Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

A Review Of General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Classroom And Instructional Accommodations For Students With Disabilities, Jennifer Askue-Collins

Theses & Honors Papers

The primary purpose of this study was to find out whether general education teachers believe that accommodations for students with special needs help those students succeed. Secondarily, this study seeks to find whether general educators find accommodations to be practical (feasible for general classroom use and fair to students without disabilities) in promoting success for all students. This review will discuss special education laws, service models for special education, and how accommodations fit into these parameters. The researcher created an online survey for K-5 general educators in Virginia's Region 8 to complete. From the responses it was found that this …

Reducing The Stereotypic Behavior Of Individuals With Mental Retardation Using Response Cost Within Applied Behavior Analysis, Crystal Holmes

Theses & Honors Papers

The focus of this study is to demonstrate that using response cost through applied behavior analysis is an effective treatment for reducing the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. McEntee and Saunders (1997) conducted a study in which response cost was used as an intervention within applied behavior analysis successfully to reduce the stereotypic behaviors in four male individuals with severe or profound mental retardation. An attempt was made to replicate this study and provide further research on the effects of response cost through applied behavior analysis on the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. There were three …

The Effects Of The Use Of Dynamic Geometry Software On Student Achievement And Interest, Heidi B. Hansen

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This study examines the current research that exists on the effects that the use of dynamic geometry software has on student achievement and interest level in mathematics. Additional questions examined are whether using dynamic geometry software has a greater impact on high or low achievers, and what current methods of implementation are suggested by the research. A review of the relevant literature indicates that the use of dynamic geometry software does have a positive effect on student achievement, particularly achievement in areas of high-level thinking. Insufficient research has been done on the effect that the use of dynamic geometry software …

Implementation Of Self-Determination Activities And Student Participation In Ieps, Christine Mason, Sharon Field, Shlomo Sawilowsky

Center for Self-Determination and Transition

The Council for Exceptional Children conducted an online Web survey to obtain information on the instructional practices and attitudes of educators as they relate to self-determination and student involvement in the individualized education program (IEP) process. We obtained 523 usable responses from teachers, administrators, and related services professionals. Although respondents highly valued both student involvement in IEPs and self-determination skills, only 8% were satisfied with the approach they were using to teach self-determination. Only 34% were satisfied with the level of student involvement in IEP meetings. Implications include the need for longitudinal research and technical assistance, targeting administrators, general educators, …

Praise And Its Effects On Trust, Help-Seeking Behavior, And Self-Perception Of Students With Disabilities, Regina L. Rice

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this investigation was to examine praise and its effects on help-seeking behavior, trust, and self-perception as well as how different age groups respond to praise. the participants were 11 female students with disabilities and low achievers ranging in ages from 12-17 and up chosen through convenience sampling. Praise as a specific intervention was examined using a self-developed, Likert- type, 16 item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson 'r'. No significant relationship was found between praise and help-seeking (r=.36, P> .05) or praise and self-perception (r=36, p> .05). However, a significant relationship was found between praise and …

Comparison Of Grade Point Average Of Honor Senior Students And College Of Liberal Arts Senior Students At A Florida University, Iwasan D. Kejawa

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

Attrition rates in theHonor College program division of Florida Atlantic University have risen in recent years. It has been determined that even though a higher high school grade point average is required for admission into the honor program of the university, many applicants to the program were under-prepared to asumme the workload demanded of the students by the Honor College. The requirements for admission into the honor program of the Florida Atlantic University is an overall high school grade point average of 3.5 and a score of 1000 points on the SAT examination while the requirement into the College of …

Including Students With Disabilities And Achieving Accountability: Educators’ Emerging Challenge, Martin J. Ward, Nicole Montague, Thomas H. Linton

Essays in Education

The nation-wide movement toward increased accountability in our schools has been implemented in large part through state-mandated standardized testing of students. The state assessments in Texas, as in many states, have a powerful influence on educators’ decisions and practices. Whether or not students with special learning needs are provided with an educational experience in the least restrictive environment is dependent upon the decisions and actions of educators. The high-stakes testing agenda in Texas influences decisions related to the inclusion of students with special learning needs. In this article, we examine the issue of how the inclusion of students with disabilities …

The Effects Of Extended School Year On Students With Mild Disabilities And Its Relationship To Regression Rate, Whitney C. Sears

Theses & Honors Papers

This study is an historical study comparing the spring and fall test scores of students who attended summer academic program of one particular private school for students with learning differences, including autism, Asperger's Syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and nonverbal learning disabilities. This study concluded that there was a statistical significance between the regression rates in both reading vocabulary and reading comprehension among those who attended the summer program and those who did not attend the summer program. Those students who did not attend the summer program regressed in skills significantly. Those students who attended the summer program maintained or …

Listening To The Boys: Issues And Problems Influencing School Achievement And Retention, Malcolm Slade

Shannon Research Press

This work summarises the views of 1800 boys, from 60 secondary schools in South Australia, balanced across all sectors. Their views have been clear and largely uniform across the schools, year levels and levels of achievement. Several popularly held views, that the problems start in the primary years, and that the issues are reducible to matters of gender difference, gender equity, peer pressure or literacy and numeracy, are rejected, by the boys and others, as simplistic to the point of being false. Issues about masculinity are conspicuous in their absence. Instead, the boys identify a broad range of interconnected factors, …

Matching Effective Methods Of Teaching To Modes Of Learning: A Presentation For Educators Of American Indian Students, Lynn Marie Gellerson

All Graduate Projects

Reading is a skill necessary for social, academic, and economic achievement in our society. Research shows that minority children, such as American Indians, often struggle to become successful readers. It is necessary to understand causes that may contribute to the difficulties that American Indians have with effective acquisition of literacy skills. This presentation for educators of American Indian students will present information that will increase educators' knowledge of American Indian culture, and the culture of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. In addition, the effect culture has on an individual, the classroom, and reading instruction will be …

A Case Analysis Of Three Middle-School Boys Who Have Down Syndrome And Have Been In Regular Education Classes Since Preschool, Eileen Frances Luddy

Dissertations

This study investigated the experiences of three middle-school boys who have Down syndrome and have always attended regular education classes.

Despite the existence of policies and initiatives in support of inclusive education, research on the implementation of inclusive practices in middle schools is sparse.

This study is organized in nine chapters. A review of literature revealed that significant research conducted during the past decade supports the practice of including students with disabilities in regular education and the benefits of inclusion outweigh the benefits of separate instruction.

A case study approach investigated the phenomenon covering contextual conditions surrounding the experiences of …

Diagnostic System And Method For Phonological Awareness, Phonological Processing, And Reading Skill Testing, Janet Marie Wasowicz,, Arthur C. Maerlender

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

A diagnostic system and method for evaluating one or more phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills of an individual to detect phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skill deficiencies in the individual so that the risk of developing a reading deficiency is reduced and existing reading deficiencies are remediated. The system may use graphical games to test the individual’s ability in a plurality of different phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills. The system may use speech recognition technology to interact with the tests.

The Effects Of Physical Activity On The Behavior Of Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Amanda J. Love

Senior Honors Projects, 2000-2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical education class on the behavior of children diagnosed with Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fourteen male and six female students in grades three through five were observed by their classroom teacher. Of the twenty students, then were diagnosed with ADHD and ten were not. Classroom teachers rated their students' behavior using the Iowa Connors Teacher's Rating Scale at two different time during the day for nineteen days (Pelham, W.E., Milch R., & Murphy, D.A., 1989). A higher score indicated greater inattention, hyperactivity, and impassivity while a score of …

A Manual For First Year Special Education Teachers, Billye June Dillard

All Graduate Projects

Special education faculty and staff face specific problems in educating children with distinctive needs. Overly high workloads for new teachers and paraprofessionals increase the amount of pressure placed on indi victuals faced with inclusion. This manual is designed to be used as a guide to help teachers through their initial introduction to the classroom. Special Education Law, Inclusion, Motivation Techniques for Special Children, and Parent Involvement are discussed. In addition, valuable resources for further exploration are provided.

Peer Perceptions Of Students Without Learning Disabilities Toward Students With Disabilities And A Self Perceptions Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Vernell Greene Scott

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of the nondisabled students toward students with learning disabilities and the self perceptions of learning disabled students. A survey research design was used for this study. Subjects were students in grades 6-8 with and without disabilities from a rural area in Virginia. The participants who were chosen were general and special education students at the middle school level.

The results from this study showed on most issues the two groups agreed, on such topics as friendship, social gathering, and favoritism. Findings indicated students without disabilities are accepting students with disabilities …

A Third Grade Special Education Pre-Referral Assessment Tool For Inner City African American Students, Richard Dean Newton

All Graduate Projects

A disproportional high number of African Ametican students are referred by regular education teachers for placement in special education programs and services. Recent implications of state wide uniformed student testing has intensified special education placement trends. The purpose of this project was to develop an alternative third grade special education pre-referral intelligence assessment tool, which would be used to provide alternative placement other than special education programs and services.

Behavioral Problems In Schools: Ways To Encourage Functional Behavior Assessment (Fba) Of Discipline-Evoking Behavior Of Students With Emotional And/Or Behavioral Disorders (Ebd), Jo M. Hendrickson, Robert A. Gable, Maureen A. Conroy

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) of aggressive and negative behaviors that lead to suspension and expulsion is mandated for students with disabilities in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997. This legal requirement is problematic for many school districts as well as teacher preparation programs in that numerous barriers to effective application of FBA exist within our educational institutions. The present article discusses some of the major challenges school districts personnel face in implementing FBAs. A school improvement initiative, Success4, is presented to illustrate an approach that the state of Iowa is taking to overcome these challenges. Finally, …

Home For The Holidays: A Red-Flag, Carry-In, Reclaiming Intervention, John W. Hill

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Resource Guide For Teacher Use To Address Issues Of Disproportionality In Grades K-5 In Urban School Districts, Kelie R. Kegley

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a resource guide for teacher use to address issues of disproportionality in grades K-5 in urban school districts. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and current research on disproportionality in academic achievement in urban public schools was conducted. This review focused on effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices as they related to disproportionality in grades K-5. Additionally, information from selected urban school districts with disproportionality was obtained and analyzed.

Impulse Control Rap: "We Got A Skill To Help You Chill", John W. Hill

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (Emdr) On Self-Reported Test Anxiety In College Students, John C. Hampel

Dissertations

Test anxiety is a common problem among students in western culture due to the importance of academic achievement and the consequences for failure. Many consider test anxiety to be primarily an issue of poor study habits and test readiness. However, some students who appear to possess excellent study habits also appear to experience severe anxiety during tests. A recent meta-analysis of test anxiety research substantiated these claims, finding that test anxiety appeared to be an emotionally-based as opposed to a cognitively-based problem. Despite these findings, the etiologies for test anxiety remain unknown. Similar to nearly all DSM-IV diagnostic categories, test …

Connecting Personality Traits Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Thelma D. Llewellyn

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality type of students with learning disabilities using the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory and the students' GPAs. It was predicted that students with anintrovert personality would have a higher GPA at the end of their freshman first semester than students with extravert personality type. Sixty-eight students identified with learning disabilities upon entering college and taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator were compared.

The data was analyzed using Chi Square and a t-test. The results showed that the sample was representative of the population. Even though the Introverts did have higher GPAs …

Techniques And Strategies For Educating And Accommodating Students With Hearing Loss In The Classroom, Stacia H. Thompson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a teacher and administrator's handbook of techniques and strategies for educating and accommodating students with hearing loss in the classroom. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and current research on mainstreaming, educating, and accommodating students with hearing loss was conducted. Additionally, information from selected schools serving students with hearing loss was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Junior High School Title I And Learning Assistance Program (Lap) Handbook, David Carthum

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model junior high school Title I and Learning Assistance Program (LAP) handbook. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding Title I/LAP programs was conducted; existing school district documents (i.e., state and local LAP reports, building plans, building accreditation report, department plans, parent involvement plans, shared decision-making team plans) were examined. Additionally, Title I/LAP information and materials from selected schools were obtained and analyzed.

A Case Study Of A Child Who Is Speech Impaired, Dia Peralto-Ortiz

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This case study is that of a five year old child who is Speech Impaired. It is written by his former teacher who incorporated her first year's work with him, a year of 'play sessions' and present school experiences with research to create an Independent Study.

The areas covered by this study include: Description of Child, Review of the Literature, Family and Developmental History, School History, Play Sessions, Summary, Recommendations and a Bibliography. The Appendices contain the actual educational assessments of this child, from when he began school to the present. these include Speech and Language Evaluation, Psychological Evaluations, his …

The Exceptional Educational Needs Child In The Art Room: Teaching Through The Seven Multiple Intelligences, Kathleen M. Hackbarth

Master of Science of Adaptive Education Theses

Inclusion and mainstreaming have left many art teachers unprepared. They have not been trained as adaptive art teachers. There are basic fears among many on how to teach art to special education children. Some art teachers decline a school assignment after finding out they would have an adaptive class with cognitively disabled (CD) or hearing impaired (HI) students. Oftentimes, special needs children are left behind because it takes more time and special training to help them participate in art. The purpose of this study is to gain insight and understanding of the total art experience of students with special needs …

Impact Of "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder" On Educational Placement And Service Delivery, Marsha L. Groves

Masters Theses

Children with "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder" face many changes within the school environment. Teachers strive to help these students meet those changes by providing for special learning and behavior needs. This study obtained teacher responses to examine demographic data, disability categories, placement, and educational treatment of children clinically diagnosed and/or suspected of having "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders". Of the 76 teacher surveys returned, 107 students were reported to have or were suspected of having "Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder". Forty-five were identified as learning disabled, seven were considered behavior disordered, seven were receiving speech services, seven others were health impaired, three …

Gender Differences In Cognitive Ability Of Children With Hearing Impairment On The Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children-3rd Edition, Damian D. Jones

Masters Theses

This research thesis investigates possible gender differences of deaf children on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd ed.). The Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) in Jacksonville, Illinois collated the standard scores of the five standard WISC-III Performance scale subtests and the Performance IQ of 25 students attending ISD. To examine gender differences on the Performance scale subtests and the Performance IQ's, a series of oneway-analyses of variance was calculated. No significant differences were noted on any comparison. A hypothesis that gender differences would occur was not confirmed. The results are discussed with respect to the intellectual assessment of …

Connecting Reasoning And Writing In Student "How To" Manuals, John W. Hill

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Effective Classroom Management Practices Among Teachers In Elementary Special Education Computer-Use Classrooms, Stephanie L. Kenney

Dissertations

Increased use of computers in elementary special education classrooms has created the need for a model for the management of such computer-use environments. Using the case study format, this study (a) identified and described, through multiple observations of eight elementary special education teachers over a 3-month period, the classroom management strategies computer-using teachers utilized to foster student on-task behavior; (b) provided rich descriptions of the contexts in which these classroom management practices occurred; (c) provided insight into the teachers’ philosophies regarding computer use and management; and (d) examined relationships among teachers' computer experience and training and their classroom management practices …