruth Luoma

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More recently than ever, teachers are witnessing an uptick in aggressive behaviors and emotional dysregulation and decreased academic engagement within their classroom walls. This can impact the learning environments of all students and hinder academic achievement. Currently, a push for including a social-emotional curriculum in schools that encourages mindfulness, awareness, and behavior regulation has been prevalent in education to attempt to combat the increase in behaviors and disengagement in academic content. Research has shown that different types of mindfulness interventions that include meditation and movement have been suggested to yield positive outcomes in helping students overcome dysregulation, perceived stress levels, …


Educator Burnout Prevention, Anna Sophia Stroebel Jan 2022

Educator Burnout Prevention, Anna Sophia Stroebel

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Burnout is a universal experience that impacts many educators. Within the first five years of teaching, 40% of educators will leave the profession (Mielke, 2019). Teachers of high needs students, including special education teachers, are at an even greater risk without adequate support to meet those needs (Ansley et al., 2019). Nationally, educator burnout is becoming concerning as many schools struggle to find experienced teaching staff. The sustainability of education is dependent on understanding and preventing burnout. Burnout prevention is a rapidly expanding area of study that is highly impactful for educators. While research suggests personal prevention strategies that educators …


Trauma: How The Student Teacher Relationship Impacts Student Success, Eujeana Starr Hinkle Jan 2022

Trauma: How The Student Teacher Relationship Impacts Student Success, Eujeana Starr Hinkle

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High behavioral and academic expectations are exceptionally challenging for students who have experienced trauma. With increasing numbers of students who have experienced significant trauma, it is essential that teachers create trauma-responsive classrooms to nurture and support students and encourage success. This thesis defines trauma and describes characteristics of students who have experienced trauma along with effects on academic and social relationships. Finally, the research summary highlights the importance of designing classroom environments, instructing, and responding to students looking through the lens of trauma as a way to improve the school experience for all students while significantly impacting students who have …


The Female Autism Experience: A Literature Review, Megan Elizabeth Maas Jan 2022

The Female Autism Experience: A Literature Review, Megan Elizabeth Maas

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by communication challenges, difficulties in socialization, and the occurrence of restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Current data in the United States indicates that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Males are diagnosed at a ratio of four to one compared to females. Evidence suggests that females with autism present differently than males. Current diagnostic criteria based on typical male presentation of autism may account for underidentification in females with ASD. This literature review explores the experience of females with autism, including diagnosis, differences in behavior, communication, social and emotional skills, and the lived experiences …


Importance Of Inclusion For Special Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Michelle L. Zidlicky Jan 2022

Importance Of Inclusion For Special Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Michelle L. Zidlicky

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This literature review aims to inform inclusive education and why it is crucial for all students. Inclusion is based on students' academic and social-emotional success from learning with general education peers from both general education, special education teachers, and support staff. Inclusion in education helps students with disabilities be able to learn in the same classroom as general education peers. It provides opportunities for staff to collaborate as team members to best support students. Studies included looking at inclusion and how it has evolved in education. It views teachers' attitudes and supports that staff needs to help inclusive education work. …


Parent Experience In Preschool Special Education Classroom Setting Decisions, Kaia Kathryn Nordtvedt Jan 2022

Parent Experience In Preschool Special Education Classroom Setting Decisions, Kaia Kathryn Nordtvedt

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Early childhood is a crucial time in a child's development and is often the entry point for a child experiencing developmental delays in the special education process. Parents play an essential role in the special education process as the child's primary caregivers. This study examined the decision-making process of economically disadvantaged Black and Hispanic/Latinx parents as they provide input on classroom setting decisions during preschool IEP creation. Through in-depth interviews, parents shared their lived experiences as they navigated the special education process and made decisions on classroom settings as part of the IEP team. Document analysis provided additional context in …


The Effects Of Poverty On Students' Mental Well-Being, Esther P. Nyagwencha-Nyamweya Jan 2022

The Effects Of Poverty On Students' Mental Well-Being, Esther P. Nyagwencha-Nyamweya

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Poverty is a global problem that has impacted the mental well-being of students. Research shows that in the US, one out of five children under the age of 18 live in poverty. This literature review sought to determine the effects of poverty on students’ mental well-being. Researchers have done in depth studies on poverty and their findings illustrated a close connection between poverty and an increase in mental health risks. Children born in poverty experience the effects of poverty early in life which affects their physical, behavioral, and developmental health. The gap between children from low economic status and those …


Sensory Informed Teaching And The Impact On Student Learning, Rebecca Thavis Jan 2022

Sensory Informed Teaching And The Impact On Student Learning, Rebecca Thavis

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This thesis explores the impact that sensory stimuli have on students with sensory disorders and how this impacts their academic growth. It was hypothesized that sensory impact was a great hindrance for students that suffered from hyper or hypo neurological sensory stimuli processing disorders. However, the impact of sensory disorders proved to be far greater than just an academic relationship, but also social and emotional relations. Once determined, the next step was to find applicable interventions for general education classrooms, as well as special education classrooms, that were fiscally and spatially reasonable. The sensory processing disorders were evaluated and discussed …


Trauma-Informed Practices And Students With Disabilities In Elementary School, Kimberly Jane Haney Jan 2022

Trauma-Informed Practices And Students With Disabilities In Elementary School, Kimberly Jane Haney

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Trauma-informed practices have become more utilized within the education setting, which has led to the need for teachers to be educated in these practices. Educators need to know how trauma impacts their students and appropriate interventions for their student who has experienced trauma. Through being educated on the signs of trauma, interventions to support students, and how trauma impacts students educators are able to meet their students’ needs. Students with disabilities are also impacted by trauma and can show internalized and externalized behaviors. Through recognition of these specific behaviors and how trauma can exacerbate these behaviors, it is vital that …


Gender Differences In High School Students’ Perceptions Of Math And Science Identity, Self-Efficacy, And Utility, Lauren Mauel Jan 2022

Gender Differences In High School Students’ Perceptions Of Math And Science Identity, Self-Efficacy, And Utility, Lauren Mauel

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This quantitative dissertation examined the differences between young men and women’s perceptions of mathematics and science identity, self-efficacy, and utility. There are gender norms and stereotypes that impact identity, self-efficacy, and perceived utility of mathematics and science. The secondary data analyzed were drawn from the follow-up High School Longitudinal Survey (HSLS:09). The survey was administered to 20,594 11th-grade students enrolled at 904 eligible public, charter, and private schools from all states and the District of Columbia. The study investigated whether there are gender-based statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in 11th grade students’ perceptions of mathematics and science identity, mathematics and science self-efficacy, and mathematics and science utility. The results of the study suggest that there are statistically significant differences between the genders in mathematics identity, science identity, mathematics self-efficacy, and science self-efficacy, but not statistically significant differences in mathematics utility and science utility. Continued research could prove useful to continue analyzing the gender gaps present.


The Relationship Between The Implementation Of Response To Intervention And Students’ Achievement On Eighth Grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, Ann Marie Rooney Jan 2022

The Relationship Between The Implementation Of Response To Intervention And Students’ Achievement On Eighth Grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, Ann Marie Rooney

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The purpose of this research study was to determine if there is a relationship between the implementation phase of Response to Intervention (RTI), an academic multi-tiered system of support, and eighth grade students’ mathematics, reading, and science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) proficiency achievement. Data for this study were collected using a RTI phase survey sent via Qualtrics to Minnesota middle school principals and publicly accessible MCA proficiency data via the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website. The researcher analyzed data using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS). Each principal’s survey response was aligned with the school’s eighth grade …


The Impact Of Terminal Doctoral Level Credentials On Physician Assistant/Associate And Physician Collaboration, Alicia Klein Jan 2022

The Impact Of Terminal Doctoral Level Credentials On Physician Assistant/Associate And Physician Collaboration, Alicia Klein

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Physician assistants/associates (PAs) are regarded as valuable members of the healthcare team and work in a team-based collaborative model with physicians. In recent years, there has been a debate regarding the most appropriate entry-level and terminal degree for PAs and an urgency to explore optimal team practice. Due to the important collaboration between the collaborating physician (CP) and the PA, how this degree change may impact the quality of relationship is broadly unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic characteristics of physician assistants/associates (PAs) who have doctoral degrees, describe work-related characteristics of PAs who have doctoral …


The Role Of Inclusion In Creating A Positive Learning Experience And Outcomes For Students With Disabilities, Jacob Rath Jan 2022

The Role Of Inclusion In Creating A Positive Learning Experience And Outcomes For Students With Disabilities, Jacob Rath

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This paper reviews the current research regarding the inclusion of students with special education services in the general education setting and what steps would be necessary to effectively implement more inclusive approaches in schools today. There has been considerable debate about the potential effects of inclusion on students with and without disabilities in recent years. All students have the potential to make a positive impact in the classroom. Students with special needs deserve to learn in the least restrictive environment possible, having access to the same resources and socialization as their peers. In creating an inclusive education plan for any …


Inclusion Strategies And Perspectives In Special Education, Meghan Filipek Jan 2022

Inclusion Strategies And Perspectives In Special Education, Meghan Filipek

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This work drives to discover evidence related to the reasoning for varying perspectives in special education- specifically focusing on negative perspectives and what the reasoning is, and supportive strategies to make the shift to more positive perspectives. This work also highlights strategies that can be implemented in classrooms that will ensure students of all abilities are able to be successful in a general education classroom. From the studies that were highlighted throughout this work, a professional development series was created that highlights key strategies that are important for all educators to know to provide better support for both the teacher …


The Impact Of The Pandemic On Social Emotional Learning, Bryan Kilbourne Norman Jan 2022

The Impact Of The Pandemic On Social Emotional Learning, Bryan Kilbourne Norman

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The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March of 2020 disrupted the landscape of education and presented students and teachers with unforeseen impacts and obstacles. Notably, negative social and emotional issues arose as these changes drove students into isolation from peers and school staff amid concerns about the health of themselves and the people they love. Social emotional learning (SEL) supports academics, mental health, and healthy relationships (Rosenbalm, 2021). The pandemic caused a decline in each of these areas, as well as an increase in anxiety and depression among students, and limited the ability of educators to support social emotional learning. As …


A Study Of The Implementation Process Of Interventions To Address Racial Disproportionalities In Student Discipline, Katie Stennes Jan 2022

A Study Of The Implementation Process Of Interventions To Address Racial Disproportionalities In Student Discipline, Katie Stennes

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Beginning in the fall of 2017, forty-one districts and charter schools entered into three-year legal agreements with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to reduce the racial disproportionality in their district or school’s exclusionary discipline practices, specifically the overrepresentation of students of color in suspensions and expulsions. This case study examines the experience of one district over the three years of the agreement. Interviews and document analysis from the planning committee reveal a focus on data analysis, Restorative Practices, teacher mindset and practices, and systemic changes. Interviews and focus groups with students and staff who were not on the planning …


The Role Of Professional Development In Effective Standards Implementation: Developing Comprehensive Implementation Supports For The 2020 Minnesota Ela Standards, Jacob Daniel Seuntjens Jan 2022

The Role Of Professional Development In Effective Standards Implementation: Developing Comprehensive Implementation Supports For The 2020 Minnesota Ela Standards, Jacob Daniel Seuntjens

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This application thesis explores the role of professional development in effective standards implementation. Applying themes in the research on standards implementation and professional development, a continuum of support was created to support the implementation of the revised 2020 Minnesota English Language Arts standards. In the review, the research themes impacting standards implementation professional development were identified, including teacher perception and attitudes, professional development design, and effectiveness of implementation. Within these themes, elements of effective professional development were used to create a menu of four main supports to educators including informational webinars, three standards implementation sessions, a resource hub, and ongoing …


On The Causes, Effects, And Prevention Of Bullying Among School-Aged Youth, Marie Warnert Jan 2021

On The Causes, Effects, And Prevention Of Bullying Among School-Aged Youth, Marie Warnert

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This literature review provides a comprehensive overview on the topic of bullying. It explores the various definitions of bullying and how bullying might manifest itself among school aged youth. The common ways that bullying are measured in academic studies is explored. Prevalence data from around the world and over time is analyzed to understand how pervasive bullying is. The effects that bullying has on school aged youth is explored across a large scale down to the molecular biological level and up to the societal level. The many causes of bullying and risk factors shared by all stakeholders that are involved …


Promoting Self-Management Skills Among Students With Disabilities Within The General Education Classroom, Elisabeth A. Pagel Jan 2021

Promoting Self-Management Skills Among Students With Disabilities Within The General Education Classroom, Elisabeth A. Pagel

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The purpose of this action research project was to determine how educators can promote self-management skills among students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Previous studies were used to summarize the current state of social-emotional learning in the American public-school system and to identify strategies that promote self-management skills in special education classrooms. The Delphi method was used to distinguish which of these strategies would promote self-management skills for students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Panelists (N = 18) generated and ranked strategies in three questionnaires, and they created consensus on the top 10 strategies with the …


The Relationship Between Inclusive Classroom Practice And Student Self-Perception Outcomes, Jenifer York Jan 2021

The Relationship Between Inclusive Classroom Practice And Student Self-Perception Outcomes, Jenifer York

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The majority of students with special education needs spend of 80% their time in general education classrooms (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019c). While participation in general education classes is linked to positive outcomes for students with special education needs, little has been researched regarding actual practices occurring in inclusive classrooms and the impact of such practices. Academic and social gains for students in general education classrooms are unlikely without effective instruction and intervention. This quantitative study investigated whether there was a relationship between the degree of implementation of inclusive practices in classrooms and student self-perception of academic self-concept and …