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Full-Text Articles in Special Education and Teaching

Trauma-Informed Practices And Their Effects On Student Behaviors, Stephanie Haman Jul 2021

Trauma-Informed Practices And Their Effects On Student Behaviors, Stephanie Haman

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

There is a growing number of educators, schools, and parents that are looking to trauma-informed practices as beneficial to educating the whole child. This literature review aimed to explore if whether implementing these practices is worth the time and money needed to achieve the full benefits of these programs. Database websites were used to gather peer reviewed journal articles for the researched information in this literature review. When creating trauma-informed schools there are significant challenges that come into play such as the cost of implementation and taking away instructional time to implement said practices. However, the current findings of this …


The Use Of A Token Economy To Help Motivate Students, Shelley Hudachek Jul 2021

The Use Of A Token Economy To Help Motivate Students, Shelley Hudachek

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research was to determine if a token economy would help motivate students to show appropriate behaviors. This action research was motivated by the researcher's own classroom observations of student behaviors and how students are motivated to show appropriate behaviors. The researcher is a special education teacher in her seventh year of teaching. Her own students participated in the implementation of a token economy intervention to help motivate them to show fewer disruptive and noncompliant behaviors. This study took place over a seven-week period where a token economy was introduced and implemented daily. The data reflects …


Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jasmin Williams Jul 2021

Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jasmin Williams

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The number of school-aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing over the past decades. As the students enter the education system, school districts and educators face challenges in meeting the academic needs of students with ASD. A 2014 report by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that although ASD varies significantly in severity, it occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is almost five times more common among boys than girls. Thus, contemporary education professionals in all schools are likely to work with students with ASD (CDC, 2014). Teachers in …


Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke Jul 2021

Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review will act as a guide for implementing quality inclusion effectively in preschool classrooms. The inclusion of children with special needs in education is of concern to educators worldwide. "Inclusive education involves the transformation of the education system-legislation and policy, systems for financing, administration, design, delivery, and monitoring of the education and the way schools are organized" (Zabeli & Gjelaj, 2020, p. 3). This literature review examines the variables predicting overall quality, curriculum, training, tools for communication and engagement, teacher views, and peer interaction pertaining to inclusion in prekindergarten classrooms. Two themes were constant in the research: training …


Serving Students With Special Needs During Covid-19 Pandemic, Tara Redenius Apr 2021

Serving Students With Special Needs During Covid-19 Pandemic, Tara Redenius

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has largely disrupted every aspect of human life. At the height of the pandemic, the states governments' suspended in-person learning in the United States to reduce coronavirus spread through human contact. The suspension was followed by policies enabling the implementation of online learning for all students with special needs, caregivers, and educators in different ways. The closure of schools has disrupted student's routine, made caregivers assume the teacher's role, and required educators to shift to online learning. This literature review evaluates changes in managing students with special needs by highlighting the shift in teaching, …


Effective Practices For Reducing The Use Of Restraint And Seclusion, Deborah Barry Apr 2021

Effective Practices For Reducing The Use Of Restraint And Seclusion, Deborah Barry

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Restraint and seclusion are harmful practices that are often imposed upon vulnerable student populations. This literature review examines the prevalence of such practices, the ethical considerations associated with their use, and effective strategies for limiting their use. The research reveals the importance of evidence-based approaches in reducing restraint and seclusion practices. Models that utilize compassionate, trauma-informed care and promote emotional regulation strategies are shown to be the most successful in reducing the use of these detrimental behavior management practices. One specific approach, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), was found to incorporate each of these elements into a model that minimizes …


Social-Emotional Learning And Educator Implementation, Jennifer Grossman Apr 2021

Social-Emotional Learning And Educator Implementation, Jennifer Grossman

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores social and emotional learning in the elementary classroom and how educators can help support students to be academically successful. Social and emotional learning is critical to students and their success in the classroom. Social and emotional learning is defined and interventions are explained. This literature review will explore educator support, implementation, interventions, and academic achievement. Three social and emotional learning interventions are explored. The interventions are imperative in the success of every student. An analysis of social and emotional learning interventions suggests that students are academically more successful if they receive social and emotional learning interventions. …


Mental Health And Mindfulness In Education, Kelsey Malmanger Oct 2020

Mental Health And Mindfulness In Education, Kelsey Malmanger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many students struggle with mental health issues, which can cause intense classroom behaviors, such as, physical aggression, verbal outburst, physical refusals, and elopements. These behaviors are creating stressful learning environments for both teachers and students. Teachers are looking for more strategies to help them manage their classroom and create a positive learning environment. One strategy that has become more present in recent years is mindfulness. This literature review examines research that has been conducted on mindfulness interventions and practices and explores the connection between mindfulness and mental health, as well as, how they both affect classroom behaviors.


Elements Of A Trauma-Informed School, Kimberly Avitt Oct 2020

Elements Of A Trauma-Informed School, Kimberly Avitt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the research of what makes a trauma-informed school and what interventions are effective in implementing trauma-informed teaching practices to help students with past traumatic experiences become more success in school. Research documents a large number of students who have experienced trauma and that this trauma has a significant impact on a child’s development, both cognitive and social. Teachers and schools are at the forefront of this problem and ideally suited to address this problem. This literature review revealed key areas to focus when implementing trauma-informed teaching practices. These include relationships, resiliency, and climate and culture.


The Formative Assessment Process: Influence And Impact, Tawyne A. Gibson Oct 2020

The Formative Assessment Process: Influence And Impact, Tawyne A. Gibson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research study investigated how formative data use influences teaching and learning, and what impact the formative process has on student outcomes. The study took place in a first-grade classroom with a group of five students over the course of four weeks. Participants were selected for the study because they scored in the 2nd to 11th percentile rank on the FastBridge Early Reading English assessment. Quantitative data was collected weekly for each of the four weeks using FastBridge Word Segmenting progress monitoring and then compared to baseline data taken before the study. A one-way between subjects ANOVA test was …


Research-Based Early Literacy Interventions Or Teacher-Created Early Literacy, Sonja Carson Oct 2020

Research-Based Early Literacy Interventions Or Teacher-Created Early Literacy, Sonja Carson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if research-based early literacy interventions are more effective than teacher-created early literacy interventions with special education students on letter identification and letter sound recognition. Before the interventions began the students were given the Foundational Skills Survey in Letter Identification and Letter Sound Recognition by Really Great Reading. This score was the baseline for the reported data. For eight weeks the researcher instructed the students using a research-based reading intervention from Really Great Reading's Countdown focused on letter identification and letter sound recognition. This was done in addition to the general …


Physical Activity Breaks Improve Student Learning, Nicole Nielsen Oct 2020

Physical Activity Breaks Improve Student Learning, Nicole Nielsen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to look at how physical activity or movement breaks impact students' academic achievement in the classroom. The literature provides several studies done by different researchers and the positive effects physical activity breaks have on students and their performance and behaviors in the classroom. Teachers are always looking for ways to keep students motivated and focused so they can perform well on tasks and assessments in schools. The literature that was reviewed shows how each of the studies reported positive results for brain and health development as well as increasements in academics for students …


Sensory Integration Therapy For Students With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer Bell Oct 2020

Sensory Integration Therapy For Students With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennifer Bell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Children with autism spectrum disorders often struggle socially and emotionally in the classroom setting due to overstimulation. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize research on the effects of Dr. A. Jean Ayre's sensory integration therapy intervention for students with an autism spectrum disorder, specifically as they are applied in the classroom. Ayres was an occupational therapist, educational psychologist, and an advocate for individuals with special needs. Dr. Ayres developed the sensory integration therapy approach, or SIT, in the 1970s, and SIT has since been used by hundreds of occupational therapists around the world. Overall, sensory integration therapy …


The Impact Of Game-Based Learning In A Special Education Classroom, Mckenzi James Jul 2020

The Impact Of Game-Based Learning In A Special Education Classroom, Mckenzi James

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Every school has at least one student who has a learning disability or struggles with academics. Every school also has teachers with the ability to reach out to struggling students, using traditional and nontraditional approach to learning. Game-based learning is a nontraditional approach which introduces students to game-based learning instead of more traditional paper and pencil activities. Multiple researchers have found game-based learning raised test scores, allowed for hands on social skill lessons, and has helped generate a positive environment for students. A few researchers shared the negative impacts of game-based learning, including the lack of transferability of skills for …


Social Development Through A Lunch Buddy Program, Amy Coon Apr 2020

Social Development Through A Lunch Buddy Program, Amy Coon

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The intent of this literature review is to discuss the necessity of a lunch buddy program for students in special education. The review fist looks at the process of inclusive education and the effect that the educational movement has had on students in special education. Inclusion is defined as well as the impact it has on an individual's social development. Using research-based evidence, the review will also establish the importance of peer buddy programs for the social development of students in special education. A lunch buddy program will provide special education teachers with the means to assist their students during …


Effects Of Special Education And Feeling Of Inclusion, Jacob Hergott Apr 2020

Effects Of Special Education And Feeling Of Inclusion, Jacob Hergott

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The inclusion of students with special needs in a general education classroom has been a growing topic in education. This paper reviews literature that researched the effects of special education on student's feelings of inclusion in school. The literature used in this paper examines how teachers, peers, and placement effects student's experiences of inclusion. Additionally the literature examined how other countries approach special education along with the barriers special education students face. Previous research found that the peers, teachers, and placement all have a significant impact on a student's experience both negatively and positively. Italy was found to have the …


Feedback And The Effects On Progress Monitoring, Dana Peschon Apr 2020

Feedback And The Effects On Progress Monitoring, Dana Peschon

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research paper was to explore the effects of timing of feedback on progress monitoring scores for students in special education. Ten students, grade nine through eleven, completed AIMSweb math application progress monitoring twice per month and received feedback on their results. The control group was provided with delayed feedback during the week in between testing periods while the treatment group received immediate feedback after completing the probe. Feedback consisted of the total number of points earned, what questions were answered correctly, and the researcher working through missed problems with the student. All students were provided …


Peer Modeling Vs. Teacher Modeling For The Inclusive Preschool Classroom, Joshalyn Loutsch Apr 2020

Peer Modeling Vs. Teacher Modeling For The Inclusive Preschool Classroom, Joshalyn Loutsch

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of peer modeling versus teacher modeling for students with special needs within the inclusive preschool setting. Data was collected for three different developmental areas for students with special needs: social emotional, language, and cognitive abilities. The data gathered determined that both peer modeling and teacher modeling are effective teaching strategies for students with special needs, but it is unclear whether one strategy is more efficient than the other is. Preschool is the foundation for a child's education and teachers need research-based strategies to implement quality instruction for students with special …


How Do Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) Systems Impact Students, Melinda Rice Apr 2020

How Do Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) Systems Impact Students, Melinda Rice

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper will focus on communication and why it is so important during literacy routines in the classroom. The research will serve as a gateway into understanding the world of how communication and literacy tie together and what the impact of using Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices could do for a student. The research will focus on emergent literacy routines for students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex communication needs and to what degree the communication systems help the students communicate and com-prehend the questions being asked of them.


The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Instruction For Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Amanda Smith Apr 2020

The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Instruction For Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Amanda Smith

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of explicit instruction of peer-mediated strategies for students who have disabilities but who are not on the autism spectrum in the inclusive preschool classroom environment. There has been a large amount of research surrounding peer-mediated strategies and how students on the autism spectrum benefit from it, but there has been very minimal research that includes students with disabilities who are not on the spectrum. Data was collected to determine what the effect that this intervention had on four students in the areas of social behavior and social communication. …


Impact Of Phonics Instruction For Readers At Risk, Erin Driesen Apr 2020

Impact Of Phonics Instruction For Readers At Risk, Erin Driesen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research study investigated the impact of phonics instruction for readers who are considered to be at risk in their reading performance. For six weeks, the researcher implemented phonics instruction to two 2nd grade students. This instruction was completed in a small-group setting in the resource room. At the beginning of the week, the students were given assessments to see which phonics skills they were missing, then they received instruction based on those skills. Quantitative data was collected at the beginning, middle, and end of the six weeks. This information was collected by using a Diagnostic Decoding Survey and …


Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Effect On Student Behavior, Katie Herther Apr 2020

Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Effect On Student Behavior, Katie Herther

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and the impact on a student’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral abilities. In this paper I will explore how brain development, as well as environmental factors, can all address the behavior of a student and the consequences of that behavior. This literary review features studies on ACEs and its relationship to brain development, chronic absenteeism, retention and dropout rates, behavioral problems, and academic achievement. In addition, studies about crime, school intervention, and community intervention help to further explain how ACEs impacts the behaviors of individuals. This paper …


Family/Caregiver Engagement In Early Intervention, Jessica Hawkins Oct 2019

Family/Caregiver Engagement In Early Intervention, Jessica Hawkins

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research has shown that the early years of child development and intervention that occurs during those years has a large impact on the architecture of the brain which creates a sturdy or fragile foundation for overall developmental and success later in a child’s life (Shonkoff & Bales, 2011). For children with or at risk for disabilities, early intervention programs were developed to assist with increasing a child’s success or closing the gap if one exists. For the purposes of this literature review, the early years and early childhood are referring to children ages birth to age 3. Early intervention services …


Idea Compliant Transition Program For High School Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities, Crystal Lewis Jul 2019

Idea Compliant Transition Program For High School Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities, Crystal Lewis

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This is a literature review intended to investigate development of secondary school transition programs for students with mild to moderate disabilities, features of current transition programs, adopted curriculum and standards designations, and possible areas of improvement. It was expected that through reviewing compiled research there would be a clear sense of what a successful transition program should look like and what services it should provide. However, it was found that there are few successful models, and there continues to be little consensus or alignment amongst the nation on these areas. Since the 1800’s, secondary transition programs for students with mild …


Equipping Special Needs Ministries In The Church And/Or School, Leah Van Tol Jul 2019

Equipping Special Needs Ministries In The Church And/Or School, Leah Van Tol

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Inclusion of children, teens, and adults with various disabilities within religious settings, private schools, and church is less common than that of a public school or work environment. Inclusion reaches far beyond just invitations to events or places, it requires physical adaptations, attitude changes, and/or environmental changes. This review of literature provides a leader or educator with relevant research as well as how to start an inclusive religious program. It discusses how to include these individuals within the church setting as well as what the role of said leader or educator could or should be. It also provides numerous teaching …


How Are Students Placed In Special Education Treated With Equity And Provided A Free And Appropriate Education In The Least Restrictive Environment?, Elizabeth Matthies Jul 2019

How Are Students Placed In Special Education Treated With Equity And Provided A Free And Appropriate Education In The Least Restrictive Environment?, Elizabeth Matthies

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Special education legislation was introduced into America schools in 1975. The goal of the legislation was to ensure students with special needs were receiving and having access to a public education. Over the past nearly 45 years, special education legislation has evolved and also remained the same. The question becomes how has the legislation benefited the overall education for students with special needs? Has special education legislation allowed for students to have access to a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE)? Are students, who receive special education services, being provided equity in their education? This …


Benefits And Disadvantages Of Inclusion In An Elementary School Setting, Christina Sieber Jul 2019

Benefits And Disadvantages Of Inclusion In An Elementary School Setting, Christina Sieber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Students who receive special education services must be educated in the least restrictive setting. Inclusion in the general education classroom for students with special needs has become a controversial topic among educators and parents. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the benefits and disadvantages of an inclusive educational placement for elementary students with significant special needs. After an examination of the literature on inclusion, data will be shared to determine the possible benefits and disadvantages of a fully inclusive placement for students with significant special needs. The literature review will also provide an analysis of the research …


The Impact Of Explicit Social Skills Instruction And Increased Play In A Kindergarten Special Education Classroom, Samantha Klaren May 2019

The Impact Of Explicit Social Skills Instruction And Increased Play In A Kindergarten Special Education Classroom, Samantha Klaren

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of explicit social skills instruction and an increased amount of play in a kindergarten special education classroom. Data was collected to determine the effect that this intervention had on students’ behavior and academic progress. Data was collected through student referral data and Individualized Education Plan progress monitoring data. Analysis of the data collected suggested that this explicit social skills instruction and increase in play had a positive impact on student behavior in the school setting.


Benefits Of Modifications And Accommodations Training, Brandie J. Malm May 2019

Benefits Of Modifications And Accommodations Training, Brandie J. Malm

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine the relationship between modifications and accommodations training for school staff and the academic experience of special education students. Participants were three special education students in a public, inclusive, elementary school setting. Data was collected through I-Ready reading and math testing in August and December of this school year and compared to the same data from the previous year. The research question guiding this study was, would special education student’s educational experience improve when the special education teacher provides a comprehensive modifications and accommodations training for general education teachers and paraprofessionals? …


Does Goal Setting Make A Better Reader?, Elayna Bierle May 2019

Does Goal Setting Make A Better Reader?, Elayna Bierle

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research project looked at the relationship between goal setting and an increase in reading levels in six public school students in 4th and 5th grade with learning disabilities in reading. Data was collected through Individualized Education Plan progress reports and individual goals written by the students in connection with the Developmental Reading Assessment test over the fall 2018 semester. The data was compared to the 2018 spring semester IEP goal data from the previous school year when the students had not written goals.