Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Incorporating Culturally Relevant Practices To Improve Self-Efficacy And Engagement For Students With Disability Labels, Jennifer Chestnut Zingaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of middle school students with disability labels in the pull-out resource ELA setting when their teacher included culturally relevant practices. This study utilized qualitative teacher research inquiry methods, and data collection methods included student surveys, teacher journaling of class discussions and observations, and examination of student work samples. This study came about through the lack of culturally relevant pedagogy in the segregated, special education middle school ELA program. Students with disability labels who test below grade level on standardized assessments are placed in a small group, homogeneous classroom with …

Dynamics Of Proficiency In High-Tech Symbol-Based Aac: A Multiple Case Study Exploring The Process Of Five Students Becoming Proficient Aac Users With Support From Family And School Teams, Jennifer Ann Mcilvaine

Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative multiple case study, I collaborated with five students who identified as proficient high-tech symbol-based (HTSB) AAC users, along with seven of their school team members (STMs) and five of their (FTMs) to explore the process of learning to communicate proficiently using HTSB AAC. Data collection involved three rounds of accessible interviews with student AAC users, single interviews with their trusted STMs and FTMs, and an examination of artifacts and documents. Detailed case analyses were presented for each of the five cases in the study, which centered on students’ perspectives and experiences. The results from individual case analyses …

“You Have To First Recognize That There’S A Problem Before You Can Enact Change”: A Mixed-Methods Study Of General And Special Education Co-Teachers’ Critical Consciousness And Agency In Enacting Socially Just Inclusive Practices, Latifa Sebti

Theses and Dissertations

Inclusive education transcends the physical integration of students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, demanding a commitment toward socially just inclusive practices. The purpose of this exploratory mixed-methods study is to investigate inclusive co-teachers' critical consciousness and agency in socially just inclusive practices, specifically for students of color with disabilities. The quantitative phase, with a survey of 241 teachers, revealed a structural equation model showing relationships between critical awareness about intersectionality, attitudes toward inclusion, self-efficacy in inclusive teaching, agency, and critical action. The open-ended responses indicated two teacher profiles based on their level of critical consciousness. The qualitative phase included interviews …

An Inquiry On The Efficacy Of Choice And Preference As Catalysts For The Social And Community Inclusion Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Transformative Mixed-Methods Study, Mbuh Godwill Payne

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the efficacy of choice and preference as drivers for social and community inclusion among individuals with intellectual disabilities living in supervised apartments. The study unfolds through three distinct stages: Phase 1 - Quantitative, Phase 2 - Qualitative, and Phase 3 - Focus Group Discussions. In the Quantitative Phase, data collection is conducted to lay the foundation for the subsequent Qualitative interviews in Phase 2, which further inform the Focus Group Discussions in Phase 3. The research findings underscore the significance of environmental opportunities and support in facilitating increased social and community inclusion activities among individuals with intellectual …

Investigating Teachers’ Sensemaking Process And Experiences Of Working With Students With Labels Of Autism In Saudi Arabian Public Schools: A Qualitative Collective Case Study, Hind Alharbi

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I conducted a collective qualitative case study to understand the personal experiences and sensemaking processes that teachers developed to educate students with labels of autism in inclusion settings in Riyadh public schools. Specifically, I aimed to understand how teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding the inclusion of autistic students explained why teachers did what they did in their school context. In three rounds of semistructured interviews with eight teachers, participants explained their experiences and process of teaching students with autism. Participants also shared documents and artifacts to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of inclusion offered …

Conversations From The Field: Stakeholders’ Perspectives On Inclusive Education In Western Kenya, Brent Elder, Benson Oswago, Michelle L. Damiani

College of Education Departmental Research

In this article, we critically examine issues related to disability inclusive education in the global South. Specifically, we discuss our work on inclusive education in western Kenya. We acknowledge how such practices are often framed within global North perspectives, and use methodologies and approaches from these same spaces and places. Such methodologies tend to be steered by powerful stakeholders and donors that may not always be sensitive to local contexts, concerns, and demands. In this article, we outline how we incorporate Critical Disability Studies (CDS) to address these concerns while working towards a bottom-up approach with multiple local stakeholders of …

Meeting Them At "Tha" Crossroads: Examining General Education Teachers' Knowledge And Understanding Of Reaching And Teaching Black Boys With Disabilities, Benita Kluttz-Drye

Theses and Dissertations

Black boys with disabilities struggle in general education classrooms throughout the United States and face challenges and barriers regarding access, success, and equity. Educators must better understand how these students learn and create equitable opportunities by leveraging students' cultures, strengths, and knowledge. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods research study is to examine teachers' knowledge and understanding of enacting culturally responsive tenets. Four theoretical frameworks are used: Culturally Responsive Teaching (Gay, 2002b, 2018), Ethic of Care (Noddings, 2012), Differentiated Instruction (Tomlinson et al., 2003; Tomlinson, 2017), and Disability Studies and Critical Race Theory (Annamma et al., 2013). The …

Improving Read-Aloud Instruction In An Autism Preschool Classroom, Amanda M. Bruffy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to look at what literacy strategies can be implemented to engage autistic preschool students during read-aloud instruction. Through this qualitative case study, I conducted research to find strategies that would engage my students in a way that is purposeful, effective, and create instruction where students take something meaningful away from the lesson. The research was conducted in a self-contained preschool classroom with a focus on Autism. A teacher's journal, family questionnaire, observational and anecdotal notes were used and collected to analyze data from read-aloud instruction. The data that was collected was analyzed through the …

Integrating The Funds Of Knowledge To Impact The Literacy Learning Experience For Students With Disabilities, Stephanie Lyn Losasso

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact on the literacy learning experience for students with disabilities when integrating the funds of knowledge into the curriculum. Prior to this research, students were given books with no relevance to their at home literacy. The curriculum was missing components of a framework that included the sociocultural perspectives of diverse learners. The participants for this study were three eight year old students. Two of the students were males and the one student was a female. The study was conducted during a 30-minute pull-out reading support. The students were interviewed to gain …

Using Disability Studies In Education (Dse) And Professional Development Schools (Pds) To Implement Inclusive Practices, Brent Elder, Lesa Givens, Andrea Locastro, Lisa Rencher

College of Education Departmental Research

This article highlights ways in which disability studies in education (dse) and professional development school (pds) partnerships can be used to provide students with disability labels more access to inclusive classrooms. The authors of this qualitative exploratory case study interviewed 16 teacher and administration pds steering committee members to better understand how students with disability labels could be supported through the development and implementation of dse-informed inclusive practices. The findings indicate that instituting proactive communication structures, providing ongoing dse-informed professional development to teachers, administration, and staff, and teachers taking inclusive action increased the number of students with disability labels accessing …

“It Would Be Simpler To See Success Without Dominating Discourse Of Ability”, Casey L. Woodfield, Katherine Vroman, Jenn Seybert, Sujit Kurup, Jamie Burke, Christy Ashby, Brianna Dickens

College of Education Departmental Research

This paper engages with and reflects the college experiences of three college students/graduates who type to communicate, chronicled through ongoing conversations with one another and a group of co-inquirers, focused on understanding experiences in higher education. Grounded in a disability studies in education framework, this work draws on narrative inquiry and collaborative qualitative analysis of discussions over three years in a co-constructed digital interspace. Key findings include: the role of mentorship and connection; navigating the system; controlling the narrative; and traversing new methodological and relational landscapes. Together, these conversations about neurodivergent communicative experiences in higher education tell stories of agency, …

Review Of Communication Alternatives In Autism: Perspectives On Typing And Spelling Approaches For The Nonspeaking, Casey L. Woodfield

College of Education Departmental Research

This manuscript reviews Edlyn Vallejo Peña’s edited volume, Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking (2019). The volume includes ten chapters by autistic authors active in the field as activists, self-advocates, artists and leaders, along with Peña’s experiences as a parent and original research.

The Effects Of Movement Breaks In The Classroom On Reading, Kelly A. Simon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of an increase in physical activity in the classroom on (a) the on-task behavior of special education students and (b) the reading comprehension scores in a READ 180 classroom. The aim of this study is to identify teaching strategies that impact the behavior and academic success of students with special needs. Five sixth graders, three males and two females, with learning disabilities participated in the study. A single-subject ABAB design was used. During the baseline phases, students did independent reading and a reading comprehension assignment without movements immediately beforehand. During …

Direct Instruction In Blending And Segmenting Phonemes, Stephanie D. Minosse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how third grade special education students' reading abilities were affected after receiving direct instruction in phoneme segmentation and blending. During the study students spent an average of two weeks practicing segmenting phonemes and another two weeks blending phonemes utilizing various activities. The last weeks of the study focused on applying the skills into actual reading situations. The study showed benefits in various areas including the utilization of manipulatives in relation to phonemes. Students were also positively impacted directly after receiving the direction instruction and practice activities, as there was an increase in …

The Effects Of Station Teaching On Academic Achievement, Attention And Focus Of Students With Learning Disabilities In An Inclusive Classroom, Jacqueline M. Wraight

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the station model of co-teaching on the academic achievement and attention, focus and engagement of students with learning disabilities, as well as, the students' satisfaction with this model. The study utilized an ABAB single subject design to look at one of the six models developed by Friend and Cook (2004) allowing educators to combine their expertise to meet the needs of students in an inclusive setting. The results reveal the station model of co-teaching to be beneficial for students with learning disabilities in the areas of academic achievement and …

The Effects Of The Station Teaching Model Of Co-Teaching On Students With Learning Disabilities, Kathryn A. Ruoff

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine the effects of using the station teaching model of co-teaching to improve academic performance of students with learning disabilities, (b) to examine the effects of using the station teaching model of co-teaching to improve attention and engagement of students with learning disabilities, and (c) to evaluate student satisfaction of the station teaching intervention. Eight elementary students, five second graders and three fourth graders participated in the study. All eight students, three males and five females, were eligible for special education services as classified with varying learning disabilities. A single subject ABAB …

Reducing Suspension Rates In Camden, New Jersey, Christina Fleming

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have found that being suspended is a strong indicator that a student will eventually drop out. Students who drop out are much more likely to end up in prison, becoming part of the "school to prison pipeline." This study will look to answer the question "Are Charter schools addressing the School to Prison Pipeline?" Camden, NJ, a city riddled with poverty, high crime rates, and high rates of incarceration is now a city with an all but dismantled public school system. Can Charter schools be the answer?

Researchers have gathered enough evidence to support various solutions including but are …

The Effects Of Mindfulness On The Engagement And Social Interactions Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Naveen Khan

Theses and Dissertations

This study followed a single subject ABABAB design to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on the on-task engagement and the positive social interactions of high school students with disabilities. The seven students participating in this study attend a special services school and underwent the study in a basic skills math class. Baseline data was collected in week zero prior to the start of the study via a system of monitoring and checking for desired behavior; how often the students were on task, and how often they showed positive social behaviors. This baseline data was then used to examine …

Successful Transition Planning For Individuals Diagnosed With Asd: A Comparison Of Sending And Receiving School Districts, Carly J. Olcese

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that the successful transition plans can provide students who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with increased employment opportunities, independent living options, and most importantly a positive quality of life. Individuals diagnosed with ASD have a variety of symptoms and characteristics that range from moderate to severe. Teachers and parents must work together to provide the child or adult with an education that encompasses their strengths and areas improvement, to allow for independence and future success. The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of the components in the transition process as well as …

The Effects Of Technology Use In A Third Grade Inclusion Classroom, Jamie C. Ott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single-subject, ABAB research design study was to examine if the integration of Google Classroom and digital texts on Chromebooks promotes student academic performance, specifically their reading level, and active engagement in an inclusive setting. This research was designed to identify the effects that introducing digital texts and comprehension response items in Google Classroom has on students' comprehension and engagement. This study was conducted in an inner-city public k-8 grade school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The scores gathered from students' TDA responses and engagement were converted into percentages and put into tables. The data from these two variables …

A Study Of The Collaborative Strategies Of General Education And Special Education Teachers In The Inclusion Classroom In An Urban High School, Angela Mcdougall

Theses and Dissertations

This study expands on prior research on the benefits and strategies implemented in an inclusion classroom with the general education and special education teacher in an urban high school. The collaborative strategies that both teachers implement are critical to ensure a high level of instruction delivery to the special education students and the general education students that are placed together in the inclusion classroom. The general education teacher and the special education teacher both have their respective roles in the inclusion classroom.

General education teachers, ICS (in class support) and special education teachers who instruct in self-contained classrooms were interviewed …

Investigating The Use Of Technology In Communication Exchanges And Visual Support For Students With Autism, Angela Barone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of technology in a first-grade resource classroom. The participants used in this study were first grade nonverbal students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The data collected during this study reflected if Apple iPads(TM) increased the number of communication exchanges between teachers and students in a classroom using a Picture Exchange System on each screen. The study also examined the increase in independent task completion using the iPad(TM) in a first grade classroom. The students used a checklist of six items to complete, and had to complete this checklist independently using …

Will Teaching Pecs To Vocal And Non-Vocal Students Increase Social Interactions?, Patricia Kathleen Infantino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of PECS when taught to vocal and non- vocal students would increase communication and interactions during social situations. While using PECS both groups increased their social interactions during play time. Before this study the children in group one were not interacting at all. After being taught the use of PECS Group One interacted an average of five times per session. Before the study the children in Group two were not demonstrating any interactions, and after being taught the use of PECS they interacted an average of 10 times per …

The Effectiveness Of Character Education On Student Behavior, Katie M. Ferrara

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if character education in schools is effective enough to positively increase students' moral and ethical behaviors and values. Students' behaviors in grades Kindergarten through fifth across three different elementary schools were examined. Measurements were taken prior to the implementation of a character education program and were reexamined after the first year. The results of the study revealed all three schools decreased in filed discipline reports and increased in positive behaviors from the execution of character education programs.

The Benefit Of Using Peer Buddies In Adaptive Physical Education, Julie Anne Cairone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the participation levels of students with disabilities in an adaptive physical education class with the addition of typically developing students in the class as Peer Buddies. The goal was to observe the students' participation levels prior to the introduction of the Peer Buddies then again after the introduction of the Peer Buddies. There were thirteen typically developing students who were the peer buddies and fourteen students with disabilities in the adaptive physical education class. The thirteen peer buddies took a survey before being introduced to the adaptive physical education class and a …

Decreasing Chronic Absenteeism Rate For Students With Disabilities: One Call Or Text At A Time, Richard Dean Branco

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to see if an added layer of communication could reduce the absenteeism rate for Students with Disabilities (SWD). Additionally, the study looked at two areas of interest with regards to communicating with parents and/or guardians (i.e., type of contact and tone of the message being conveyed). The study began by obtaining a list of juniors and sophomores who had missed 10% or more of school for the first 41 days of the 2018-19 school year. The list was then randomly assigned by grade into three groups (i.e., Control, Treatment 1, and Treatment 2). Each …

Effects Of Differentiating Instruction Through Tiered Lessons In Special Education Secondary Mathematics, Katlyn Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of differentiating instructing through tiered lessons to see if it would improve students' success in high school special education classes. The study was done in two Algebra II secondary special education classrooms including 17 students in total. There were 5 females and 12 males, all students were juniors in high school and aged 16 or 17 years old. All of the students were classified as either specific learning disabilities, other health impaired, or multiple disabilities including anxiety and depression. The students were enrolled in resources classes for all of their major academic subjects and inclusive …

Does Participation In Special Education Services In Pre-Kindergarten Mitigate The Need For Services Beyond Third Grade?, Cynthia Ann Lamonaca

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the change of the special education classroom placement status rate of students in a Southern New Jersey school district over a seven-year period. To gather this information, the classroom placement data from the current 6th grade class was gathered from select years of their schooling going back to preschool. Special education services were analyzed retroactively for this group of students beginning at the pre-kindergarten year (2011-2012), and again in their first grade (2013-2014), third grade (2015-2016) and current sixth grade (2018-2019) placements. The goal was to compare the number of students from …

The Effectiveness Of A Digital Ipad Curriculum In The Classroom, Erin Marie Warantz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if utilizing a digital iPad curriculum increases academic achievement in students in a middle school inclusive mathematics classroom. Twenty eighth-grade students participated in the study. The research was conducted using a group design methodology. Ten students in the experimental group used the digital iPad curriculum throughout instruction. The remaining ten students in the control group used traditional paper materials. A baseline was found prior to instruction using pre-tests. While the instruction was the same for all students, the methods of note-taking, practice of skills, and assignment completion and submission varied between the …

The Effects Of Response To Intervention On Reducing The Numbers Of African American Students In Special Education, Kimberly Savino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if states that have implemented Response to Intervention (RTI) programs had a reduction in the numbers of African American students receiving Special Education. Historically, there has been an overrepresentation of minorities, particularly African Americans, receiving special education in America's schools. In 2004, the federal government amended the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to include RTI. The RTI initiative has the possibility to reduce special education referrals through the use of research-based interventions, progress monitoring, and data collection. The premise behind RTI is to identify students at-risk for academic difficulties and provide the …