Disability and Equity in Education Commons^™

Pillar 1: Strengthening Monitoring And Evaluation Capacity For Foundational Learning Outcomes. Final Report, Debbie Wong, Hilary Hollingsworth, Payal Goundar, Agnes Bersee, Psyche Kennett

International Education Research

This report presents key insights from the Pillar 1 pilot project in Cambodia from evidence collected on classroom practice and materials used in Grade 2 Khmer language classes, and lexical computing analysis of the highest frequency words in Khmer suitable for children. Findings from this research provides the evidence for refining Cambodia’s Early Grade Learning package. ‘Strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacity for foundational learning outcomes’ was designed to monitor and evaluate time on and quality of teaching core literacy skills in Primary Grade 2 in Cambodia, enable clearer alignment between content (what is taught) and process (how it is taught), …

Cultivating Success: The Role Of Self-Determination In Autonomy For Post-Secondary Students With Disabilities, Cloè Knight

Honors Theses

Self-determination is a crucial theoretical framework influencing the post-secondary success and the quality of life for students with disabilities (SWD). A case study mixed-method design was used to investigate the lived experiences of students with disabilities and how their self-determination skills shaped by parent styles and teacher practices, impacted their success in the post-secondary world. Despite the well-researched benefits of self-determination in the lives of students with disabilities, a systematic literature review revealed important gaps in research related to the roles parents and teachers play in facilitating self-determination skills impacting post-secondary success in students with disabilities. The current study sought …

Exploring Autistic Children’S Play Cycles Using The Play Cycle Observation Method (Pcom), Eleanor C. Mugford, Pete King

International Journal of Playwork Practice

The Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) enables researchers to observe and record the process of play based on the theory of the Play Cycle. While the PCOM has been used with both video footage and in real-time observation of neurotypical children, it has not previously been applied with neurodivergent children. This study involved ten one-hour naturalistic PCOM observations with nine autistic children during play sessions. The results demonstrated variability in play processes, with several styles of play behaviour observed, including differences in how play was initiated, sustained, and terminated. The findings both corroborate and challenge strands of the existing literature …

Edu 31 Introduction To Learning Disabilities And Inclusive Education Syllabus, Moet Bolden

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for EDU 31 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and links to ZTC readings.

Adapting The Alternative Program At Panther Community High School To Meet The Needs Of Its Students, Citlali J. Flores Hernandez

Dissertations

This study presents a comprehensive program evaluation of the PAGD alternative education program (a pseudonym) at Panther Community High School, a program that had not undergone formal revision since approximately 2015. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the PAGD program in addressing students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, and to identify areas in need of improvement to support both student success and long-term program sustainability. The evaluation was guided by four primary research questions: To what extent is the PAGD program meeting students’ needs? To what extent are PAGD program teachers receiving the necessary support? …

Identifying The Barriers Bilingual Parents Face In The Special Education Process, Miranda Leah Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing parental involvement in the special education process means parents, teachers, and school administrators can unite to educate the children. The problem that the researcher identified was that emergent bilingual families struggle to become meaningful participants in their children’s individualized education plans. This was a qualitative case study that identified the barriers that bilingual parents face within the special education process and the recommendations from bilingual parents on how to help them become more meaningful members of their child’s individualized education plan. The population within the research included bilingual families with children in the greater Houston, Texas area who have …

Improving Bullying Victimization And Supports For Autistic Students, Sidney Swanson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Bullying and peer victimization remain persistent concerns for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who experiences higher rates of peer exclusion, rejection, and social isolation than their neurotypical peers. These experiences can negatively affect school engagement, emotional well-being, peer relationships, and long-term mental health outcomes. This practitioner inquiry study examined how classroom based social emotional learning (SEL) and inclusion strategist influenced peer relationships, student belonging, and bullying related behaviors for students with autism in an elementary school setting. This study was conducted over a six-week period in one first grade general education classroom and one Strat II ID/ LD classroom …

Copyright Information

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Publication rights to works is granted to Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, however, full copyright for works published in this journal is retained by the author(s). The author(s) may post their works online in an institutional repository, on their university departmental website, or on their own personal websites.

From The Editors..., Thomastine Sarchet-Maher

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Call For Manuscripts, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities is a peer-reviewed, open access, multi-disciplinary online journal with an international focus. We publish articles that reflect the best of research and practice related to inclusive science education, including works submitted by science and special education researchers, teacher educators, and teachers. Interesting topics have included innovative curricular ideas, instructional adaptations, research-based modifications, best practices, and management strategies in science education. JSESD adopts the philosophical perspective that all students can achieve in science, and that science benefits from the full participation of all students.

Problematizing The Critical Dimensions Of Whiteness With Educational Leaders, Lerita Yvette Cavness

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This action research examines whether and how whiteness is “weaponized” by a P-12 educational leader, the impact whiteness has on their identities, and whether engagement with Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) will increase pro-equity behaviors. The research employs a layered mixed-methods approach, and a deductive analysis triangulation plan framed by the Critical Dimensions of Whiteness Model (CDWM). This N-of-1 case study included a four-phase intervention workshop series and one post interview. The findings identify how one educational leader engaged in the selfweaponization of whiteness. The findings identify that CWS supported by the CDWM is a disruptive but healing path to awareness …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Lend-Based Family Mentorship Program For Pre-Service Professionals, Matthew Bogenschutz, Sarah Lineberry, Jackie Robinson Brock, Flip Grey, Kathryn Flinn

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Family-led pre-professional mentoring programs have been shown in past literature to have multiple positive outcomes, including better provider communication, increased sensitivity to the needs and contributions of family members in clinical settings, and better understanding of disability policy contexts among professionals. Yet there have been relatively few examples of exemplary programs that have developed successful models for family mentoring of pre-service professionals. Using qualitative evaluative data from one such program, a component of a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, this study shares the experiences of both families and trainees. Common themes shared between these two groups …

Exploring The Experiences Of Physically Challenged Students Enrolled In Path-Fit Courses: A Case Study, Princess Jhoarn A. Sarael, Shermina C. Yusop, Jessel A. Lapinig, Chandelyn C. Linto, Vanessa Lynne C. Seville

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This qualitative case study explores physically challenged students’ experiences in PATH-fit courses within Philippine higher education, investigating their challenges and adaptive strategies. Through in-depth interviews with five students and two instructors in Pagadian City, researchers uncovered significant barriers, including exercise difficulties, physical discomfort, and social exclusion that profoundly impacted course participation. Despite facing substantial obstacles, students demonstrated remarkable resilience by developing innovative coping mechanisms such as proactive instructor communication, creative alternative activity engagement, and strategic leveraging of written assignments. Employing Resiliency Theory, the research challenged conventional disability perspectives, emphasizing that students’ true potential lies in psychological flexibility and problem-solving skills …

Significance Of Relationships In Navigating Disability, Shivani Bhalla Dr

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

I have addressed the theme of movement and momentum by referring to the importance of relationships and seeking community in navigating through the challenges of disability experiences. In this paper, I will explore how my relationships with my family members, fellow disabled artists, educators, and scholars helped me learn from my disability experiences and gave me the courage to come out as a person with disability (PWD) and explore disability as a sight of knowledge production.

Boundless Community: A Developing Disability Arts Movement, Sarah K. Benson, Khaldoun Hijazin, Alaa Qattam, Suha Khuffash

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

Over several years, individual organizations in Jordan have been focused on increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities in the arts. Increasing inclusion can provide a powerful tool to create visibility, amplify marginalized voices and disrupt normative narratives. However, these isolated efforts had a limited impact until a cohesive effort borne by a burgeoning community of practice led to the first Amman Arts and Disability Summit. Bringing together youth, artists and gallery owners, the movement leaders are using models of social learning and communities of practice to create a more inclusive arts community. The movement stands on the precipice of …

“It’S A Lot More To It Than Just Research”: Integrating Critical Data Literacy And Reasoning With Data Into A Stem Summer Camp, Marc T. Sager, Saki L. Milton, Candace Walkington

Publications

Purpose: This study explores how middle-grade girls from predominantly underrepresented and underserved racially and ethnically minoritized (UUREM) backgrounds developed critical data literacy (CDL) through participation in a week-long residential STEM camp. Given the increasing importance of data science education in a data-driven world, this research examines how informal learning environments can support CDL development among youth from historically marginalized groups.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study draws on qualitative interview data from eleven participants, and their group-produced artifacts to investigate how the camp experience supported engagement with data and the development of CDL. Interviews explored participants' experiences with data collection, organization, analysis, and …

Digital Maker Education In Project-Based Learning Through Design For English As A Second Language Skills Development, Pratima Rani Banick

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study investigated the effectiveness of integrating a Maker Education (ME) approach within the PLT design, assisted by Computer-Mediated Tools (CMT), in enhancing the reading skills of Grade 10 ESL learners (aged 15–16) in an online ELT setting. Motivated by the growing need to foster creative and critical thinking and to address learners' lack of interest in traditional approaches to teaching academic reading, the study adopts an experimental design. Students were divided into two groups—a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 10)—using random sampling. The control group received instruction using the conventional teaching approach, while …

Elevating The Underrepresented And Marginalized Using Experiences In Stem (Lumens): A Stem Diversity And Inclusion Initiative, Robert Cobb Jr, Paula E. Faulkner, Deiadra Modlin, Obinna Chiekezi, Victoria Cobbold, Madison Beaudoin

Journal of Research Initiatives

The study offered a 5-week summer immersion program to address the shortage of students from underrepresented populations enrolling in degree programs and seeking careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The study also addressed the importance of offering summer immersion programs to close the achievement gap. A quantitative descriptive design was used to gather data from participants related to STEM lessons during the program. Gender, grade level, and race served as the demographic variables. The study included 21 secondary students in grades 9–12. Pre- and post-tests assessed participants' knowledge gain regarding STEM lessons. Data analyzed with SPSS version 29 …

The Campaign For Motivation: Comparing Tabletop Role-Playing Game Running With Classroom Instruction, Arpit Bawa

Journal of Research Initiatives

Motivation is a cornerstone of effective teaching and learning, influencing student engagement, satisfaction, and academic performance. This descriptive case study examines Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TRPGs) as an underutilized pedagogical approach in higher education and compares the motivational processes involved in TRPG game running with those in classroom instruction. Leveraging the mere exposure effect (Zajonc, 1968), the study proposes that faculty unfamiliar with TRPGs can lower perceived barriers to adoption by identifying familiar motivational elements shared with classroom teaching. The study draws on self-determination theory, motivational frameworks, and case study methodology to analyze structural parallels between TRPG game mastering and instructional …

Breaking Barriers, Transforming Digital Literacy, And Creating Immersive Learning Environments In The 21st Century, Romero D'Souza

Journal of Research Initiatives

This paper explores the future of educational technologies with a focus on breaking systemic barriers, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering immersive learning environments. Using Maharashtra, India as a case study, it examines disparities in infrastructure, internet access, and teacher readiness across government and private institutions. Local challenges are analyzed alongside initiatives like the Digital India Mission, while national policies and international best practices are reviewed for broader context. Cross-cutting themes of equity, access, and professional development highlight the need for inclusive technological integration. The pedagogical implications of emerging technologies—particularly AI and AR/VR—are assessed alongside ethical concerns around data privacy and …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Black Women In Undergraduate Stem Core Expansion Pathways, Lizzie L. Evans Martinez Alvarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of social incongruence in the film Hidden Figures, which juxtaposed with STEM education as the most powerful in contrast with Black women as the least powerful, supported the argument for the specific problem of practice to examine the unmet need for socially and ethnically diverse student populations in U.S. STEM higher education and careers. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological research study was to identify and analyze the lived experiences of Black women regarding barriers they perceive in the STEM educational and career decision-making processes, while exploring transformational pathways to STEM academic success. The study specifically analyzed …

Effects Of Peer-Assisted Reading To Enhance Reading Proficiency For Learners With Mild Hearing Impairment Included In A South African Mainstream Classroom, Gaone Molapisi, Nareadi Phasha

Journal of Global Education and Research

This paper reports on the findings of a case study investigating the effects of peer-assisted reading in relation to learners identified with mild hearing impairment included in South African general education settings. These learners are often confronted with considerable challenges in developing proficient reading skills, which are crucial for curriculum access. In this study, peers with no hearing loss assisted learners with hearing impairment in reading activities to enhance their reading proficiency. The study involved two female educators and 15 learners in Grade 8 presenting with hearing impairment. The study employed a case study design, with data gathered through direct …

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.

Enhancing Science Accessibility And Engagement For Students With Visual Impairments: A Randomized Trial Of The Talking Labquest In Nigerian Schools, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with Blindness in Nigeria are often erroneously perceived as incapable of engaging with science at the basic education level, contributing to their low enrolment in science-related careers. Although various techniques and materials have been proposed to support students with blindness in science, many lack empirical validation. This study investigated one such approach by examining the impact of the Talking LabQuest on the interest of Students with blindness in science subjects.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in inclusive junior secondary schools in Nigeria, involving 20 classrooms over an 18-week period. Twelve classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention group, …

Addressing Health Inequities For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Hospital Through Partnerships In Nurse Training, Suzannah Iadarola, Amanda Laprime, Samantha Hochheimer, Tabby Anvari, Carrie Baker, Jacqueline Goodman

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) deserve the same access to quality healthcare yet are at increased risk of medical and/or psychiatric conditions as compared to the general population. Patients with IDD have less health satisfaction, shorter life expectancy, less access to preventative care, higher chronic health conditions, overuse of certain medications, and increased mortality. This population and their caregivers report high levels of dissatisfaction with emergency/inpatient care. Nurses also express frustration with lack of training, limited resources, and competing priorities.

We developed the Advancing Supportive Care through Education for Nurses on Disability (ASCEND) Program, to build the capacity of inpatient/Emergency …

Parents’ Lived Experiences With Competitive Integrated Employment For Children With Intellectual And Developmental Disability, Dr. Aisha J. Omar

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This phenomenological qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Kentucky parents seeking Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Guided by the research questions—How do parents experience this process, and what barriers or supports do they encounter?—the study highlights systemic challenges despite legislative efforts such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In-depth interviews with five parents revealed three themes: (a) parental transformation and the pursuit of meaningful work, (b) systemic challenges in accessing CIE, and (c) overcoming protective instincts: navigating fear, independence, and self-advocacy. Findings suggest a …

Building Self-Efficacy In Students With Dyslexia: A Practice-Forward Framework For Classrooms, Families, And Teacher Preparation, Jennifer L. Vanderground

Michigan Reading Journal

Self-efficacy—the belief in one’s capacity to organize and carry out actions to reach goals—predicts persistence, strategic behavior, and academic outcomes (Bandura, 1997). For students with dyslexia, recurring experiences of effortful reading and peer comparison can suppress self-efficacy and elevate anxiety (Humphrey & Mullins, 2002; Nalavany et al., 2017). Research consistently links dyslexia with higher rates of internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, alongside modifiable correlates including self-beliefs, coping, and school connectedness—promising leverage points for educators and families (Livingston et al., 2018).

Prevalence estimates vary widely. Under strict criteria, fewer than 10% of students qualify, but when thresholds include those …

The Role Of Self-Awareness, Advocacy, And Support In Stem Success: Stories From Landmark College's Aie-Stemplos Program, Anastasio Bonhomme, Jaden Clark, Madison Wan, Gabrielle Woolgar, Rebecca Matte, Christin B. Monroe

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives and talents to STEM fields while facing distinct challenges, particularly in higher education environments that often rely on traditional learning models. Landmark College’s AIE-STEMPLOS program provides an innovative framework to empower neurodivergent STEM scholars by fostering self-awareness, advocacy, and community support. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and strengths-based approaches, the program leverages tools like the Birkman Method® to help students articulate their strengths and communication styles in professional terms. This paper examines how accessible learning strategies, peer mentorship, and individualized advising cultivate belonging, confidence, and resilience among neurodivergent STEM scholars, offering a …

Diversity Speaker Series: Donnell Collins, Angela Richardson

Speaker Series

A proud graduate of Northern Illinois University and East Aurora High School, Donnell has told stories of Aurora and beyond through the lens as a photojournalist for over 30 years, including the famous Rosa Parks photo taken here at IMSA in 1995. His works have also been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Beacon News, and ESPN Magazine. Donnell is also a very proud IMSA parent and father of alum Kayla Collins Lightfoot, class of 2001! This event is brought to you by the IRC and Fine Arts Department.

Preparando Para Su Edad Y Su Futuro: Latina Mothers’ Perspectives Of Navigating Postsecondary Transition For Autistic Youth, Kristina Rios Dr., Katherine R. Brendli Brown, Genna Kieper, Cynthia Velasquez, Amber Brown Ruiz

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Families play a critical role in the education and service provision of Autistic students. However, much of the existing research on family involvement and expectations has centered on families of younger Autistic children and has disproportionately reflected the experiences of White families, even though Latinx families may include individuals of any racial background. Furthermore, while there is growing transition literature focused on families of color, Latinx families—particularly those with Spanish-speaking caregivers—remain underrepresented in studies examining the postsecondary transition. There is a critical need for research that captures Latinx caregivers’ perspectives on navigating the transition process and identifies how educators can …