Disability and Equity in Education Commons^™

An Examination Of The Positive And Negative Effects Of Retention, Michelle M. Sabia

Theses and Dissertations

Each year many students are misplaced in grade levels and are unable to meet academic expectations. As a result, school administrators, teachers and parents are faced with finding a solution to these children's educational problems. Retention is one alternative that is often considered. Due to the frequency of this practice along with limited options, it is important to look at the academic effects of retention on students. Using teachers' report cards and standardized test results, the effects of retention were studied in six elementary school students. Using a combination of factors including literature reviews and the results of this study, …

An Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of A Social Skills Training Program With Young Multiply Handicapped Students, Michele L. Kratz

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to analyze the efficacy of a formal social skills training (SST) program on a group of self-contained, multiply handicapped students. The treatment group, consisting of 24 students, underwent five months of formal SST, at least three times a week for a 30 to 50 minute period. The participating teachers were trained in, and followed, Elias and Clabby's Social Decision Making and Problem Solving: Revised Readiness Curriculum (1988). They were asked to complete pre- and post test Likert scales (Social Problem Solving Skills Checklist) on the presence of specific social skills in each student.

Average gains in …

Teaching Strategies And Methodologies Utilized In Inclusion Education Classrooms, Christine Gentile

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if regular education classroom teachers modify their lesson plans and/or their teaching methods to accommodate the leaning abilities of "inclusion" children within their classrooms.

Seven certified regular education classroom teachers from a single school district participated. The participants were currently practicing teachers who varied in years of teaching experience, areas of certification, and grades taught. Each teacher completed a questionnaire and a checklist which focused on present teaching strategies and methodologies for inclusion children as well as questions based on changes needed for the future of inclusion in their school district.

Data …

A Study Of The Perceptions Of Both Parents And Teachers On Whether Pharmacological Interventions Along With Behavior Modification Work In Controlling Behavior In Students With Add, Carol L. Gallucci

Theses and Dissertations

More and more students are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and placed on medication.

This study looks at students in both private and public schools who are already diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and are on medication. Both parents and teachers of the same student filled out surveys inquiring whether behavior modification is used along with medication in controlling student behavior at home and in the classroom.

There are 25 pairs of participants in this study. Twenty pairs of respondents are from private schools, with five pairs from public schools.

The surveys sent out included nine questions for parents and …

Significant Factors Contributing To The Successful Inclusion Of Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities Into General K-2 Classrooms, Bonni Rubin-Sugarman

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1975 a federal law has made the local school district responsible for the education of ALL children living within its geographical boundaries, This law, originally known as the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142), and now known as IDEA or The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, guarantees that children with disabilities will have a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. This free and appropriate public education would afford children with disabilities the opportunity, to the maximum extent possible, to be educated in their neighborhood school alongside their non-disabled peers.

The purpose of this …

A Compilation Of Modifications And Accommodations Used By Regular Education Teachers In An Inclusion Program, Susan F. Mcnally

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compile a list of modifications and accommodations regular education teachers use in their classrooms to help classified students succeed in an inclusion setting. Data were collected using a questionnaire, observations, and interviews with teachers in kindergarten through grade six (with grade five omitted). Fourteen regular education teachers in two school districts, representing four elementary schools, participated in this study. Data were compiled in four areas: (1) classroom demographics; (2) teacher education; (3) specific modifications and accommodations used by teachers; and (4) specific teacher needs for future inclusion settings, Information was presented in the …

A Comparison Of Special Needs Children's Development Of Letter Naming And Letter-Phoneme Production In A Traditional And A Whole Language Classroom, June M. Mosher

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the gains made in recognition and naming of the 21 consonant letters of the alphabet as well as production of the phonemes to the letters by two special needs groups of children from the ages of five to ten. One group of seven students received instruction in a traditional class, with the teacher presenting one letter of the alphabet per week. The second group of eleven students was taught in a whole language class, with an emphasis on reading and writing without isolated instruction in individual letters. The children were pretested in October, 1996 and posttested in …

A Study To Determine The Rate Of Participation Of Special Education Students In Extracurricular Activities And Factors Inhibiting Their Participation, Lyn Vetter

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared special education students who join extracurricular activities versus those that do not join, and identified factors that inhibit participation in the various extracurricular activities that are offered. Twenty special education students at the seventh and eighth grade levels enrolled in the Mullica Township Middle School were interviewed individually during their study hall period to determine the extent of their participation in extracurricular activities. Their responses were recorded and analyzed to determine the rate of participation. The groups were then divided into participants and non-participants and responses were content analyzed. Results showed that the majority of the sample …

Utilizing Creative Movement To Enrich The Growth And Development Of Preschool Handicapped Children, Sandra R. Barnett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to a creative dance instructional program would promote growth in the areas of language development and motor skills with preschool handicapped children. Eight youngsters were selected to serve as an experimental group while eight others served as a control group receiving no formal instruction.

The Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and Activity Cards Test and a Help Checklist served to assess levels before and after the program of instruction.

The results of the study indicated that growth in receptive and expressive language development as well …

A Comparison Of Self-Concepts Of Children Placed In A Pull-Out, Resource Center Versus An In-Class Support Model, Stephanie A. Scafario

Theses and Dissertations

Since inclusion is becoming a popular practice in many schools, its effects on children with learning disabilities must be considered. A child's self-concept is an important factor which often influences his success in academic, social, and emotional domains. Therefore, the effect that placement in a full day, in-class support classroom has on students with learning disabilities was investigated. A sample of 28 students with the classifications of perceptually impaired or neurologically impaired from grades 3, 4, and 5 participated in the study. Two groups were studied. One group received special education services through in-class support classrooms, while the other group …

The Development Of Grading Procedures For Students With Educational Disabilities Attending Regular Education Classes, Kathleen Sharp Sweeder

Theses and Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that children with disabilities must be educated, to the maximum extent possible and appropriate, in the regular education setting with non-handicapped children. The purpose of this study was to develop grading procedures for students with educational disabilities who attend regular education classes. Current district policies, the teachers' procedures for grading students, and the best practices presented in literature were investigated. Is grading students with educational disabilities in the regular education setting a concern for teachers? Should this school district develop a grading policy for students with educational disabilities? A teacher questionnaire was developed …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Whole Language Instructional Approach In Stimulating Emergent Literacy Development Among At-Risk Kindergarten Students, Eileen C. Baxter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a whole language instructional approach as a means of stimulating the emergent literacy development of kindergarten students determined to be "at risk." Meaningful growth on reliable observation surveys would indicate a possible correlation between the use of whole language instructional techniques and emergent literacy development.

A review of the literature indicates that young children acquire emergent literacy concepts and skills most efficaciously when they are immersed in a print-rich environment in which a variety of forms and functions are used in meaningful activities.

The study consisted of thirty students …

A Survey Of Employers Of Persons With Moderate Mental Retardation And Review Of A Vocational Curriculum, Nancy A. Armbruster

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine the vocational skills employers of persons with moderate mental retardation required for successful employment and to evaluate the vocational curriculum at Burlington County Special Services School to determine if those same skills were being implemented. There was wide agreement regarding the importance of vocational education and the need for employers to provide information concerning skills needed for successful employment.

The methodology employed in this project consisted of interviewing five employers of individuals with moderate mental retardation. A questionnaire was administered to determine the skills employers felt were important for schools to teach. …

A Survey Of Selected Southern New Jersey School Districts To Determine Effects On Special Education Of Policy Changes Proposed In August 1996, Heidi Roman Chausse

Theses and Dissertations

Twenty-three of thirty districts surveyed respond to questions addressing the implications of proposed amendments to NJAC 6:28, presented by Dr. Klagholz in August 1996. Statistical data was obtained regarding district size and special education populations. Responses investigated areas of Child Study Team, classification, programs, P2R, curriculum and assessment, case management and outside agency licensure The results were tabulated and significant findings were evident.

The most provocative findings show uncertainty on the part of the districts as to the effects of these proposed changes on special education. The respondents indicate concerns that these changes will lead to increased litigation and a …

A Comparison Of Strategy Instruction And Sequential Instruction Of Verbal Math Problems, Eva L. Surowicz

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was conducted to test the effectiveness of strategy instruction and sequencing practice problems in teaching fourth grade students to identify the correct algorithm for solving one-step multiplication and division problems. Forty-eight students were assigned to one of three experimental groups: strategy-plus-sequence, strategy only, or sequence only. The results indicated that students in the strategy only group and the strategy-plus-sequence group scored significantly higher than did students in the sequence only group. Findings indicated that strategy teaching was more effective than sequencing problem type. Implications for instructional design are discussed.

Does Student Adherence To An Aptitude-Achievement Discrepancy Formula Exclude Students Who Are Truly In Need Of Special Education Services?, Lisa R. Vizthum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to review current practices of Child Study Teams when classifying a student as perceptually impaired in order to determine if children are being misclassified, and also to determine if strict guidelines will really lower the numbers of children being classified as perceptually impaired. A second purpose was to survey districts as to what programs they currently have in place in order to discourage students from dropping out of high school.

A survey/questionnaire was sent to 22 Directors of Special Services in a given county. A total of 12 districts responded, representing a participation rate …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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; …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …