Gifted Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common manifestation observed in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), wherein the brain inaccurately interprets sensory information. Teachers often face many sensory issues in the classroom. However, it is commonly known that addressing SPD falls within an occupational therapist's (OT) responsibility. Recent research has found that promoting sensory strategies in educational training is necessary. Hence, the current experimental mixed-methods research aimed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the sensory intervention and sensory inputs utilized in the Living and Non-Living Sensory Input (LNSI) intervention program on sensory behavior, executive function, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and cortical …

Beyond Words: Supporting Nonverbal Autistic Preschoolers With Exceptional Cognitive Abilities, Dawn Timms

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This project explores how caregivers can support autistic preschoolers who are nonverbal yet demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities. Grounded in communication theory and neurodiversity‑affirming practice, it reframes communication as a shared, relational process that extends beyond spoken language. Drawing from interdisciplinary research, I created a strengths‑based caregiver communication toolkit that translates complex theory into clear, practical strategies families can use in everyday routines. This work honors the intelligence of children whose thinking outpaces their speech and equips caregivers with tools that make communication more accessible, responsive, and affirming.

Chinese Teachers’ Attitude, Efficay, And Practice Of Inclusive Education In The Uae Public Schools: An Explanatory Study, Dingfei Shen

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Chinese language teachers in UAE public schools represent a key demographic in achieving the nation’s vision for educational inclusion. This dissertation examines how these teachers’ attitude and self-efficacy influence their inclusive education practice. The main objective is to model and explain the relationship between these three constructs within the UAE setting. The study employs an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, utilizing a quantitative survey for model testing followed by in-depth qualitative interviews for deep-seated explanations. The quantitative analysis establishes a significant structural relationship, notably demonstrating a full mediation of teacher self-efficacy between their attitude and inclusive practice. A Structural Equation Model …

Evaluating The Implementation And Effectiveness Of The Tiered Support Model For Students With Additional Learning Needs Within Adek’S Inclusion Policy Framework, Siham Mohamed Ahmed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the implementation and efficacy of the tiered model of support for students with additional learning needs in the UAE, in line with ADEK’s inclusion policy. The model relies on accurate identification of students, effective teacher intervention, and collaboration with parents to ensure positive learning outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the practical application of this model by assessing the validity and reliability of commonly used identification tools, such as MAP and CAT4, examining teacher preparedness, training, and progress monitoring strategies, and exploring school administrators’ perspectives on the system’s effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach combining assessment data analysis, …

Assessing Teachers’ Practices In Supporting Gifted/Talented And Twice-Exceptional Students In Schools And Centers In Abu Dhabi, Zayed Jaber

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Gifted/talented and twice-exceptional (2e) students, especially those whose needs are often overlooked in mainstream classrooms, are more likely to benefit from consistently implemented Differentiated Instructional Practices (DIPs). This study aimed to examine implelemntation of DIPs for gifted/talented and 2e students and to compare the practices implemented between of Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers and General Education teachers in schools and centers within Abu Dhabi. This research used a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design to collect data from eighty-six teachers from Abu Dhabi. A questionnaire was designed to rate teachers’ self-reported implementation of DIPs across the four domains of content, process, product, …

Development Of An Adhd Scale In The United Arab Emirates: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study, Abeer Arafa Eldib

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study aims to develop culturally sensitive rating scales for teachers and parents to identify students at risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United Arab Emirates. An exploratory mixed-method research design was utilized for this study. The Eldeeb Teachers’ and Parents’ ADHD Rating Scale (ETPARS) was created to provide a reliable and valid culturally-based tool for identifying students at risk for ADHD. The scale comprises an item pool of 25 items that assess attention deficits and hyperactivity across three domains: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and the effects of ADHD. The scale was administered to 465 children, which is essential …

Mindfulness: The Missing Link In Education, Ashley L. Baer

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Were you asked to pay attention or behave in school? As educators, we must stop expecting focus and self-regulation, and instead we must teach it. Learn how in this experiential session to connect and regulate students using the breathing ball, games, breath, and movement. Let’s practice!

Ways To Make Cybersecurity Education/Opportunities More Accessible In The Philippine Public School System, Joshua Oania

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper will examine how the Philippines can make cybersecurity education more accessible in their public school system. The solutions it proposes include making cybersecurity a part of the school curriculum, creating summer/internship programs for Junior and Senior High School students in multiple different areas within cybersecurity, and providing basic infrastructure and resources for students to meet their educational needs and aspirations.

Pathways To Resilience: Lessons Learned From Covid-19, Mary Ann Hollingsworth

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Out of the mouths of youth themselves while in the Covid-19 pandemic - pathways to build and sustain resilience in the life challenges that come our way at all stages of life.

Myth, Power, And Justice: The Danger Of A Single Story, Christen H. Clougherty

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

If we hear only a single story about a group, we risk a critical misunderstanding. In this session, learn to critically analyze assumptions of single stories and dominant narratives about community partners. Engage in hands-on activities to explore this issue as it relates to race, poverty, and social justice. Leave with classroom activities to take back to your classroom.

Read, Write, Rhyme: Increasing Reading Performance With Hip-Hop Texts, Crystal Monique Lavoulle

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation describes the Harlem Renaissance to Hip Hop Movement, a literacy program that uses best practices in literacy instruction to improve reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing. Moving beyond educational hip-hop songs and videos, this presentation offers insight into effective ways to increase Georgia Milestone Assessment scores in both English language arts and social studies using a variety of hip-hop texts.

Meeting The Needs Of Diverse Gifted Learners, Jackie H. Barone, Karen Gorman, Maranda Thornburg

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Our presentation shares best practices that we have utilized and found success with in regards to scheduling, coursework, and other activities to meet the needs of a wide-variety of gifted learners. Much of our work centers around meeting their social and emotional needs (beyond just utilizing accelerated math and reading content).

The Critical Need For Mental Health Education To Be Mandated In New Mexico's Public Schools, Bonnie L. Murphy

Shared Knowledge Conference

Based on a review of research and best practices in mental health awareness and skills, this inquiry project argues for state legislative policies that would require mental health awareness and skills in the K-12 curriculum. Mental health affects individual accomplishments in every stage of people’s lives beginning in early childhood and throughout the life cycle. Prevention and treatment of mental illness plays a key role in the ability of an individual to cope with loss and develop resiliency and perseverance in challenging times and to make better decisions that improve the individual’s life and the lives of those around them. …

A Brain-Friendly Approach To Music Literacy, Taylor Davis

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The purpose of this study was to explore how the brain processes information, stores it in long-term memory and then applies that knowledge to teaching music in a classroom/rehearsal setting. We observed how the working memory, the system responsible for processing information from short-term and long-term memory can function with greater efficiency. We observed how the number of items available for processing in the working memory may be increased through a process identified as “chunking.” Chunking is when short patterns, or bits of information, are combined to form longer sequences. When applying these brain-friendly learning concepts to music, the instructor …

Differentiated Instruction For 1st Grade Advanced Learners In Mathematics, Patricia Cawley

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Differentiated instruction is student-aware teaching, in which the students not only develop content mastery, but also take ownership of their learning. When teachers help students take charge of their own learning, they are maximizing their potential. A review of the literature reveals that young children seek out tasks that are challenging to them, ones that may a bit beyond their ability. These studies further state that “moderately difficult” tasks are a prerequisite for maximizing intellectual development and increases performance, persistence, perceived competence, self-knowledge, pride and satisfaction (Deci & Porac, 1978).

This study examined strategies that teachers can use to differentiate …

Understanding The Learning & Advocacy Needs Of A Twice-Exceptional Student Through A Strengths-Based Lens: A Case Study In California, Lisa Krausz

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Twice-exceptional students possess both high ability and learning disabilities. Due to the complex interaction of their gifts and disabilities, these students present challenges to both educators and parents alike in identifying and understanding their learning and growth needs. Most educators adopt a deficit approach when working with these learners; new research, however, calls for multi-dimensional, strengths-based approaches in order to more effectively engage these students into positive school experiences and academic growth. Strength-based approaches draw upon an understanding of the student’s strengths, interests, and talents to entice them into both more rewarding and difficult work; it also calls for a …

Relationship-Based School & Classroom Management, Ryan Lucas, Matt Teegarden

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Participants will learn about the four roles of relationship-based classroom and school management in working with students of all ages. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on previous interactions with students (some that went well and some that didn't go so well), learn which role is their strength ("go-to" role), and identify the role with which they need peer support. This presentation is given lecture style with encouraged audience participation and includes plenty of laughter, practical applications, and"just-in-time" ideas to implement the very next day.

The Rise Of Adhd And Effects Of Alternative Treatment In Adolescents, Jennifer Villarina

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome that makes it difficult for people to focus, control behavior and regulate activity. Many with ADHD move constantly and are impulsive. They cannot seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. Although these behaviors are normally observed in children, they are more severe in those with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD make it difficult for children to function at school and home. Exposure to toxins, injury to the brain and imbalance of neurotransmitters can affect the development of the brain (LeFever, Arcona & Antonuccio, 2003). The most common …

P17 Black Male Summit, Brandon Jackson

Black Male Summit

Tale of Two African American Males and Their Journey to Ivy League Schools: A Case Study

How do we get more African American males to show their GREATNESS and academic prowess? Can Black Males attend Ivy League schools? How do we prepare our Black Male Scholars for college and career readiness to maximize their education?

P18 Black Male Summit, Brandon Jackson

Black Male Summit

GRAB “A Hands-On Approach to Student Engagement and Academic Performance for African American Males”

Can a handful of words change the trajectory of a persons’ life? Can this acronym G.R.A.B. lead to enhanced college and career readiness in addition enhance their quality of life?