Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Factors Affecting Parent Perceptions Of Children's Performance In Inclusive Classroom Settings, Amy M. Johnson

Theses & Honors Papers

The subjects of this study included parents of forty - five students with learning disabilities who were integrated in the regular education classroom from rural Virginia. A self developed questionnaire was used to collect the data . Thirteen (28%) of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that divorced parents, married couples working between 20 to 29 hours per week, married parents who both had finished college, single I divorced parents who had finished High School only, and parents who had one child or all children in the family receiving Special Educational services …

The Effects Of Dialogue Journal Writing On The Writing Apprehension Level Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Jennifer H. Dooley

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examined what effects writing in dialogue journals has on the writing apprehension level of middle school students identified as having a learning disability related to writing. Twenty eight students participated in the study , eleven of which served as a control group and eleven as an experimental group (other subjects were eliminated randomly ). Each subject completed the Writing Apprehension Measure before and after the treatment. During the six - week study , the control group wrote in journals three times each week. The experimental group wrote in journals three times each week and received a response from …

Instructional Techniques For Elementary Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Marlene Tiller

Theses & Honors Papers

Instructional techniques used with elementary students diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were investigated. Subjects included fifty (n=50 ) special education teachers of elementary level (K-5 ) students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or emotional disabilities (ED). Of the fifty subjects, only twenty-three surveys were returned . Subject s were asked to choose the most effective desk placement, classroom placement , classroom strategy , and teaching method for an elementary level student with ADHD . A t-test, chi- square, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data . No significant differences were found between the choices of teachers …

Special And Vocational Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Responsibility For Implementing Transition Objectives, Cindy Marie Driver

Theses & Honors Papers

Subjects from eight school districts in Central Virginia were surveyed. The sample included 73 secondary- school (grades 9 - 12) vocational education teachers from general academic public schools and 46 secondary {9 - 12 grades) special education teachers from public schools.

T-tests revealed significant differences in attitudes toward transition between the two groups. Special education teachers displayed significantly more awareness of transition goals, involvement in implementing these goals and increased communication about transition goals. Vocational education teachers indicated that they should attend the IEP meeting and have involvement in writing transition goals, but that they generally are not involved in …

Interactions Between Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders And Teachers In The Mainstream Setting, Susan Palese Page

Theses & Honors Papers

The author assessed the self reported behaviors of mainstream academic high school teachers who teach students with emotional/behavioral disorders with respect to preferred consequences for inappropriate student behaviors. Teachers were surveyed from four counties and asked to respond to an inappropriate student behavior with 1) positive reinforcement of the appropriate student behavior, 2) punishment of an inappropriate student behavior, 3) consequence which resulted in student escape from the academic task (negative reinforcement) or a free response of the teacher's choice. Results indicated that 49.6% of teacher responses were examples of positive reinforcement, 25.4% negative reinforcement, 6.4% punishment and 18.6% other …

A Descriptive Study Of Physical Interventions For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Laura Claydon

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to study the perceptions of teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders in the Virginia public schools on the topic of physical restraints in the classroom, and to determine training and policies regarding physical restraints that the schools are providing . These areas were studied through a survey of 104 EBD teachers from Virginia school districts. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and ten likert scale statements reflecting perceptions of physical intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. In addition, a Chi Square and an ANOVA were computed. Concerns that developed …

A Descriptive Study On The Similarities Of Fears Held By Preservice Special Education Teachers And Preservice Elementary Education Teachers Prior To Field-Based Experience, Christina Galloway

Theses & Honors Papers

Although a great deal of attention has been focused on the issue of teacher burnout, very little has been done at the preservice level for both special and elementary education teachers to prevent it. Research shows that burnout is most likely to occur in the first three years of teaching; therefore, steps should be taken during preservice teacher training to help future teachers deal more effectively with the challenges and stress they will undoubtedly encounter. This study investigated whether or not preservice elementary and special education teachers encounter the same fears prior to their field-based experience. Thirty preservice teachers responded …

Vocational Special Education: The Educators' Perceptions Of Program Benefits, Restrictions, And Future Implications., Suzanne V. Pruess

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits, restrictions, and future implications of vocational education. Using a self developed questionnaire, eight teachers in two south-central Virginia counties were interviewed. The data were analyzed and placed under themes. From the data obtained it was found that these vocational and special education teachers varied on certain areas they think are pertinent in vocational education. Areas that differentiated focused on the value of vocational programs, or how beneficial they are (responses of special educators emphasized this 33% and vocational teachers 66%), and the emphasis of community based instruction as a component …

An Analysis Of Curricular Options Currently Used In High School Resource Rooms For Students With Learning Disabilities In Virginia, Dana Harrison

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examined the curricular approaches for students with learning disabilities in high school resource rooms in the state of Virginia . Sixty-five resource room teachers participated in the study. Subjects completed a 25 item likert-type scale survey which reflected the five basic ·curricular opt ions for students with learning disabilities. Subjects were required to indicate the extent to which he or she emphasized the statement in the classroom. Descriptive Statistics, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and a Tukey Test of Multiple Comparisons were used to analyze the data. The results of the ANOVA revealed that Curricular Options (the Within …

Paraprofessionals In Special Education: Training And Expectations, Lourrie-Lyn E. Duddridge

Theses & Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Using Colored Overlays On The Reading Skills Of Visually Dyslexic Children, Mitzi D. Waller

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a critical skill that all students must learn , but for the child with dyslexia it can be a very difficult task to overcome . A tool that may be used to accommodate a student with dyslexia is that of a colored overlay . The following is a study that examined the effects of colored overlays on the reading skills of one fifth-grade student and one sixth-grade student who are dyslexic . The Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests - Revised and an informal reading assessment were used as the measuring instruments . The results of those two tests were …

The Perceptions Of Students With Mild Mental Retardation Regarding Their Present Program And Preparation For Future Employment, Shirl Carwile

Theses & Honors Papers

Two programs for students with mild mental retardation , a school-based program, and a community ­based instruction program were compared . The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the perceptions of high school students with mild mental retardation about their present educational experiences and their preparation for future employment. Interviews of four students were obtained and examined to determine common themes among students and across programs .

A Comparative Study Of Self Esteem As It Relates To Alcohol Use Among Inmates With Learning Disabilities And Inmates With No Prior Special Education Services., Lisa Mcvey Reid

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between learning disabilities and self esteem as it relates to alcohol use in young men at a correctional facility. A standardized alcohol questionnaire was distributed to those men identified as having a learning disability and to nondisabled men. Subjects were matched according to age and sex. Those students who were identified as having a learning disabilitity had a specially coded survey for identification purposes. Names did not appear on the questionnaire in order to maintain strict confidentiality.

Those men who were receiving learning disabilities services were found to have a …

The Effects Of Goal Setting And Task Selection On Perceived Competence, Intrinsic Motivation, And Spelling Performance Of A Group Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Tracy Lee Osborne

Theses & Honors Papers

The intrinsic motivation, spelling performance, and perceived competence of students with learning disabilities was examined. Eight students with learning disabilities decided which and how many words they would attempt on weekly spelling test.s and chose the practice activity they would complete each day. Each student -set a goal of how many of the words attempted would be correct on the spelling test (i. e., .perceived competence). Harter 's.Scale of . Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom was administered as a pretest . and posttest. No significant difference in mean scores was found on the Harter scale. ·Average spelling test …

Effects Of Sign Language On Letter-Sound Recognition Of A Non-Hearing Impaired, Developmentally Delayed Student, Joanne Bear

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sign language on letter-sound recognition of a non-hearing impaired, developmentally delayed student. A single subject was probed on letter-sound recognition skills and then three letters were selected that the subject did not know. The subject was taught sign language (i.e., fingerspelling for each of the three letters and a sign for a cue word for each letter) to enhance letter recognition skills . Using a multiple probe across behaviors design, it was found that after three weeks sign language improved the subject's performance at letter recognition and naming of …

Transitioning Skills In Students With Learning Disabilities, Gayle W. Anderson

Theses & Honors Papers

A study was conducted in five counties in rural Southside Virginia regarding transitioning skills in students with learning disabilities. The sample consisted of 37 teachers of students with learning disabilities in grades four through eight. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the instructional time spent per week teaching transitioning skills. Transitioning skills were defined as skills directly related to independent, adult living. Results indicated that while the majority of the teachers taught transitioning skills to their students with learning disabilities, less than half had received instruction on how to teach these skills. Less than one third of …

Criteria For Students To Exit From Elementary School Learning Disability Programs, Hannah G. Vaughan

Theses & Honors Papers

Criteria for students to exit from elementary school learning disability programs were studied. A survey was sent to Special Education supervisors in public school districts in Virginia to gather information concerning LD exit criteria. It was predicted that most school divisions would not have criteria for exiting from their elementary learning disabilities programs. Discussion presented possible exit criteria from elementary school learning disability programs in Virginia. Much of the research found focuses on the needs of the regular education teacher or the school division rather than on the needs of the child. Eligibility and exit criteria were surprisingly similar in …

Increasing Sociability Towards Students With Disabilities Through Interaction And Education, Ann Fleshman

Theses & Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

Level Systems In Classrooms For The Behaviorally Disordered, Samantha Kyle

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examines the use of level systems in classrooms for students with behavioral disorders. One hundred surveys were sent to 31 counties in the state of Virginia . The survey was given to teachers of students with behavioral disorders. Seventy three surveys were returned from the 20 participating counties. From this survey it was determined that 52% of the responding teachers are using level systems in their classrooms. It was also determined that 86% use the level system with students who are behaviorally disordered .

Using A Time Delay Procedure To Increase Pragmatic Language Skills With A Child With Neurological Impairments, Karla Gravitt

Theses & Honors Papers

Many studies have researched increasing language skills using a time delay procedure with children with autism and children with mental retardation, but there is little existing literature using a time delay procedure to increase language skills with children with neurological impairments. The purpose of this study was to show how time delay could increase pragmatic skills in a child with neurological impairments . The following single subject study was designed to test the hypothesis that three self care words could be taught, using a time delay procedure, to enable a child with neurological impairments to function more independently in social …

Experiences And Attitudes Of Post-Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities In Public And Private College Settings, Laura A. Goodell

Theses & Honors Papers

Research and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 101 -476) suggest students with learning disabilities need a transition program from high school to post-secondary education. This study examines the attitudes and experiences of twenty students with learning disabilities who attend three different colleges in Virginia. These students were identified as having a learning disability prior to post-secondary education. One of the colleges that participated was public and co-educational. The other two were private, one all-male, and one all-female. This study also attempts to identify correlations between special education services in the high school and student's attitudes and success …

Accessibility Of Computers For Students With Mild Mental Retardation, Christopher Paul Stapleton

Theses & Honors Papers

As computers move into America's public schools, their accessibility and use have come under scrutiny. Often individuals with mild mental retardation are considered last in decisions regarding the allocation of technological resources such as computers. The purpose of this research was to determine if children with mild mental retardation have access to computers, and if so, how computers are used by these children. Results indicate that in Virginia's county public school systems students with mild mental retardation have access to computers and use those computers primarily for academic purposes.

Examining The Need For An Elementary/Middle To Secondary School Level Transition Plan For Students With Learning Disabilities, Deborah C. Roller

Theses & Honors Papers

The need for a transition plan to ease the progression of students with learning disabilities from the elementary and middle school grades to the secondary environment was examined in this study. Surveys were distributed and completed by 30 special education teachers in grades 5-8, 10 special education-learning disabilities teachers in grades 9-10, and 42 regular education-content area teachers in one school system. In addition to demographic data on respondents, information was gathered on instruction and student ability in the areas of academic skills, academic support skills, and social/behavioral skills. The characteristics of current modes and levels of planning were also …

The Use Of Collaboration Among General Educators And Special Educators As A Means Of Educating Students With Learning Disabilities, Joan Dooley

Theses & Honors Papers

Progress is being made toward the collaboration between general education and special education. Collaboration is a slow process, however, for it to be effective it takes time, careful planning, and programs to better train teachers. Teachers who are involved in the collaborative process report that time and careful planning are of utmost importance when using collaborative teaching methods to educate students with learning disabilities. Eighty-one percent of general educators and 91% of special educators agree that there is not adequate planning time set aside for collaborative teaching strategies and/or lesson planning. General educators and special educators also agree that there …

Improving The Perception Students With Learning Disabilities Have Of Students With Mental Retardation Through Peer Tutoring, Sarah R. Raffetto

Theses & Honors Papers

A quasi-experimental design was used to test two hypotheses : that peer tutoring would alter the perception that students with learning disabilities held of students with mental retardation and that the peer tutoring program would improve the spelling scores of both the tutors and the tutees . Two classes of 17 students with learning disabilities and students with mental retardation served as the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to calculate the significance of the program. The analysis of the results showed a trend towards improvement in perception that the tutors held of students with mental retardation, but because …

A Comparison Of The Perceptions Of Classroom Environments Between Students In Collaborative Classes And Students In Resource Classes, Mary Ann O'Neill

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of classroom environments between students in collaborative classes (n=13) and students in resource classes {n=40) as measured by the Classroom Environment Scale. Due to research limitations descriptive statistics were used to interpret the results of the study . Findings positively favored the use of collaborative teaching as a service delivery model for the instruction of students with learning disabilities .

Spontaneous Communication With The Autistic Child: A Single Subject Design, Amy Norris

Theses & Honors Papers

Many studies have researched time delay procedures and generalization but there is little existing literature as to using the computer as a communication device with autistic children. The purpose of this study was to show how time delay procedures could increase spontaneous communication in a autistic child on a computer. The subject for this study is an eleven year old autistic male. His speech has been labeled dysparxic, and he has Tourette's Syndrome. A multiple probe design was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and point-by-point method (number of immediate responses divided by number of immediate responses plus modeled …