Special Education Administration Commons^™

Bully Versus Bullied: A Qualitative Study Of Students With Disabilities In Inclusive Settings, Ida M. Malian Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This qualitative study observed bullying patterns and trends of students with and without disabilities in inclusive settings. The participants were fourth grade students eligible for receiving special education services in inclusive , resource and self-contained settings. Qualitative data were collected while students were in class and during specials and non-academic times. The data suggests that students with disabilities are bullied and are themselves bullies at times. There appeared to be a relationship between personal characteristics and the incidence of bullying. Further, adult intervention was reported to be lax during incidences f bullying. Educational implications for schools, teachers and teacher educators …

A Review Of Inclusive Education In New Zealand, Denise Powell Ed.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Inclusive education is a worldwide response to the belief that all children have the right to be educated at their local early childhood centre or school. New Zealand’s education system has undergone a series of transformations over the past 20 years, which has included modifications to how schools and their students are funded and managed, and the responsibilities various government departments have for ensuring all children receive the best possible education in a variety of environments. This article outlines those changes, suggests a way forward that will help ensure inclusive education practices in New Zealand match the current policies and …

Student-Teachers' Metaphorical Perceptions Of Dyslexia And Foreign Language Disabilities, Tsafi Timor

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

There seems to be an ongoing controversy among researchers with regard to the existence of LD in foreign language (FLLD). It appears that most researchers favor the analogy of FLLD to obesity rather than to measles as both LD and obesity are conditions which reside on a continuum. The study examined EFL student-teachers' perceptions of FL learning problems with regard to the analogy to obesity and to measles from previous studies. The methodology was content analysis of an online forum as part of an academic course. Findings show that most student-teachers perceive FL learning problems as obesity because they find …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Fall/Winter 2012 edition of The Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education.

This quarter’s edition continues the international emphasis on inclusion with articles from Japan, New Zealand, Israel, the USA , Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Each research piece deals with another aspect of inclusive education from bullying to foreign language acquisition.

Mr. Asim Das and Dr. Toshiro from Hiroshima University, Japan explore views concerning the effectiveness of Certificate in Education courses for preparation to teach in inclusive classrooms. This study reveals that lack of content in special educational needs is the main impediment to competent teaching in inclusive classrooms in …

Contrasting Visions Of Inclusive Education: Comparisons From Rural And Urban Settings In Botswana And Zimbabwe, Sourav Mukhopadhyay, Martin Musengi

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article explores similarities and differences in Botswana and Zimbabwe elementary school principals’ understanding of what inclusive education involves. Using a cross-site case study research design, fifteen principals in the two countries’ urban, semi-urban and rural areas were interviewed while naturalistic observations were also carried out at each school. Findings indicate no differences between the two countries as the principals were familiar with the concept of inclusive education and were favourable towards including learners with disabilities. However the increased visibility of students with disabilities in primary schools seems to overshadow other learners with various vulnerabilities. Inclusion seemed to present more …

Educational Leaders' Beliefs And Attitudes Regarding Core And Current Issues In Special Education, Josie Lucker Keffer

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine education leaders' knowledge of core and current issues in special education and how this knowledge is acquired. The study also examined the educational leaders' beliefs and practices regarding collaboration, response-to-intervention, and inclusion. Finally, the study examined the social justice issues that arise with the responsibility to educate "all" students (FAPE).

An on-line survey was answered by 161 principals and assistant principals in an Education Service Center in West Texas. A limited understanding of current issues in special education was found among campus administrators. Especially, in the areas of learning and effective teaching …

Parent Perceptions Of The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, Charity C. Roberts

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Author's abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand both contributors and barriers to use of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10). Although SB10 was designed to offer parental choice of schools for students with disabilities, it has diminished the capacity of parents to access due process granted through IDEA. Perspectives in this study were provided by parents who chose to rescind their child's participation in the voucher program and parents who continued to access the voucher. Analysis of the lived experiences of parents of students with disabilities in Georgia revealed both similar and diverse experiences, perceptions and concerns …

The Status Of Students With Special Needs In The Instrumental Musical Ensemble And The Effect Of Selected Educator And Institutional Variables On Rates Of Inclusion, Edward C. Hoffman Iii

Glenn Korff School of Music: Dissertations, Theses, Student Creative Work, and Performances

The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of students with special needs in the instrumental musical ensemble and to examine the effect of selected educator and institutional variables on rates of inclusion. An online survey was designed by the researcher and distributed electronically to 600 practicing K-12 instrumental music educators in the states of Idaho, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. While 13.6% of the total school-aged population nationwide received special education services, demographic data provided by respondents revealed that students with special needs accounted for 6.8% of all students participating in bands, orchestras, …

Essential Programs And Services Review: The Special Education Funding Model, Walter J. Harris Phd, Ida A. Batista

School Funding - Essential Programs and Services (EPS)

The purpose of this document is to review the special education funding component of the Essential Programs and Services funding model. This component was first implemented in 2005 -2006 and first reviewed in 2007-08. In order to establish a context for this second review, the sections below include an overview of special education and funding in the U.S. and in Maine.

Paraeducators Perceptions Of Their Roles In Inclusive Classrooms: A National Study Of Paraeducators, Ida M. Malian Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

With increased mandates for providing FAPE, districts are employing paraprofessionals-specifically paraeducators to assist in special education as well as inclusive classrooms. A National Survey was conducted to ascertain paraeducators perceptions regarding their roles with inclusive classes, collaboration with general and special education teachers, responsibilities within the classroom regarding instruction and other management of the daily routines, their beliefs about teaching and training needs. Respondent included 202 paraprofessionals from 34 states with varying degrees of experience and training. Overall, paraprofessionals were positive about their roles in the classroom ad the impact of their work with students with disabilities. More time for …

Research Topic: Is Physical Education A Form Of Exclusionary Closure To Children With Disabilities?, Chiome Chrispen, Chadamoyo Patrick, Mudyahoto Tapiwa

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Worldwide, there are benefits that accrue to children or adults who engage in physical activities (Johnson, 2009). Within this context, this study sought to find out the conditions under which students with disabilities participate in Physical Education in Zimbabwean schools. A purposive sample of 72 teachers and 15 heads of schools who are students of Great Zimbabwe University participated. The research was largely qualitative, gathering data through a survey that used an open ended questionnaire for teachers and focused interviews for school heads. The typical experiences in schools are a complete denigration of the children with disabilities. Evidence indicates that …

Attitudes Of Beginner Teachers Of Special Education To Classroom Management: Who's The Boss Here?, Tsafi Timor Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The study deals with approaches of beginner teachers from a Special Education Training Programs to classroom management and to instruction with regard to two approaches: the Humanistic approach (or Student-Centered Approach), and the Custodial approach (or Teacher-Centered Approach). mixed use of both approaches in classroom management practices with a tendency towards the Humanistic approach. The Custodial approach was observed as related to issues of control and attitude towards violence whereas the Humanistic approach was found to be related to student-teacher relations, belief in students' abilities and perceptions of discipline. However, approach towards instruction and teaching was observed as related in …

Planning Learning Experiences In The Inclusive Classroom: Implementing The Three Core Udl Principles To Motivate, Challenge And Engage All Learners, Jennifer L. Jones, Karrie A. Jones, Paul J. Vermette

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

In 2010, Vermette, Jones, Jones, Werner, Kline & D’Angelo published a lesson planning format, the PLE (planned learning experience) designed to help teachers meet the demands of the ever diversifying, ever demanding American secondary classroom (Vermette et al., 2010). This model helps teachers do more than simply create a “lesson plan” (a list of maneuvers for the teacher), but provides a framework for crafting authentic, meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all students. Given this great challenge, this article deconstructs the PLE in light of the three core principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and considers the ramifications of …

Effects Of Co-Teaching On The Biology Achievement Of Typical And At-Risk Students Educated In Secondary Inclusion Settings, Polly G. Haselden Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

School accountability is at the forefront of education with the recent passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in January 2001. One well-known instructional strategy, co-teaching has the potential to improve the academic performance of students (i.e., typical and at-risk) educated in general education classrooms. A co-teaching intervention that included operationalized components of instructional delivery and a support class was compared to the traditional instructional delivery of students receiving science instruction from a general education teacher alone in four high school biology classrooms. Results indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups of students educated in …

Mvip: Math Villages For Inclusive Practices: A Model To Engage All Students And Teachers In Stem Experiences, Ida Malian Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The Math Villages for Inclusive Practices (MVIP) model supports inclusive practices through a) the inclusion of students with disabilities, specifically mathematics disabilities into STEM related activities, b) co-teaching of STEM related topics as professional development, c) “hands-on” real life problems to be addressed collaboratively with students and co-teachers.

MVIP model levels the playing field for students with math disabilities to be engaged in integrated STEM activities. Co-teachers support these activities through professional development that creates content-rich and differentiated instruction for all students. The village concept is derived from the membership of the village learners which includes students, special educators and …

Disability In The Context Of Higher Education: Issues And Concerns In India, Syed Salma Jameel

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Disability in higher education has different implications from that of school Education. Higher education increases the chance of employability, thus, affirming dignified life for the persons with disabilities. While going through the policies and programmes in India it is found that not much has been done in the field of disability and higher education. There are number of groups working on the school education of children with disabilities. This has not translated in the entry of students to higher education because of various reasons. Infrastructural facilities within institutions, attitudes towards persons with disabilities, transportation facilities, and lack of support services …

The Effect Of Class Size On Inclusion Student Academic Success, Anthony, Iii Arico

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 is based on the principle that setting high academic expectations and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes in education. Under NCLB, states are required to develop assessments in basic skills to be given to all students in certain grades if those states are to receive federal funding for schools. The purpose of this study was to determine if reduced inclusion class sizes affect student's scores on the Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) test administered in one northeastern US state and to solicit teachers' opinions of smaller class sizes. Inclusions …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Winter/Spring edition of The Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education. This particular edition has a very real international dialogue concerning the inclusion of students with special needs in general education classrooms.

Dr. Tsafi Timor provide a thought provoking discussion and analysis of two approaches to classroom management. This article starts with a great quote from Dr. Harry Wong.

Syed Salma Jameel provides a new perspective concerning students with special needs enrolled in colleges and universities. This article links employability with the need for higher education and highlights the issues of including students with special needs in higher education. …

Preservice Teachers' Confidence Levels In Working With Students With Special Needs: Improving Preservice Teacher Training Programs, Woo Jung Ph.D., Grace Cho Ph.D., Debra Ambrosetti Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Teacher confidence levels have been shown to increase with training, exposure to specific situations, knowledge, and utilization of interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice teachers’ confidence levels in teaching students with special needs. The 287 participants were from three separate education departments within a college of education. The results indicated that students working toward a teaching credential in the field of special education reported higher confidence levels than did those seeking a credential in secondary and elementary education. In addition, secondary teacher candidates reported higher confidence levels than did elementary teacher candidates. Based on the findings, …

Teachers' Beliefs And Practices Observed In Inclusive Classes, Gyagenda Khamis

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The world over there is a wave towards more inclusive education for children who are disadvantaged in one-way or another. The Salamanca conference of 1994 focused on the child with Special Education Needs (SEN) with a call to governments to ensure that such children were given an appropriate education especially by being included in mainstream classes. Developing countries shows less initiative and effort towards including the child with SEN, with more efforts towards including the girl child. But some schools are implementing the policy on their own initiative. It can be assumed that their belief in inclusive education drive their …

Preparing For Secondary Inclusion: What Educators Can Learn From Parents Of Students With Disabilities, Denise Ousley, Chris O'Brien

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

As part of a movement toward collaboration between general and special education teacher preparation, the authors met with focus groups including parents of teenagers with disabilities, English and special education teachers, and pre-service teachers from both programs. Some of our most relevant findings sprang from conversations with parents whose children were placed in inclusive settings. The issues that surfaced highlight several issues relevant to teacher development and support. Most remarkable is the clarification that there are two worlds of education: school for the masses and school for the exceptions. The purpose of this article is to present what we learned …

Teachers' Attitudes Toward The Inclusion Of Students With Autism And Emotional Behavioral Disorder, Jennifer M. Cassady

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

General education teachers have differing views about the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. However, the type and severity of the children’s disabilities affect teachers’ willingness to accommodate certain students and their confidence that they will effectively manage their classroom. It has been reported that teachers have expressed concerns about having students with autism and emotional behavioral disorder in the general education setting because of the children’s lack of social skills, behavioral outbursts, modifications made to the curriculum, and lack of training and supports. Many instructors do not believe they are able to teach these populations effectively while …

Children With Disabilities In Private Inclusive Schools In Mumbai: Experiences And Challenges, Ashima Das Ph.D., Ruth Kattumuri

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

‘Inclusive education’ policy has been introduced in India, however the concept is in its infancy This qualitative study analyses the case of children with disabilities studying in private inclusive schools of Mumbai. It discusses the development of self concept, elucidates the benefits and challenges of children with disabilities in inclusive education. We then suggest recommendations for improvements in implementing inclusive education in India.

Promoting Inclusive Schools: A Case Study Of Leadership Experiences Of The Middle School Chairpersons For Special Education Service, Juvinell Baylis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Federal and state guidelines direct students with disabilities to the least restrictive environment (LRE). The inclusion of students with disabilities in the LRE (general education) has been an issue for many public schools. In an effort to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities, many special education teacher--chairpersons experience opposition from the general education teacher and their administrator regarding LRE placement. The purpose of this qualitative case study, grounded in the theory of leadership, was to examine the leadership experiences of chairpersons of special education services in middle schools and their perception of the LRE decision-making process for placement for …

Use Of Professional Development To Improve Attitudes Of General Educators Towards Inclusion, Ginger Dodge-Quick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study involved the inclusion of special needs students in the general education classroom as required by law. The problem centered on general educators' perceptions of their abilities to meet the education needs of included students and their lack of training in special education issues. Research questions studied perceptions general educators had regarding inclusion and whether professional development addressed those concerns, and improved their perception of inclusion. The Concerns Based Adoption Model (CBAM) was the conceptual framework utilized throughout the sequential mixed-methods case study. Quantitative data of teachers' concerns were determined using the Survey of Concerns Questionnaire from the CBAM …

A Mixed Methods Study Of How The Transition Process Impacts The Autonomy Of Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers, Linda Kasal Fusco

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This mixed methods study sought to identify the impact that transition into the practice of teaching had on the autonomy of pre-service secondary teachers of Mathematics.  It was based on the belief that a Mathematics teacher’s autonomy depended on: beliefs about Mathematics and how it was learned, reflections on the teaching practice, and social constraints of a secondary school culture. Data was collected between January 2009 and March 2010.  In Phase I (Quantitative) the participants (N = 30), selected from ten State University of New York teacher preparation colleges and universities, completed five instruments to quantify the three factors of …

Factors That Influence Special Education Teachers' Career Decisions In A Rural School District In Southern Indiana, Theresa Lemons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Attrition of special education teachers is a national problem resulting in lost monetary resources, school climate discontinuity, and lower student achievement. Within a small, rural district in southern Indiana, special education teacher attrition has risen since 2008 and continues to rise. District administrators want to retain teachers to ensure a continuity of instructional services for students with special needs. To explore this problem, an intrinsic qualitative case study was employed, guided by a research question that investigated the factors that special education teachers and administrators perceived as influencing special educators' career decisions. Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory and Billingsley's schematic representation of …

The Impact Of Inclusion On The Achievement Of Middle School Students With Mild To Moderate Learning Disabilities, Ruth Carol Hawkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to IDEA and NCLB requirements, students with disabilities are held to the same standards established for nondisabled students. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the impact of a special education inclusion program for middle school students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Student outcomes were measured based on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test scores for reading/language and mathematics. The theoretical foundation for this study was Vygotsky's social development theory applied to special education inclusion programs to support learning within the general curriculum for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. An independent samples t …

A Grounded Theory Approach To Use Of Differentiated Instruction To Improve Students' Outcomes In Mathematics, Juniace Senecharles Etienne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers in a school district in a southeastern state are being challenged to meet the needs of students who have learning disabilities (LDs) and who require an individualized education program with a mathematics goal. The students are in danger of not passing state, district, and classroom mathematics tests, and not all the schools are meeting adequate yearly progress (AYP). Funding from the federal government is denied if a school does not achieve AYP; the school personnel must then complete a school improvement plan. The purpose of this study was to explore which differentiation instructional (DI) practices inclusion teachers were using …

The Impact Of Professional Development Training In Autism And Experience On Teachers' Self-Efficacy, Nancy Biasotti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Regular education teachers' self-efficacy may be negatively impacted due to a lack of professional development and experience teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research links teacher self-efficacy with increased student academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to examine to what degree training on ASD during and following teacher certification and experience had on overall teacher self-efficacy. This one-shot case study was based upon Bandura's theoretical construct of self-efficacy and secondarily on Tschannen-Moran, Woolfolk Hoy, and Hoy's theory of self-efficacy. The Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scales (TSES) was used to collect data from regular education teachers with experience …