Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Understanding And Evaluating Components Of Performance Feedback And Behavior Skills Training To Support Teacher Candidates Via Remote Video Observation, Ashlee Smethers

Doctoral Dissertations

This pilot study focused on the experiences and perceptions of 60 teacher candidates from a large university in the Southeast United States. The researcher examined their use of remote video observations, performance feedback, and behavior skills training as a coaching strategy from their education preparation programs by university supervisors. The study involved the use of the researcher-developed Remote Video Observation and Performance Feedback Tool (RVO+PF Tool). Through factor analysis and statistical analyses, the researcher gained insights into the challenges of using remote video observation, the types and quality of performance feedback, and the components of coaching teacher candidates received. The …

Applying Implementation Supports To Professional Development To Improve Implementation Of The Caught Being Good Game, Dylan Zimmerman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Disruptive behavior in the classroom can cause challenges for both teachers and students, creating high levels of teacher stress and preventing students from accessing academic instruction. Training on evidence-based classroom management is often resource-intensive and has inconsistent impact on teacher behavior in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of professional development on paraprofessionals' treatment fidelity of the Caught Being Good Game. We used a multiple baseline design to provide a tiered model of professional development to provide the least intensive level necessary to support implementation. Results indicate that all four teachers successfully implemented most …

Predicting Individual Hiking Trail Intensity Using Statistical Learning, Kelci Hannan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Hiking is an increasingly popular choice for people wanting to engage in recreation and physical activity. It not only offers the many benefits of exercise but also the opportunity to explore nature and to socialize. To ensure that new hikers are prepared to hike and remain safe while on the trail, knowledge of a hiking trail's difficulty is important. Trail difficulty information is sometimes available at the trailhead if the trail is well-trafficked and maintained but is nearly always available online or through a hiking-specific mobile application, such as AllTrails. Both trailhead and online sources provide only one difficulty rating …

An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences And Decision-Making Processes Of Alternative Education Teachers Using An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Ashley Irene Zehner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with behavioral challenges and mental health concerns have unique academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Due to high student to teacher ratio and lack of mental health and behavioral resources, some students may not have their needs met in a public school general education setting. An option that can be a better solution for these students due to lower student to teacher ratio, mental health resources, and behavioral support is schooling in alternative schools. This study explored the daily routines and the decision-making process of alternative educators as they work to meet the multifaceted needs of their students. Using an …

Understanding The Emergence Of Self-Determination In Children With Disabilities Through Family Experiences In Early Childhood: A Qualitative Study, Karen K. Lange

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract A person’s ability to be self-determined begins to develop through the earliest interactions in life within the context of the family and caregiving environments. This qualitative phenomenological study of the experiences of eight parents representing seven families of young children explored how families promote their children’s early development of the skills, abilities, and attitudes of self-determination. The critical importance of the family context for the promotion of self-determination in young children is seen in the four themes that emerged from the experiences shared by these families. (1) The family context is transformed by a child with a disability, changing …

Preparing Tutors For Assessment, Data-Based Instruction, And Reflective Practice, Tiffany L. Gallagher, Pelusa Orellana García, Barbara Vokatis, Tracy Johnson, Leslie Cavendish, Mary L. Hoch, Rachael Waller, Shelly S. Huggins

Literacy Practice and Research

This international survey-design study gathered data from 22 literacy clinic directors to garner their insights on how they prepare tutors to work with struggling readers. The respondents describe how they guide tutors to use assessment data to inform instructional decisions about lesson plan design, strategic approaches, texts, and resources. The results also elucidate how tutors reflect on their lessons based on feedback about their tutoring and the impacts on their students. There is an illustration of how literacy clinics support tutors to provide enhanced instruction while contributing to an understanding of the role of literacy clinics within teacher education.

Educators' Knowledge And Confidence About Teaching Students With Exceptionalities, Allison E. Horsley

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Ontario teachers, who work with students of varying strengths and needs, must address the challenges posed by numerous exceptionalities. This study recruited both elementary and secondary in-service teachers (N= 95) and examined teachers’ knowledge and confidence in teaching students with exceptionalities. Findings reveal that teachers feel less confident in teaching students who are deaf/Hard of Hearing and blind/low vision, while they feel most confident in teaching students with learning disabilities and behavioural exceptionalities. Despite self-reported knowledge in behavioural exceptionalities, teachers expressed a need for additional support. Teachers are also more confident in assessing strengths than needs and implementing accommodations over …

Combined Academic And Behavioral Supports For Struggling Readers With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Danika Helen Lang

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The present study aims to examine the effects of a combination of academic and behavioral supports on students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) who are also struggling readers. A multiple baseline across participants single case design was used to measure the impact of an evidence-based systematic phonics program, in combination with instruction in self-monitoring and self-evaluation via goal setting, on students’ word identification/decoding skills, oral reading fluency, and on-task behavior. Curriculum-based progress monitoring measures in nonsense word fluency and oral reading fluency were used to assess participants’ progress in reading. Momentary time sampling was the behavior recording method used to measure …

Experiences Of Educators In Implementing Mindfulness In K-6 Special Education Transition Settings: A Case Study, Matthew David Bilchak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study will be to understand the perspectives of implementing mindfulness-based interventions for special education teachers in elementary special education transition settings. The theory guiding this study involves experiential learning, which requires students and educators to acquire skills to promote self-regulation actively. A qualitative case study approach provides insight into the advantages and challenges of implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) to understand elementary special education teachers' perceptions. Ten educators from rural Pennsylvania school districts compromise the sample pool. Collection methods include interviews, lesson plan analysis, and surveys. Triangulation of data reveals how educators in special education transition …

Social Skill Development In Teenagers With Autism Who Are Homeschooled In Rural Southwest: A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experience Of Caregivers, Sondra J. Bistline

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the caregiver's lived experience of social skill development in their teenage or young adult students who have autism. Vygotsky's social constructivism theory frames the structure of social development within the student's family, community, and local culture. The central research question guiding this study was, what were the caregivers' lived experiences of social interactions with their homeschooled teenager or young adult diagnosed with autism? All participants were caregivers of teenage or young adult students diagnosed with autism who received all or part of their schooling through homeschooling, micro-schooling, or habilitation services …

A Phenomenological Study Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy In Special Education Classrooms, Ashley Deluccia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe experiences of dialectical behavior therapy for special education teachers at a large, suburban school district in the Southeast United States. The theory guiding this study was Bandura's social cognitive theory (SCT), as it explains how new behaviors are learned and acquired. The central research question was: What are special education teachers' experiences of dialectical behavior therapy at a suburban school district in the Southeast United States? This qualitative design utilizes a phenomenological method. The sample included 12 special education teachers in behavior classrooms receiving dialectical behavior therapy. The setting was …

Performance Feedback Influence On Special Education Teacher Self-Efficacy, Margaret Stout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative true experimental pretest posttest design research study was conducted to determine the effect two types of performance feedback had on overall special education teacher efficacy and instructional strategies efficacy. Determining the effect is important because teacher efficacy positively impacts student academic outcomes. In-service public school special education teachers who teach students with low incidence disabilities from Virginia were randomly assigned to two different virtual trainings where the Teachers Sense of Efficacy Scale was used as both the pre-training and post-training instrument. An ANCOVA was performed on the data resulting in the first null hypothesis being rejected and the …

The Lived Experiences Of Active-Duty Military Parents Caring For A Child With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Grades 6 - 12: A Phenomenological Study, Anna Marie Douglas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard military parents concerning their efforts to cultivate an environment of academic success for their children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Bowlby and Ainsworth's theory on attachment guided this study, explaining the correlation between insecure attachments and the display of worsening ADHD symptoms when breaking or not adequately establishing a secure attachment. The method this research study used was phenomenological hermeneutic. The sample for this study included 10 active-duty and Reserve military parents with at least one child diagnosed with ADHD and …

The Level Of Awareness Of Primary School Teachers About Fluency Skill And Teaching Strategies, Ghaida Nasser Alsharekh, Abdullah Ahmed Alghamdi

International Journal for Research in Education

The current study aimed to reveal the level of primary school teachers' awareness of the skill of reading fluently and the strategies for teaching it, and to reveal the impact of the study variables (teacher's gender, specialization, degree, number of years of experience), and accordingly. A questionnaire consisting of twenty-three statements was designed to measure the level of awareness of stage teachers. Elementary reading skills and teaching strategies: (awareness of reading fluently and its elements, strategies for teaching reading fluently). The researchers applied the tool to 340 primary teachers. The results of the study showed that the level of primary …

The Perceptions Of Teachers Of Students With Autism Regarding Using Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) To Improve Social Skills In Saudi Arabia, Salman Almughyiri

International Journal for Research in Education

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of teachers of autistic students in Riyadh and Jeddah regarding the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to improve social skills. Methodology: I used a qualitative method to analyze phenomena under inquiry from three different data points: surveys (n=51), interviews (n=6), and phenomenologically (n=2). Results: The findings indicated that some of the main factors affecting how teachers view and utilize evidence-based practice (EBP) in their scope of practice are refresher training, skills, knowledge, peer support, and institutional policies. Discussion and conclusion were discussed.

Keywords …

Implicit Bias And Least Restrictive Environment: Perceptions Of Certified Educators, Christen Papallo

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This narrative inquiry study explored the lived experiences of Connecticut’s certified educators related to implicit bias and student placement. The theory of intersectionality suggests that implicit bias is present within all individuals (Crenshaw, 2017). Thus, there is a natural propensity for implicit bias, specific to ability, among school personnel. The problem to be addressed is the need for a greater understanding of how the natural existence

of implicit bias among certified educators impacts their view of student capabilities and

achievement, thus impacting placement decisions in the classroom. Eight participants completed individual, semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed, re-storied and member checked. …

Evaluating The Impact Of Special Education Coaching Support, Jennifer Clairmont

Education Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the problem of historically low reading achievement among students receiving special education services (SpEd) in the North Texas Independent School District (NTISD). The research aimed to evaluate the impact of SpEd instructional coaching support for middle school resource RLA (RLA) teachers as an intervention to improve student reading outcomes and better understand teachers’ perceptions of coaching support. Using an Improvement Science approach with Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, the study employed a mixed-methods design to assess the impact of SpEd coaching support provided during the 2023- 2024 school year. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a teacher survey …

Authentic Assessment For Children With Language Considerations: Early Identification And Connection To Services, Karen Zyskind, Marisa Macy

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

Early identification of delay or disability is critical in the early years when children are developing. Yet practices for early identification are often rife with challenges for the families of young children. Part C of the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) was authorized almost 40 years ago, mandating that children with developmental disability or developmental delay be identified and fairly assessed to obtain high quality early intervention services. An overview of the components of Fair Assessment and legal requirements are highlighted in this article. An outline for recommended practices and …

Authentic Assessment For Early Childhood Intervention: In-Vivo & Virtual Practices For Interdisciplinary Professionals, Stephen J. Bagnato, Marisa Macy, Carmen Dionne, Nora Smith, Jackie Robinson Brock, Tracy Larson, Maria Londono, Antonio Fevola, Mary Beth Bruder, Jamie Cranmer

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

Abstract

The pandemic has exposed the many glaring difficulties inherent in implementing effective assessment and intervention for young children with neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities in our respective countries, but, especially in the US. The urgency for innovative models of assessment linked to interdisciplinary services and supports in both remote and in-vivo settings became prominent. Yet, the commitment to developmentally-appropriate practice (DAP), assessment linked to intervention, is the hallmark of ECI, whether virtual or in-vivo.

However, interdisciplinary professionals have rallied during these challenging times by displaying creativity, compassion, and superb clinical judgment in providing responsive services via both virtual and in-vivo …

Link Virtual Forum On Authentic Assessment For Early Childhood Intervention: Interdisciplinary & International Consensus, Stefano J. Bagnato, Marisa Macy, Nora Smith, Carmen Dionne, Mary Beth Bruder, Maria Londono, Jackie Robinson Brock, Antonio Fevola, Tracy Larson

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

The LINK Virtual Forum on Authentic Assessment for Early Childhood Intervention: Interdisciplinary & International Consensus was orchestrated through a series of virtual focus-groups during the pandemic in 2021-2022. This new strategy for conducting a more robust national/international consumer social validity study gathered practice-based evidence from the field using national and international expert panel focus groups and an expert panel forum to survey Authentic Assessment experts and users. Uniquely, these deliberations relied upon the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) among participants to reach consensus decisions and Qualtrics survey results. The decision-making process addressed types of assessment measures that address early childhood …

How Do Teacher Perceptions And Biases Affect Or Influence Student Behavior, Benjamin K. Keohane

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The purpose of this research project and professional development series is to shed light on the influence and effect that teacher biases, perceptions, and interactions have on student behavior. Often, teachers become apprehensive when exceptional students attend their class. This notion is amplified if the student is accompanied with a behavior intervention plan or a disability that manifests as externalizing behavior. In many cases, teachers report a lack of proper training in behavior mitigation strategies that extend beyond common, general education practices. If schools are to promote an inclusive environment, all teachers require the background knowledge to properly implement and …

I’M Not A Writer, I’M An Alpaca: Preferences And Perspectives Of Emergent Writers, Shaya Helbig

Waldo Library Student Exhibits

This case study explored preschool children’s perspectives and preferences in writing. While the voices of children are valued in research, often it is the voice of the adult researcher that emerges through their interpretations of the children’s perspectives (Harcourt & Sargent, 2011). In addition, research focusing on children’s interest in writing is limited (Rowe & Neitzel, 2010). The focal study held three focus group sessions, framed by Write, Draw, Show, and Tell (Noonan et al., 2016) with four preschool-aged children in order to better understand their preferences in writing materials, and their perceptions and understanding of writing. Data sources included …

Promoting Academic And Social Well-Being For Young Adults With Asd Towards Post-Secondary Education And Employment, Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate …

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder In A Special Education Classroom: A Reflective Inquiry, Dion J. Barrett Ms.

Essays in Education

Abstract This essay is comprised with reflective experiences with sensory processing disorder (SPD) in the classroom as a new teacher. Challenges that were experienced when navigating SPD and its characteristics. Initially unaware of SPD and its nuanced characteristics, significant hurdles were shared. SPD can be mishandled and mislabeled and can lead to learning barriers and emotional triggers. I describe ways to engaged in appropriate interventions and accommodations that work when applied correctly, timely, and specific. From this experience, I was able to create my own sensory solution that serves the needs of all my sensational learners in the classroom. A …

Improving Cohesion Between General Education And Special Education Departments, Jacob Haugmo

Graduate Teacher Education

Cohesion between general education and special education departments is the idea of blending and aligning instructional methods and approaches regardless of educational discipline. This paper was written to examine how this cohesion can be improved. Educational leaders must improve cohesion between general education and special education departments to support the academic achievement and success of all students in schools. Through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies, methods to improve this cohesion were researched. The research provided insight on how general education and special education teachers feel about collaboration and how collaborative efforts can be utilized to improve cohesion. These collaborative …

Supporting The Diverse Academic Needs Of Students In An Ontario Independent School, Lisa Kresky

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

This dissertation-in-practice delves into student success coaching at Parkview (pseudonym), noting gaps in support for diverse academic needs within the school’s strategic plan for a learner-driven ecosystem. Overwhelmed student success coaches struggle to aid all students, creating the need for change. The problem of practice is the lack of a comprehensive strategy at Parkview to support all students’ academic needs in a personalized learning environment. As such, this study aims to redefine roles, prioritize student needs, support inclusive classrooms, and shift mindsets toward strengths-based approaches for equitable academic success. This dissertation-in-practice utilizes a teacher instructional leadership approach from an ecological …

Perspectives Of College Students With Disabilities Regarding Their High School Transition Experience: Notes For High School Transition Planning, Lindsay Hartzler, Kitty Dong, Andrew Johnson Kliethermes, Kaitlyn Sandheinrich, Mark Wheatley

Dissertations

Students with disabilities face many challenges as they transition to postsecondary education. These students are often unprepared for the rigor of postsecondary academics; they often lack self-efficacy skills and have limited awareness of postsecondary supports or cannot successfully access them. This study aims to give voice to college students with disabilities to inform practices of high school personnel involved with transition and higher education professionals supporting them. Using Kohler’s Transition Taxonomy 2.0 (2016), researchers sought to study the perspectives of eleven college students on their high school transition experiences in the areas of academic preparedness, self-advocacy skills, and experiences with …

Enhancing Student Engagement: Exploring The Participating, Investing, And Driving Pathways Of A Continuum Framework, Bryan Matera

Essays in Education

This article examines three levels of student engagement on a specified continuum and includes actionable strategies that can be implemented by practitioners in the field of Education. The writing highlights the three necessary components that lead to increased student engagement and lands on the work of a specific framework to progress this research forward. As students become increasingly involved in their learning experiences and engagement opportunities, students will tend to climb the student engagement continuum toward a more active role in their own learning.

Conducting Culturally Responsive, Strengths-Based Assessment In Schools, Eileen Cullen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Special education assessment has a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. However, traditional assessment practices have been critiqued as being deficit-based, overly focused on “labeling” students, and failing to provide a holistic understanding of the student. Assessment models such as strengths-based assessment (SBA) and culturally responsive assessment (CRA), have potential to addresses these critiques and be more appropriate for the growingly diverse school population. Despite this, these models of assessment are under studied and there is a lack of clear guidance for how practitioners should implement them.

In these manuscripts, CRA and SBA are …

Middle School Teachers' Perceptions Of The Use Of Serious Games For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Latoyia R. Stewart

Journal of Research Initiatives

Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood neurodevelopment disorder, and severe digital game use has recently shown significant promise in this psychotherapeutic area. Digital serious games have also been used as an innovative teaching and learning approach. This study aimed to explore middle school teachers' perceptions of the use of digital severe games for students with ADHD. The conceptual framework for this study was Sherry's model of game engagement. The two research questions for this basic qualitative study focused on middle school teacher perceptions regarding the benefits and challenges related to the use of digital serious games …