Disability and Equity in Education Commons^™

Vocabulary And Student Led Notes Initiative, Luke Cd Johnson, Janel Smith

Empowering Educators Conference

The presentation is aimed at improving the accessibility of important subject matter literacy to students of all ability levels. Its primary focus is on the acquisition of vocabulary and the implementation of classroom-friendly methods to improve retention of information, including content literacy. It secondarily shows a method to transfer the focus of students' note-taking skills, aiming to transfer to lecture-style notes.

The Liminal Space Of Invisible Disability: An Educator And Doctoral Student Autoethnography, Tina Michelle Samuels

Georgia Educational Researcher

This autoethnographic study explores the liminality of navigating academia as both a remote doctoral student and a college instructor living with invisible, fluctuating chronic illnesses. Grounded in standpoint epistemology and the rallying cry of "Nothing About Us, Without Us," the author examines the "Crip Liminality" of occupying a threshold between the able-bodied majority and established disability categories. Through the lens of Spoon Theory and "bodywork," the article details how conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, and Interstitial Cystitis disrupt traditional academic rhythms, necessitating remote environments as essential adaptations rather than luxuries. The paper identifies critical gaps in current institutional accommodation models, which …

Academic Coaching Modality, Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic Success, And Executive Functioning Skills In Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Tracey Y. Hurd

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As the number of students with a diagnosis of ADHD rises, postsecondary institutions must determine support services, such as academic coaching, that can contribute to their academic success. This study sought to examine the use of academic coaching in students with ADHD to increase executive functioning skills, while determining if the modality of the sessions affects these skills and student academic success, taking into consideration the role of academic self-efficacy in these behaviors. The study also examined Academic Coaches' perceptions of how their coaching practice impacts student academic success, the survey findings, and the potential impact of those findings on …

More Than Just Multiculturally Competent: Doctoral Student Competency And Preparedness To Work With Individuals With Disabilities, Kristen N. Dickens, Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, Synthia Best

Georgia Educational Researcher

Phenomenological inquiry was used to interview counselor education doctoral students about their experiences and perceived competency and preparedness to counsel individuals with disabilities. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) continuous self-directed learning, (2) disability is multifaceted, misunderstood, and evolving, and (3) influential learning factors. Implications and recommendations for counselor educators and training programs are provided.

The Influence Of First-Year Seminar Course Modality On The Academic Outcomes Of First-Generation College Students, Keia Dodd

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

When universities effectively implement first-year seminars, a popular type of support designed to assist students during their initial year of college, they can meaningfully boost the academic performance of first-generation college students. This study examined whether first-year seminars influenced the academic outcomes of first-generation college students at a specific institution compared with those of their continuing-generation peers. Specifically, it investigated the extent to which course modality (face-to-face, online, or hybrid) influenced variation in first-semester grade point average (GPA) and first-to-second-year retention after controlling for race, sex, and first-generation status. The sample included 7,848 first-time undergraduate students. Multiple linear regression was …

Non-Aversive Social And Academic Interventions For Youth With Challenging Behavior, Tom Clees

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Differential reinforcement procedures (DR) will be the focus of this presentation, including differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior that is alternative to (DRA), or incompatible with (DRI), targeted challenging behavior, and differential reinforcement of the absence of challenging behavior for specified intervals (DRO). In addition, combined strategies (DR with changing criteria and/or social skills instruction) will be presented. Novel applications will also be highlighted.

Supporting The Needs Of High School Students With Disabilities Transitioning To College, Barbara Serianni, Karin Fisher, Stephanie Devine

Empowering Educators Conference

The number of students with disabilities (SWD) attending college has increased, but they have lower graduation rates in comparison to students without disabilities. Our research aims to determine the experiences of college SWD at GSU, and to link this data with interventions to aid SWD transitioning to higher education.

If You Can't Read The Book, You Only Learn A Little, John Hobe

Empowering Educators Conference

Come and discuss exciting strategies we can do to make certain students can read the materials we provide. We want the students to remember successful school experiences. We will discuss what to do so the students read teacher provided maerials or the books students select successfully.

Experiences Of Special Education Teachers During Covid-19: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Sheds Light On Learning Loss Among Young Students With Disabilities, Cassidy A. Stine

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Many aspects of teaching and learning for students with disabilities (SWDs) were drastically altered during the height of COVID-19. While many students experienced learning gaps or loss related to unprecedented and abrupt changes to their education, young SWDs in rural areas were faced with unique challenges. The purpose of this Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study was to gain knowledge regarding teaching experiences/perceptions of rural Georgia K-5 special education teachers during the height of COVID-19 that shed light on learning loss among SWDs. The researcher was specifically interested in knowing more about teachers’ perceptions of academic and social-emotional learning loss as …

Get Fit! With Math And Lit: A Pilot Program Of Physical Activity, Mathematics, And Literacy With Middle Grades Students Through Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Christine L. Craddock, Brittany Pinkerton

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

In an afterschool program at a university literacy center, we piloted the integration of physical activity with multimodal mathematics and literacy exercises. We aimed to incorporate the three tenets of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) including academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness with middle grades participants by utilizing a sports-based youth development model (SBYD), Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR). Participants participated in 30-minute sessions bi-weekly over two months, which included reflective discussions and journaling to begin and end activities, respectively. Participants were invited to suggest activities during sessions and interact cooperatively with facilitators and peers. They also engaged in …

Emory Healthcare Training Module For Esol Teachers, Parker Lindsey Timmons

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning (Archived)

The Language Instruction Training Module, specifically designed for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers at Emory Health Systems, serves as a pioneering educational tool to enhance English language proficiency among non-English speaking employees. This comprehensive program aims to equip educators with essential tools and strategies for effective language teaching within a diverse healthcare setting. Recognizing the pivotal role of language educators in fostering a culture of inclusivity and effective communication, this module focuses on facilitating language acquisition and developing communication skills among staff members. The training is uniquely tailored to the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of language …

The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation aims to spark intentional conversation and change geared towards shattering stigmas around the autistic and ADHD experience. Attendees will enhance their understanding of neuro-divergent populations in order to modify environments and provide interventions aligning with trauma informed care and inclusion. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to embrace the power of self disclosure and mentorship.

Brave Schools: Exploring Student Rights & Inclusive Anti-Bullying School Spaces Through Transgender & Queer Liberation Practices, Miruna Ouatu-Lascar

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

In today’s climate student rights and the rights of transgender students particularly are constantly under attack creating school community climates that are hostile & dangerous for kids. This workshop will present participants with an overview of transgender and queer theory liberatory practices & outline strategies for creating inclusive school communities that are not only welcoming but actively engage in combating hate and bully culture.

Self- Determination And Student- Led Ieps, Elizabeth R. Clarke

Empowering Educators Conference

In this session, Dr. Clarke and her student, a high school senior, will analyze and instruct educational professionals about self-determination. She will explain how to give students a voice in their IEP and their educational plans, as well as the subsequent effects: boosting motivation, independence and academic success.

A Problem Solving Assessment Model For Remediating Academic Deficits, Tyler-Curtis C. Elliott, Kevin M. Ayres

Empowering Educators Conference

Even the best academic interventions may need to be adapted to meet the idiosyncratic needs of the student. We will present 6 common “causes” of an academic failure (based on operant conditioning), assessment methods used to identify the cause, and how teachers can use this information to make instructional adaptations.

(A.D.D.)Ing Curriculum: A Narrative Inquiry Into The Experiences Of Teachers With Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder In Challenging Educational Spaces, Daniel Szokoly

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of teachers with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, it focuses on how their neurodevelopmental disorder impacts their teaching practice, their ability to form relationships, and how they interact with the spaces they inhabit. Using tools of narrative inquiry and critical disability narrative such as observations, interviews, artifacts, etc., I have gathered and analyzed the stories of my four participants who have been diagnosed with ADHD, including myself, over a period of eight months in order to create a framework within which to shine a light on these teachers' experiences. Theoretically, my dissertation draws upon critical …

Always A Dreamer, Liz Walker

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This is the story of my life in the form of a memoir. You might ask, why is my life a relevant subject for a dissertation? As Celeste Snowber, the scholar, author and performer recently said to me, “I think it would be wonderful to write a memoir.... You clearly have an extraordinary life, with art, soul and the depths of wisdom marinating all you do” (2023, personal communication). I was flattered by her comments and her confidence in me gave me the inspiration I needed to tell my story. There is also the meaning of ‘lived experience’ in …

Finding Equity In Education, Isara Krieger, Carlos Hoyt, Change Cadet, Innopsych Organization

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

In our program, Isara seeks to use The Highest Standard documentary film as a conversation starter with educators, educational activists, mental health professionals and students that are part of the film to discuss what tools are available and what tools that should to be created to support students of greater need in the classroom and beyond.

Write The Book! How To Share Research And Promising Practices To Support Underserved Students, Douglas Rife

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The needs of our students have grown exponentially in the last two years. Educators, community services and care givers are at a loss to support all of the academic, physical and emotional challenges our students are facing. Learn tips and processes for writing a book to share your research, experience and solutions to ensure the happiness and success of ALL students.

Together Everyone Achieves More (Team) Approach To Building A High Performance School Culture, Deadra M. Faulkner, David Zimbler

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

How do you build a school-wide culture that supports students and motivates staff on a social/emotional and instructional level? This workshop will include strategies on Leadership, Culture/Social Emotional State, and Data/Results that will assist in obtaining this achievable goal! Work with a Director of Guidance and Principal that have accomplished this important goal.

Transition Of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education, Kelly Dolata

Empowering Educators Conference

The presentation will focus on the difference between accommodations for students with disabilities in high school and college. Topics include IDEA and the ADA, success versus access, student responsibilities and self-advocacy.

The Relationship Of Academic Integration To College Persistence For Female Military-Affiliated Students, Terezia A. Dean

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

While the field of female military-affiliated student-specific research is growing, understanding the compounding challenges of these dynamic students through their different identities is necessary to support them in their academic endeavors. This quantitative study examined the relationship between academic integration and college persistence for female military-affiliated students at a four-year research institution. This study intended to understand the relationship between pre-entry attributes of female military-affiliated students and the likelihood of stop out and dropout. Having data from a diverse population of ages, branches, and ethnicities paints a picture detailing the many pre-entry attributes than can decrease the likelihood of persistence. …

Equitable Treatment Of Students With Dyslexia, Aubrey Cooper

Georgia Educational Researcher

In recent years, dyslexia legislation and awareness has become more prevalent. Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects a student’s ability to read because they have deficits in their overall phonological awareness skills. While federal and state legislation has been passed regarding dyslexia, awareness surrounding dyslexia is still very minimal. Educators, parents, and other school faculty members many times do not have a strong knowledge of dyslexia. Thus, students with dyslexia may not receive an education that is as equitable as their peers. This article discusses the federal and state legislation surrounding dyslexia, knowledge surrounding dyslexia, and the effects …

Undergraduate Students’ Perception Of Leadership Development Programs And Leadership Self-Efficacy, Benjamin Phillips, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Brandon Hunt, Antonio P. Gutierrez De Blume, Katherine Fallon

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Colleges and universities across the United States face continual pressure to meet enrollment and retention goals, as budgets in this performance-based environment continue to become more important. On-campus student involvement, such as in undergraduate leadership development programs, has been shown to have a positive influence on both student retention and success. A survey was utilized to examine leadership self-efficacy and engagement of undergraduate students that participated in campus-based leadership development programs and explore some motivators (contributing factors) and barriers (detracting factors) to involvement in those programs. One emergent theme within contributing factors to participation was alignment with personal goals (74.7%), …

English Is Not Dead! Long Live English: Teaching The Evolution Of English And Inclusive Communication Via Online, Face To Face Or Hybrid Instruction, Teresa Marie Kelly, Stephanie Thompson, Sheryl Bone

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

When popular media and many individuals discuss changes in English, some erroneously contend that the language has always been the same and changes amount to little more than “politically correct woke liberalism” desired by only certain people. The English language continually evolves as a natural process that nothing can force nor prevent. Field-specific language also changes with increased understanding and knowledge. The variety of English taught to most students also shifts as Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)/Writing Across Disciplines (WAD) initiatives increasingly focus on Global English rather than the standard of any one country or group. Even informal interactions with …

Lead With Your Heart, So You Don't Lose Your Mind, Larry S. Tomiyama

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Using our trauma-based model I have witnessed minor and major miracles happen with students. Come hear my heart wrenching and/ many times hilarious stories I had the privilege of experiencing. Using brain based research to reinforce conclusions and recommended strategies my message reminds people why we chose to be teachers.

Meeting The Demands Of Elementary Black Students With Special Needs: Warm Demanders - A Culturally Responsive/Relevant/Sustaining Pedagogy, Deanna Hunt

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This is an inquiry into the counterstories of two Black special education teachers teaching Black elementary students with special needs in Georgia. Theoretically building upon culturally responsive (Gay, 2000/2010, 2002), relevant (Ladson-Billings, 1994/2009, 2014), and sustaining (Paris, 2012; Paris & Alim 2017) pedagogy; warm demanders (Kleinfeld, 1989; also Irvine & Fraser, 1998); and Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) (e.g., Annamma, Connor, & Ferri, 2013, 2018; Baglieri, 2016), I examine the challenges of intersectionality on Black students with special needs. I also explore the use of warm demanders as a teacher strategy for supporting the learning of Black students with special …

An International Classification Of Functioning, Disability And Health Perspective On Physical Activity Participation Among Children With Cerebral Palsy, Adrenne T. Newell

Honors College Theses

Children with cerebral palsy do not commonly meet the minimum recommended physical activity guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Children with cerebral palsy face many functional limitations which can, in turn, affect participation and activity; therefore, this study aimed to identify the predictors of participation and activity among children with cerebral palsy. The study examined associations among poverty levels, neighborhood support, accommodating services, and familial financial burdens as factors influencing participation. Data were taken from the National Survey of Children’s Health. A chi-square test for the association was executed along with a logistic regression.

Becoming Inclusive: A Collection And Analysis Of The Perceptions Of Newly Qualified General Elementary Education Teachers On Their Preparedness For Teaching In Inclusive Settings, Brooke M. Armesto

Honors College Theses

Pre-service teachers majoring in elementary education generally have few opportunities to teach students with disabilities. This research addressed the question “How do newly qualified general elementary education teachers perceive their preparedness to teach in inclusive settings?” The goal of this study was to discover what areas new teachers need to become more proficient in order to successfully teach within inclusive classrooms. The topics explored include perceived preparedness for teaching in inclusive settings, ways to measure preparedness, current approaches in teaching within the inclusive settings and strategies for preparing preservice teachers. Using a qualitative narrative design, five newly qualified elementary inclusion …

Together Yet Different: Youth Resilience Building Srtategies Post-Pandemic, Frank Kros

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The social isolation, economic stress, resource barriers, and enduring uncertainties of the COVID-19 interventions created a “perfect storm” for youth anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. To meet these unprecedented needs, adults can step-up to this new normal by boosting their youth resilience building skills. This workshop will show you how with practical, effective and immediately applicable tools. Learn seven (7) new strategies to support youth through the grief process; effectively manage significant stress; recover from trauma and build her/his personal resilience.