Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Effects Of Constant Time Delay Using Multiple Acquisition Exemplars On The Generalization Of Self-Instruction To Complete Vocational Tasks For High School Students With Intellectual Disability, Anna Norby

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study presents findings from a multiple probe design that evaluated the effects of constant time delay with multiple acquisition exemplars on the acquisition and generalization of self-instruction to complete vocational tasks for high school students with intellectual disability. The research included three high school students with intellectual disability, and data were analyzed across baseline, intervention, and generalization conditions. Instruction targeted the use of self-instruction procedures embedded within vocational tasks, with multiple exemplars incorporated during acquisition to promote stimulus generalization. Participants were screened using a set of pre-arranged vocational tasks to identify existing skill levels and determine appropriate instructional targets, …

Behavioral Interventions For Increasing Group Engagement In K-12 Classrooms: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lauren M. Lejeune, Mark Devdas Samudre, Hongyang Zhao, Meredith Jeffords, Jason C. Chow

Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education Faculty Publications

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the body of research on behavioral interventions for improving group engagement. Fifty studies were included (n = 10 group designs; n = 40 single case designs [SCDs]). Most research on interventions to improve group engagement was conducted in elementary and middle school general education settings. Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (n = 6), the Good Behavior Game (n = 6), Tootling (n = 8), and multicomponent approaches (n = 9) were the most commonly reported intervention types. Antecedent strategies that were most commonly embedded in behavioral interventions to increase group …

Disability Studies And Disability Evaluation In Healthcare—Themes And Challenges Moving Forward, Debra A. Harley, Si-Yi Chao

Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Using Behavioral Skills Training To Teach And Promote Generalized Self-Instruction For High School Students With Intellectual Disability, Elise J. Slavey

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study presents findings from a multiple probe design that evaluated the effects of Behavioral Skills Training (BST) as a method of teaching an increase in self-instruction in completing vocational tasks for individuals with intellectual disability. The research included three U.S. high school students with intellectual disability and the data were analyzed across conditions. Throughout the intervention of BST, generalization sessions were conducted alongside. All participants acquired self-instruction for the skill acquisition targets. However, only one participant was able to generalize self-instruction to novel vocational tasks. Results and suggestions for future research regarding generalization for self-instruction and procedure reliability data …

Evaluating Dosage Within A Rapid Caregiver Coaching Model, Emma L. Lovell

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Rapid caregiver coaching models are designed to increase caregiver implementation of naturalistic language strategies while prioritizing feasibility for both families and providers. Participants of the current study were caregivers with young children (ages 1-4) with expressive language delays and autism risk or diagnosis. The current study took place in families’ homes and examined whether a predetermined number of brief coaching and feedback cycles was sufficient to produce clinically meaningful improvements in caregiver strategy use. Target behaviors for caregivers included play-based imitation and expansion, responsive language input, and structured teaching episodes designed to expand child communication. Results were variable but demonstrated …

Evaluating The Effects Of Abbreviated And Full-Length Training Formats On Implementation Of Embedded Instruction Practices, Hannah Elizabeth Keene

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an abbreviated training package and full-length behavioral skills training (BST) on staff implementation of embedded instruction (EI) procedures in a university-affiliated inclusive early childhood center. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used with four student workers in inclusive preschool classrooms. The initial intervention included a package of didactic instruction and in-vivo modeling. Full BST was planned for participants who did not reach mastery criteria following the brief training.

The primary dependent variable was participant fidelity of EI implementation, and the secondary dependent variable measured the rate of …

Enhancing Communication For Individuals With Complex Communication Needs: The Critical Role Of Training And Evidence-Based Aac Strategies, Rachel H. Williams

Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education Faculty Publications

Communication is a basic human right, as affirmed by the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC, 2024). For individuals with complex communication needs (CCN), special considerations must be taken into account to ensure equitable access to this right and must be supported through appropriate services, tools, and strategies. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are essential for many individuals with CCN, enabling access to expressive and receptive language. However, successful AAC implementation requires well-trained educators, speech-language pathologists, and support staff who understand how to assess, model, and support communication effectively (Brady et al., …

Current Practices In Training Paraeducators: A Literature Review, Rebekah Pearson

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

I conducted a brief literature review to examine current practices for training paraeducators in school settings. I reviewed literature published after 2010 using an online database. Using an author-made inclusion criterion, 13 articles were considered for review. Findings suggest that behavior skills training (BST), brief performance feedback, didactic training, and a strategy instruction framework are currently being used to train paraeducators. These trainings have yielded positive results in increasing desired paraeducator behaviors. I conclude by discussing the limitations and directions for future research.

Influence Of Naturalistic Language Intervention On Child Communication And Engagement, Olivia R. Abate

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study is to parallel naturalistic instructional contexts that often occur during caregiver-child interactions (e.g., one-to-one arrangement during play) to learn more about how children respond when prompting is introduced compared to responsive interaction strategies alone or with environmental arrangement strategies. This exploratory study was designed to evaluate the potential differential effects within an ATD, comparing RI alone, RI + EA, and RI + MP on joint engagement, communication acts, and interfering behaviors. This study is ongoing and lacks results for communication acts. Preliminary results supported and contradicted aspects of the hypothesis: joint engagement would occur at …

Exploring Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions Of Lockdown Drills: Preparedness, Training Needs, And The Balance With Social-Emotional Development, Juniper Alaska Brewer

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate early childhood educators’ perceptions of lockdown drills. It assessed feelings of preparedness, perceived training needs, and balancing safety protocols with children's social-emotional development. A multi-methods online survey was distributed to 13 early childhood educators and students in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) field, collecting both quantitative and qualitative responses via Qualtrics.

Survey data showed educators strongly agreed drills prepare them for emergencies (average 4.46/5) and generally agreed drills prepare children (4.08/5), though responses were more neutral about reducing educator anxiety (3.77/5). Only one participant reported occasional training; most (7 of 13) …

Assessing Generalization Along Side Acquisition Using System Of Least Prompts Versus Video Modeling Plus System Of Least Prompts Of Simulated Vocational Tasks, Victoria B. Shafer

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to assess if system of least prompts alone or video modeling plus system of least prompts was more effective when teaching a student with a moderate intellectual disability three simulated vocational tasks using paper materials. Additionally, generalization was assessed using real-world materials. An adapted alternating treatment design was used to compare conditions. The results indicated that system of least prompts alone was more effective than video modeling plus system of least prompts. There was no demonstration of generalization.

Comparison Of Video Modeling And Naturalistic Time Delay For Children With Autism In Preschool Classrooms, Makenna A. Briggs

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study presents findings from an alternating adapted treatments design (AATD) that compared the use of video modeling and naturalistic time delay to teach language targets to children with autism. The research included two U.S. preschool students with a provisional diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both participants met criterion with time delay.

Increasing Daily Living Independence Using Video Modeling In Middle School Students With Intellectual Disability, Pamela J. Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

This study used a multiple probe across participants design to (a) evaluate the use of a mobile device (i.e., iPad) for video modeling to increase functional daily living skills and (b) evaluate the use of system of least prompts to teach students to self-instruct. In baseline, the classroom teacher asked participants to start their tasks and collected performance data. In the technology training condition, the teacher implemented a system of least prompts procedure to teach participants to initiate use of the iPad, navigate to a training video model, pause/play videos of training tasks, and perform the modeled training tasks. After …

Teaching Peers To Increase Their Use Of Responsive Interaction Strategies With Children Who Use Aac, Andrea Weidman

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

Students enrolled in peer mentoring programs require guidance in understanding how to effectively and appropriately communicate and support students who communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This project evaluated the effectiveness of a peer training protocol on the count of observed responsive interaction strategies used by middle schoolers in an inclusive classroom setting. These strategies increase confidence in communication partners and aide in development of meaningful relationships between students with diverse communication needs.

Exploring The Collective Efficacy Of Elementary Special Education Teachers And Its Relationship To Distributed Leadership, Emma L. Jones

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

This study examined the relationship between collective teacher efficacy (CTE) and distributed leadership practices among elementary special education teachers. CTE reflects teachers’ shared belief in their collective ability to improve student outcomes, while distributed leadership emphasizes shared decision-making, collaboration, and shared responsibility across school personnel.

Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study combined survey data from the Collective Teacher Belief Scale with follow-up interviews. Survey results from 31 special education teachers indicated moderate to high levels of CTE, with slightly greater confidence in managing student behavior than in delivering instruction. Interviews with teachers across varying CTE levels provided deeper …

Using The Mand-Model Intervention Strategy To Increase Verbal Or Augmentative And Alternative (Aac) Two-Word Utterances For Requesting Items In A Naturalistic Setting, Morgan A. Williams

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This project examined the effectiveness of the mand-model milieu teaching strategy for increasing two-word verbal or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) requests in a classroom. Three students participated. All students demonstrated increased mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) when requesting preferred items. For all students, correct two-word requests improved following a model prompt. Two students showed limited independent requesting following only a mand, while one student met criterion for consistent independent requesting. Other observed outcomes included improved communicative confidence, reduced frustration behaviors, and increased AAC acceptance and generalization across settings for one participant. Findings suggest that the mand-model strategy …

Comparative Effects Of Low- And High- Tech Visual Activity Schedules On Transition Latency In Young Children With Autism, Mikayla Nelson

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Low-technology (low-tech) and high-technology (high-tech) visual activity schedules (VAS) were implemented for transitions with three kindergarten males diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An alternating treatment design was used to compare the latency of transitions from a preferred activity to an academic task after presenting a low- or high-tech VAS. Results indicated different effects between participants. Low-tech VAS was effective for one participant, and high-tech VAS was not effective for any participants in this study. Implications and further research are discussed regarding the importance of creating VAS on an individual basis, ensuring that each VAS meets an individual's communication and …

You’Re On Fire: Social Skills Training To Increase Sportsmanship For Teenagers With Disabilities, Madeline K. Wainwright

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study presents findings from a multiple probe design that evaluated the effects of social skills training as a method of teaching an increase of good sportsmanship, more particularly compliments of gameplay, for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The research included three U.S. high school students with intellectual disabilities and the data was analyzed across conditions. Following mastery criterion, generalization sessions across contexts were conducted. All participants acquired complimenting behavior through social skills training. However, none of the participants were able to generalize the skill to different contexts. Results and directions for future research regarding generalization in replication and use of …

How Do Couples Of Autistic Children Perceive Their Quality Of Life? A Case Study Featuring Sequential Mixed Methodology, Amanda Duncan Dr.

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Families who have autistic children report significantly lower quality of life indicators than neurotypical families and those with other developmental disabilities (Bitsika & Sharpley, 2004; Brown et al., 2006; Charnsil & Bathia, 2010; De Sousa, 2010; Merkaj et al., 2013). However, the reports fluctuate between family members as mothers report more mental health challenges than fathers, including stress, anxiety, and depression (Dabrowska & Pstiula, 2010; Hodapp et al., 2003; Merkaj et al., 2013). Yet, these findings are based on the limited research that has been done on fathers and couples (Cheuk & Lashewicz, 2015; Osborne & Reed, 2008; Papageorgiou & …

Enhancing Communication For Individuals With Complex Communication Needs: The Critical Role Of Training And Evidence-Based Aac Strategies, Rachel H. Williams

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Professional training and evidence-based strategies can enhance communication for individuals with complex communication needs (CCN). These individuals often require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to express themselves effectively. However, the success of AAC use depends largely on the competence of educators, speech-language pathologists, and other support personnel. The paper emphasizes the necessity of targeted professional development in strategies such as aided language modeling (ALM) and core vocabulary instruction. ALM involves modeling AAC use in natural contexts, while core vocabulary instruction focuses on teaching high- frequency, versatile words to support generative and functional communication. Integrating these strategies across settings improves …

Effectiveness Of Class-Wide Function Related Intervention Teams On The On-Task Behavior Of Middle School Students With Disabilities In A Resource Settings, Sharon Manikya

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The current study examined the effectiveness of Class-Wide Function-related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) in promoting on-task behavior and improving classroom functioning. The study was conducted with five students, and a single-subject withdrawal experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of CW-FIT on students’ behavior. Results demonstrated a functional relation between the intervention and increased on-task behavior. Overall, findings indicated that CW-FIT had a positive effect on student behavior and classroom functioning, suggesting that the intervention is an effective strategy for enhancing engagement and promoting a productive learning environment. Implications for future research include examining CW-FIT with larger groups of students, …

Special Educator Persistence: Unveiling Teacher Perceptions, Janet Nutt

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

There is a continually growing shortage of special education teachers (SET). The shortage is so dire that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) anticipates that as many as 35,900 new SET will be needed each year for the next decade. One of the leading factors contributing to the shortage of special educators is attrition, or any loss of teachers from their positions (Darling-Hammond, 2003; Ingersoll, 2001). Teacher persistence, therefore, is a critical concern in addressing the teacher shortage. The purpose of this mixed-methods research study is to examine the association between previously identified factors of attrition and SET decisions …

Evaluating A Naturalistic Language Intervention With Students With Complex Communication Needs In An Elementary Classroom, Kristina M. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Communication is an essential skill for all students, but specifically for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Through communication, our students with disabilities express their wants and need, make and maintain relationships, and participate in daily activities at home, school, and in the community. Play is a natural and motivating activity that encourages communication in all settings. Thus, I looked at using naturalistic language intervention (NLI) as an intervention strategy to increase expressive communication skills in my students with expressive language deficits. This project aimed to increase expressive communication skills in three elementary students with moderate to severe disabilities by …

Spanish-Speaking Interpreters’ Perspectives: How Latinx Immigrant Caregivers Navigate The Special Education Process, Lizeth B. Tomas Flores

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

The study examined the experiences of Spanish-speaking interpreters working with Latinx immigrant caregivers during the special education process, their perspectives on how caregivers and the IEP professional committee members participate in the process, aiming to gain a better understanding of how Latinx immigrant families navigate the special education process. Interpreters play a crucial role in the special education process for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as they facilitate the transmission of information between caregivers and special education teams. Interviews were conducted with six special education interpreters in a southwestern suburban school district in the United States. A qualitative …

Sharing The Story Of Public Library Programming For Young Children With Disabilities Or Developmental Delays, Denice Adkins, Maria Cahill, Alicia Long, Bobbie Sartin Long, Derek Daskalakes

Library Research Seminar 8: Telling Library Stories

No abstract provided.

Examining The Effects Of Technology-Signaled Noncontingent Reinforcement On Disruptive Behavior During Small-Group Instruction For Elementary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey Ecklar

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study aims to expand upon existing research by examining the effects of teacher-implemented noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) through technology-signaled reinforcement breaks for elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during small-group instruction. The primary research question guiding this inquiry is: Does the implementation of a technology-signaled NCR package, which delivers breaks on a fixed-time interval schedule, effectively reduce disruptive behavior among elementary students with ASD in a small group setting? By integrating technology into the reinforcement process, this study seeks to enhance engagement and minimize disruptive behaviors, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment. The findings are expected to contribute …

The Critical Need For Early Language Access For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Children, Kinya D. Embry-Wright

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are referred to as the experts of communication (ASHA, n.d.) utilizing their specialized training, extensive education, and clinical expertise to work with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of different speech and language delays, disorders, and deficits. However, when working with deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children, there is often precedent given to speech and listening (M. L. Hall et al., 2019). For example, ASHA only recently updated their DHH portal to include American Sign Language (ASL), though they still list it on some webpages as an Augmentative …

Using Naturalistic Language Interventions To Increase Expressive Communication Of Aac Users With Autism, Kacey Eaton

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study's purpose was to use naturalistic language interventions to increase the communication rate via alternative and augmentative communication during play with young children with autism. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of naturalistic language interventions when implemented during 10-minute play sessions within the participants resource classroom. Naturalistic language interventions utilized include aided language modeling, environmental arrangements, naturalistic time delay, and language expansions. Results indicated that naturalistic language interventions are effective in increasing expressive communication via AAC with children with autism.

Group Vs. Individual Video Modeling For Acquisition Of Pilates For Individuals With Disabilities, Brittany Rounce

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study presents findings from an alternating treatment design investigation into the efficacy of group versus individual video modeling in facilitating the acquisition of Pilates techniques among individuals with disabilities. The study aimed to assess how these different instructional modalities influenced participants' learning outcomes. The research involved a detailed analysis of two participants, with a focus on observing any variations in their response patterns during the acquisition phase. Through systematic data collection and analysis, the study evaluated the effectiveness of group versus individual Pilates video modeling. The results revealed distinct responses within the participant group, with one individual exhibiting differential …

Building Independence Through Structured Work Systems For Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Maggie Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Students, especially those with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities oftentimes need support in learning to work independently. This study examined if the use of structured work systems increased student independence during regular scheduled independent work times in the general education and MSD special education classrooms. Using a single-case multiple-probe design, this study measured the percentage of steps completed independently when working with academic tasks related to individual IEP goals.