Education Commons^™

Effects Of Using Fundations To Teach Phonics Skills With Fourth Grade Students With Exceptional Learning Needs, Jennifer Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of adding Fundations reading program to the curriculum of three fourth grade students with exceptional learning needs to see if it can improve their fluency and comprehension. The students in the study were in a self-contained Multiple Disabled classroom, and had Individualized Education Plans. Disabilities represented in the study include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Other Health Impaired. This educational setting had been chosen for them because it is the environment in which the students have shown the greatest success.

Baseline data was collected prior …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring Of Behavior On Academic Achievement, Meredith Keller

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines whether implementing a self-monitoring behavior plan will improve student achievement. Four students from a third grade inclusion classroom were taught to self-monitor their behavior for a period of 10 weeks. Each student was also tested weekly on reading comprehension using a standards-based ten-question assessment. During the 10-week period, the classroom teacher noted the number of prompts given to each of the students. A prompt was documented when the student was demonstrating inappropriate behavior. After the intervention was implemented, each of the four students demonstrated an overall decrease in the number of prompts required. Additionally, all four students …

The Effectiveness Of The Keyword Method On Foreign Language Vocabulary For Students With Learning Disabilities, Jessica Anna Consiglio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine the effectiveness of the keyword mnemonic method to improve the foreign language receptive vocabulary of students with learning disabilities, (b) to examine the effectiveness of the keyword mnemonic method to improve the productive foreign language vocabulary of students with learning disabilities and (c) to evaluate student satisfaction and perceptions of the keyword mnemonic method intervention. Three seventh and eighth grade students, one male and two females, with a learning disability participated in the study. A single subject ABAB design was used. During the baseline phases students received instruction using rote memorization. …

Rowan Unified Sports: Impact On Student Volunteers Through The Lens Of Transformative Learning, Mariah Francisco

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the impact of participation with Rowan Unified Sports on student volunteers through the lens of transformative learning. Data were collected from 14 participants who were individually interviewed, answering items on demographics as well as their experience and learning through their participation with Rowan Unified Sports. Data analysis suggested evidence of transformative learning as a result of participating with Unified Sports. Participants shared changing perspectives in areas such as intellectual, social, and athletic capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants also articulated application of this understanding to their everyday life. In other …

Transfer Student Involvement: Patterns Of Involvement At Rowan University, Marissa Porter

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to explore the involvement patterns of transfer students at Rowan University. The target population of this study was all transfer students new to the university during the fall 2017 semester. A total of 688 students were surveyed using a modified version of the Ohio University Student Involvement Questionnaire. The survey measured variables such as student demographics, self-reported levels of student involvement activities, and self-reported levels of satisfaction of student involvement, post-transfer to Rowan University in September of 2017 (Williford & Moden, 1995). There were 302 student responses collected. The Statistical Package for the Social …

The Relationship Between Behavior-Based Goal Groups And Point-Based School Wide Behavior Systems, Ashley R. Walgren

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated six students between the ages of 14 to 17 years old who are classified with emotional disturbance and attending an alternative school in suburban New Jersey to determine the impact of individual behavior-based goal-oriented groups on student behavioral performance. The goals groups were crafted using goal theory and were designed to address observed target behaviors in the school's pre-established point-based school-wide behavior support system. Data collected via the schoolwide point-based behavior system for the 2016-2017 and the 2017-2018 school years were analyzed to identify student performance. Additionally, data collected from the student self-evaluation process was compared to …

Faculty Attitudes Of Diversity And Cultural Awareness In Higher Education, Daniel G. Banks

Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of this study was to uncover the attitudes and opinions of full-time faculty members and teaching administrators about diversity and cultural awareness at community college located in the northeast region. The study viewed faculty's level of cultural sensitivity, as well as their experience and opinion about cultural competency and incorporating diversity in the classroom. Faculty were also asked their opinion about training and professional development programs they were interested in participating in, and their opinion about whether they felt that programs celebrating diversity added value to the educational experience the institution provides for students. A total population …

Supporting Lgbtq+ Survivors On Campus, Ethan Levine, Ph.D., Molly Sapia, M.A.

Title IX Summit

Title IX protections have provided a much-needed resource for addressing sexual violence on campus. However, the benefits of Title IX may not apply equally to all students in practice. This workshop will explore strategies for addressing sexual violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. How can we improve support for LGBTQ+ students? How effectively does Title IX address same-sex violence – and might this shift under the current administration? What other policy and programmatic options would support students in these communities? Workshop participants will discuss and strategize around these and other contemporary challenges for supporting LGBTQ+ survivors …

Title Ix Awareness, Preparedness And Prevention (App), Candy Young

Title IX Summit

Title IX APP is a practical way to talk to students and employees about sexual assault awareness, preparedness and prevention This interactive PowerPoint presentation includes scenarios and table top discussion on how to make talking, reporting, and recognizing sexual assault issues and behaviors for students, faculty, staff and others more approachable. The presentation includes strategies, talking points, and innovative ways to talk about different types of sexual assault including stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment, and cyber harassment. Participants will learn how to reach students in a more personal and respectful way as they navigate university policy and procedures …

What Has Changed In The Era Of #Metoo? How Higher Education Can Respond To The New National Conversation, Kelly Ann Bird, Esq., Kristin Sostowski, Esq., Angela Roy

Title IX Summit

The social media movement #MeToo spread virally in October 2017, bringing into the national consciousness a dialogue around sexual harassment and assault that has been ongoing in higher education for many years. With revelations of harassment and assault across numerous industries being disclosed on a near daily basis, and the media, policy makers, and the public at large more focused on these issues than ever before, what has changed for colleges and universities? This workshop will focus on lessons higher education can learn from the experiences of institutions that have made headlines in the era of #MeToo.

Being Proactive With Title Ix, Kaleigh Sosa, Jackie Moran

Title IX Summit

The Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX at Rutgers University- New Brunswick has had great success with outreach education this year while maintaining a high level of service for students who interact directly with the office largely due to the creation of a unique position. A grant that the University received allowed for the creation of a Title IX Training Coordinator role. This position has been able to support the Office in various ways, such as specific trainings for special populations, which has created increased visibility and quality of service to students. Participants will learn how creating a …

A Community Approach To Sexual Violence: Villanova’S Sarc Team, Ryan Rost, Kathy Byrnes

Title IX Summit

Come learn how Villanova established and developed a team of community members who serve as the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) Team that help provide support to students who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence. The discussion aims to: identify one community-based strategy for responding to disclosures of sexual violence; describe one implementation process for creating a sexual violence response team comprised of diverse faculty and staff of varying disciplines and positions; examine impact as it relates to reports of sexual violence, bystander intervention, and prevention efforts; and discuss lessons learned in the implementation and process of a …

Changing A Campus Climate By Speaking Up! A Collaborative Bystander Intervention Approach, Kristie Damell, Edd, Melissa Zarin, Phd

Title IX Summit

As Title IX professionals, we are charged with providing opportunities to challenge our students’ behaviors and perceptions. Navigating the myriad of health and safety concerns our students present is challenging, but by shifting from a reactionary educational approach to a proactive approach, we are seeing our students hold themselves and their peers accountable for their choices. Join us as we discuss Stevens’ new bystander intervention program, Speak UP!, and how a collaborative partnership between the offices for Title IX, Counseling, Athletics, and Disability Services is impacting our campus climate as we tackle the issues of mental health, sexual assault, alcohol …

How To Avoid A Title Ix Lawsuit, Patricia Hamill, Esq., Lorie Dakessian, Esq.

Title IX Summit

Learn how colleges and universities can manage the risk of Title IX lawsuits from respondent students. The audience will take away an understanding of how Title IX impacts college and university disciplinary procedures; an understanding of how a prompt, impartial, and equitable procedural process that is fair to both parties is vital for reaching a just outcome; and an understanding of risk and potential liability associated with Title IX disciplinary procedures. This presentation will also cover a review of recent Title IX lawsuits in the courts so that the audience can learn how to decrease their school’s risk of getting …

Making College Admission Count: The Importance Of Admission Criteria In The Current Undergraduate Admission Process, Amanda Rachel Tessler

Theses and Dissertations

During these changing times in higher education, admission criteria for being accepted into a four-year institution for higher education continues to evolve. This study discovered the attitudes that guidance counselors and admission officers, from public schools throughout New Jersey, had about these criteria, and what they believed is most important for current students applying to college. Two surveys were developed and distributed via email to guidance counselors of public high schools throughout New Jersey, as well as admission officers of public four-year institutions throughout New Jersey. Results suggest that quantitative admission criteria, SAT and ACT scores and HSGPA, are the …

The Effects Of A Leveled Literacy Intervention (Lli) On Elementary-Age Students Reading Below Grade Level, Jennifer Majewski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate students who were having reading and writing difficulties and who were also below grade level by using Fountas and Pinnell's Leveled Literacy Intervention as a supplemental program to show that change occurs after treatment. I found that there was a third of the students who were seven years old were below grade level in their reading. I am hopeful that with using the LLI program as a supplemental to their regular reading program, the students will improve their reading performance levels. The method that is the most appropriate is the two group, …

Peer Tutoring For Vocabulary For Students With Disabilities, Martin P. Kavanagh

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of peer tutoring on the vocabulary acquisition of students with disabilities in a middle school setting. This study included twelve 8th grade students in co-taught classes. The participants included two Hispanic students, six Caucasian students, and 4 African American students. All participating students are 13 or 14 years of age. The 12 students in this study are classified as learning disabled, multiply disabled, or autistic.

Participating students worked in pairs for twelve weeks. The participants are from three separate classes, each class containing four participating students. Each class also included non-disabled students, who received instruction …

The Effectiveness Of Student Choice Of Self-Monitoring, Victoria Dougherty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of choice on self-monitoring systems with students in first and second grade with disabilities. Specifically the study analyzed the effects of self-monitoring and choice on (a) on task behaviors and (b) academic achievement. Moreover, student satisfaction with self-monitoring and choice of self-monitoring were evaluated for social validity. Four students participated in the study, one female and one male first grade student and one female and one male second grade student. Three students were classified Specific Learning Disability and one student was classified Communication Impaired. The design of this research was …

The Effectiveness Of Close Reading Strategies On The Expository Text Comprehension Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Michelle Giambrone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of close reading using Achieve3000 on the text comprehension and use of text evidence by students with learning disabilities in grades 4-5. In addition, student satisfaction with close reading was evaluated for social validity. Two fourth grade students and one fifth grade student, both female, participated in the study. Two students were classified with specific learning disability, and one was classified as communication impaired. A single-subject methodology with an ABAB design was used. During the Baseline phase, students independently read the expository text. They answered comprehension questions, and wrote their …

Effect Of Mnemonics On The Vocabulary Acquisition And Retention Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Erin L. Whitescarver

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mnemonic devices on the acquisition and retention of social studies vocabulary by high school students with learning disabilities. Six students, four male and two female, from a pull-out U.S. history I resource class participated in the study. The research was conducted using a single-subject ABAB design. During baseline, students were evaluated on their acquisition of vocabulary taught using traditional methods. During intervention, students were evaluated on their retention of vocabulary taught using teacher created mnemonic devices. Results show that the use of mnemonic devices increased the acquisition and retention …

Satisfaction And Importance Levels Of Undergraduate Women At Rowan University, Kristin Marie Weinstein

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to discover whether undergraduate women at Rowan University were satisfied with their experiences on campus. The areas under investigation were campus environment, student support services, safety, academic and personal goals. Data were collected in the spring semester of 2014, using a survey. A total number of 363 students participated in the survey, and 333 fully completed the survey. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics, a software program provided by Rowan University.

The outcome of the survey determined that the selected undergraduate women at Rowan University were mostly satisfied with the aspects of campus …

Office Of Career Advancement Services: A Quantitative Study On Career Confidence As It Relates To Career Readiness, Tara Lynn Wiese

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the roles of self-efficacy, attitudes towards the services offered; strategies and guidance, and career planning play a part in how the student views their career knowledge base. The primary focus of the study is on the students who used the services of the Career Advancement Center located on the 2nd Floor in Savitz Hall. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of utilizing the career services, which are provided to the students on campus, and how it could help improve their career readiness. By studying students career confidence, the hope is to see if …

Educating Invisibly: Immigrant Teachers Of Color And Their Sense Of Belonging In New Jersey Public Schools, Mirjam L. Biegen

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, heuristic, phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of immigrant teachers of color and explore their sense of visibility and belongingness in the New Jersey public schools. The goal of this study was to understand their struggles and perseverance as they navigated America's education system. Additionally, this study aimed to understand the numerous obstacles immigrant teachers of color face due to cultural and language barriers. Eleven immigrant teachers of color employed as teachers in New Jersey public schools participated in this study. All eleven teachers have struggled with invisibility and lack of belongingness in their school contexts …

The Effects Of Computer Assisted Instruction For Students With Learning Disabilities In A Self-Contained Social Studies Setting, Ryan V. Keane

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to assess the effects of the Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program, Achieve3000, with students with disabilities. The focus of the study was to: (a) assess the effects of the program on the students' text-based reading comprehension, (b) critical thinking comprehension, and (c) how satisfied students were with the program. Seven students, two females and five males, participated in the study. All of the students receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program. A single subject ABAB design was utilized. In the baseline phase participants were asked to read expository text, presented to them on paper, …

Effects Of Quizlet On Vocabulary Mastery, Suzanne C. Baptist

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to answer three research questions: Do 11th grade students in an inclusion class (students with and without disabilities) that use Quizlet to master vocabulary words outperform students taught with a more traditional approach on vocabulary quizzes? Do the results differ for students with disabilities compared to typically developing students? And, Do students enjoy and benefit from completing the Quizlet treatment for mastering vocabulary? In a two group, counterbalanced design, students in each group received a different treatment. Group 1 used index cards and group 2 used Quizlet as a treatment for learning and mastering vocabulary; the groups …

The Effectiveness Of Using Online Discussion Boards For Students With Learning Disabilities In An American Literature Ii Resource Classroom, Eric S. Morley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine the effectiveness of using online discussion boards to improve the active participation rate of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), (b) to examine the effectiveness of using online discussion boards to increase the critical thinking of SLDs, and (c) to evaluate student satisfaction of the online discussion board intervention. Nine high school students, seven males and two females, with learning disabilities participated in the study. A single-subject ABAB design was used. During the baseline phases, students received American Literature II instruction through a traditional classroom model. Class time was used for …

Utilizing The Marriage Of Image And Text To Improve Narrative Writing In Urban Elementary Students, Sharon Sullivan-Rubin

Theses and Dissertations

Using action research with qualitative data collection methods, this study documents the leadership of the researcher's implementation of a collaborative arts integrative teaching model in the literacy and art classrooms of an urban elementary school for grades three, four, and five. Understanding by Design (UbD) (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) was used as the unifying theoretical framework by which a constructivist pedagogical methodology was developed. Pedagogical techniques and methods used were adopted from Writing for Understanding (WU) (Hawkins, et al., 2008) with the Painted Essay (Leddy, 1999), Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) (Housen, 2000-2001, 2001-2002), and new media technology. Digital photographic techniques, …

Increasing Writing Skills For Students With Significant Multiple Disabilities, Heather Lyne Mcdermott

Theses and Dissertations

Students with severe disabilities struggle greatly in the area of writing. The purpose of this study is to discover how implementing a writing program created for students with disabilities can increase students' letter writing ability. The study used a single subject, repeated measures crossover design using 2 kindergarten aged students during a public school Extended School Year Program. Students were given the Sensible Pencil Pretest, 3 weeks of writing instruction and the same Sensible Pencil test after instruction. This 5-week model showed that students grew in their writing ability at different rates, but all in a positive manner. It was …

Teacher Perspectives On Social Thinking, Kelley Yankowski Sarnelle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain teachers' perspectives on students' social skills and problem behaviors before and after implementing a social skills curriculum to students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Teachers were given a survey to rate students' social skills and problem behaviors prior to and following intervention. Students were then taught using the Think Social! social skills training program. Students participated in six sessions. Results showed that teachers reported that most of the students increased their social skills and decreased their problem behaviors after being taught using the Think Social! curriculum. Results suggest students with emotional and …

Research Based Co-Teaching Practices And Their Realization In The New Jersey High School Classroom, Thomas K. Donovan

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study reviews co-teaching practices suggested to high school educators by their professional literature. Through a systematic analysis of published studies on the topic, a comprehensive list of suggested co-teaching practices from the past ten years was created. The study then explored the realization of these practices in the high school co-teaching classroom through surveys of 61 high school co-teachers in New Jersey. Both phases of this study assisted with the identification of opportunities for improving co-teaching practices, professional development on co-teaching, and instructional pedagogy.