Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Increasing Student Engagement Through Opportunities To Respond, Todd Whitney, Justin T. Cooper, Amy S. Lingo

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The evidence for providing sufficient opportunities for students to respond (OTR) has been established in terms of increasing student engagement while decreasing disruptive behavior. Although proven to be effective, teachers are demonstrating low rates of OTR across all grade levels and instructional content areas. Given the potential benefits of increasing OTR, it is critical that teachers find ways to increase the provision of OTR during instruction. This article will discuss the research behind providing sufficient OTR, examine the rate of OTR teachers are providing in schools in relation to optimal rates suggested by research, and provide strategies for increasing OTR …

Turning Teachers Into Action Researchers In Their Classrooms, Dusty Columbia Embury, Laura S. Clarke

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Action research is often called the teacher’s research and often feels like a common sense approach to solving problems, but not all pre-service teachers begin careers knowing how to use this methodology to improve their own practice. This article offers a rationale for teaching pre-service teachers the skills and action research methodology as a tool for professional improvement based on the experiences of the authors engaging in a reflective process for teaching. While not generalizable, it is hoped that lessons learned may be applied by other faculty in teacher education programs.

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Bcba) Credential: What Is It, How To Get It, Steven A. Crites Dr.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a research-based and effective procedure used to change the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations. While some may think of ABA to decrease maladaptive behavior, it can also be used to improve adaptive behavior, academic, social, and employment skills. There is a growing need for experts in behavior analysis to provide services in early intervention programs, schools, day treatment centers, institutions and in the work place. A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is credentialed to provide these behavior analytic services. This paper will provide a brief overview of applied behavior analysis, define the BCBA credential, …

Preparing Teachers With Core Content Expertise To Support Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Robert C. Pennington Phd, Ginevra Courtade, Best Newberry Gurney

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

In this paper, the authors describe a teacher preparation program in the area of moderate to severe disabilities with an emphasis in academic instruction. They present a rationale for their increased focus on academics, a description of the program’s design, and several challenges associated with its implementation. Further, they offer several considerations for iterative improvement of the program.

Ua10/1 Cec Newsletter, Mary Lloyd Moore, Executive Director, Wku Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

CEC Publications

No abstract provided.

To Cheat Or Not To Cheat: Impacts Of Learning Disability Status And Impulsivity On Cheating, Mckenzie Perdew

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Impulsivity is associated with academic dishonesty and deficits/disorders related to learning disabilities (LD). Despite separate connections made between impulsivity and academic cheating and between impulsivity and LD, there is little information in the literature regarding whether the impulsivity feature of some LD is related to higher rates of academic dishonesty among students with LD. We measured history of academic dishonesty, tolerance of academic dishonesty, and impulsivity in 83 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants. An independent samples t-test revealed that participants with LD exhibited higher levels of dysfunctional impulsivity compared to neurotypical (NT) peers. Dysfunctional impulsivity was associated with increased cheating tolerance. …

Creating Order Out Of The Chaos Of Differentiated Lesson Planning For The Novice Teacher Candidate, J. Dusteen Knotts Ph.D.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Current classroom settings are more diverse than ever before. Preservice teacher candidates must learn the principles of differentiation and how to apply them to lesson preparation. Lesson planning is multi-faceted and this paper offers an integral tool to promote differentiated lesson planning to the novice teacher. These principles are presented in a concise, foundational chart aligning the components with Blooms Cognitive Taxonomy, classroom activities, assessment, scoring guides, and student grouping. Understanding of these aligned concepts sets the foundation to facilitate differentiated lesson planning.

Examining The Influence Of Self-Determination Theory Components With Students Of Varying Cognitive Abilities, Antonia Szymanski

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This study sought to explore difference in the influences of components of Self-Determination Theory between students of average and high academic ability. Differences were examined using correlational comparisons, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). As expected, students with high academic ability reported high perceptions of competence. Although other mean differences were not significant, relationships between the variables showed interesting results. Significant correlational differences were found between the relationships of Perceived Competence and Teacher Control, Intrinsic Motivation, and Boredom. Teacher Control also had significantly different relationships with students’ engagement between the two groups. The study adds to the understanding of Self-Determination …

Student Teachers’ Experiences With A Preparation-To-Practice Gap In Reading Instruction: A Preliminary Exploration And Implications For Teacher Preparation Faculty, Brooke Blanks

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Abstract

Teacher educators and practitioners can agree that there are differences between knowing something in theory and knowing how to do something in a real classroom. This qualitative inquiry is anchored in evidence-based reading instruction as described by the National Reading Panel (2000) which emphasizes systematic, explicit instructional and teaching enhancements to support diverse students’ learning in multi-tier general educational classrooms. Specifically, this study investigated how student teachers applied their knowledge of research based reading methods in general education classrooms during their capstone field experience at the end of their undergraduate program, hereafter called student teaching.

Hearing And Deaf Teachers' Lived Experiences At A Residential School For The Deaf: A Phenomenological Study, Meena Mann

Dissertations

This study provides reflections on a topic that has received surprising attention on cultural challenges at a residential school for the Deaf. Deaf education in residential schools for the Deaf has changed dramatically over the years. Recent research has shown the number of hearing teachers employed at residential schools for the Deaf has increased in the United States (Amos, 2000; Marlatt, 2004). Most hearing teachers who are certified in Special Education and hold teaching positions at a residential school for the Deaf. Deaf teachers proficient in ASL struggle with passing the written Praxis state certification in the content areas due …

Ua10/1 Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (2015-2016 Annual Report), Mary Lloyd Moore, Executive Director, Wku Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

CEC Publications

No abstract provided.

Ua10/1 Cec Newsletter, Mary Lloyd Moore Executive Director, Wku Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

CEC Publications

No abstract provided.

Alternate Forms Reliability For Written Expression Probes, Ashley Carey

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The use of Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) in schools continues to increase, as it is a useful brief assessment of students’ basic academic skills. CBM measures are used for multiple tasks such as identifying students at-risk, creating local norms, monitoring students’ progress during interventions, and assisting with special education eligibility determinations. Much of the research has focused on CBM in the areas of math and reading. Relatively few studies have examined the area of CBMWritten Expression. Even fewer studies exist exploring the reliability among alternate writing forms. This study determined alternate form reliability coefficients for written expression probes at the second, …

Predictive Admission Criteria In Graduate Programs In Speech-Language Pathology, Mary Lloyd Moore

Dissertations

Speech-language pathology is a profession for which there is increasing demand as well as being one of the most desirable career paths in the United States. Graduation of qualified persons who can pass the Praxis exam is an essential outcome of all graduate programs in speech-language pathology. If predictors of competence could be identified before admission, graduate programs would be better able to select students who would maximize the expenditure of materials, energy, and expertise, thereby decreasing the potential failure for both students and universities. Therefore, this research addresses the extent to which selected variables may serve to predict success …

Kyted President's Letter, Steve Crites

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Read a letter from the president.

Perceived Classroom Management Needs Of Pre-Service Teachers, Nielsen Pereira, Jillian Gates

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

A disconnect exists between pre-service teachers’ expectations concerning classroom management course content and the reality of teaching in an elementary school. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived needs of pre-service teachers in a classroom management course for elementary education majors at a Midwestern university.

Behavioral Contracting For K-12 Students, Emily Blythe, Amanda Dennison

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

This poster provides examples to implement behavior contracting strategies in K-12 classrooms. These behavior contracting strategies will facilitate improved student behavior. Behavioral contracting refers to a written contract that describes a child’s behavioral obligations. In addition, reinforcers (teachers’ or parents’ obligations) are outlined for when the child has met the contract’s conditions. In research conducted by Cutrell (2010) middle-school students with emotional behavior disorders (EBD) were examined. The research demonstrated that behavioral contracts decreased the participants’ targeted, inappropriate behavior. The following details are outlined: For whom and why behavioral contracts are used; how to implement behavioral contracting in the classroom; …

Editor's Welcome And Introduction To Ktej, Wanda G. Chandler

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The editor, Wanda G. Chandler, welcomes TED members and other readers to the reestablishment of KTEJ and the first issue be published at WKU's TopSCHOLAR® website. Call for papers is March 15, 2014.

The World Needs All Kinds Of Minds: Ted Talk Annotated Resource List, Brooke Cooper

Undergraduate Research Award

Undergraduate research award given by WKU Libraries and University Experience, Library Skills, for best annotated resource, December 3, 2013

Meeting The Needs Of Gifted Students By Providing Year-Long Professional Development On Differentiated Instruction, Barbara M. Rollins

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study focused on how teachers' planning and teaching methods changed after they acquired more confidence in applying differentiated strategies in their instructional units. Teachers were given a questionnaire about their skills, qualifications and teaching beliefs comparing teaching general education students and gifted education students within the typical classroom setting. Then teachers received several professional development opportunities within the school year exposing them to different forms of differentiation. Time was given between trainings so that teachers would have ample time to integrate what they learned into their planning and instructional design. At the end of the study, teachers were given …

A Review Of Choice And Preference Assessments To Increase Academic Attainment For Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jamie Emery, Janet L. Applin, Marty Boman

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Many schools use choice and preference assessments to decrease and/or increase behaviors of students with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD. Although there exists scant evidence from the literature exploring the relationship between utilizing choice and preference assessments as a tool to increase academic achievement, the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC ) “ Initial Level Special Educator Preparation Standards” require beginning special education professionals to, “select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities,” (CEC, 2012). To contribute to the knowledge base regarding using choice and preference assessment as a …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 30, Winter 2013), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

Behavioral Contract, Chesley Craine, Amy Lieber

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

The purpose of this poster is to answer the questions: a) How can behavior contracts be utilized in the classroom; and b) How effective are behavioral contracts in a classroom behavior management system? The related research includes an article that demonstrated the effectiveness of using behavioral contracts with middle school students who were labeled with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). When behavior contracts were in place the inappropriate behavior within the classroom decreased. Behavior contracts seem to be effective for behavior modification of middle school students. It is recommended that behavior contracts be considered for use in classrooms or individual …

The Relationship Between Reading And Mathematics Achievement Of Students With Disabilities And Least Restrictive Environment Practices In Kentucky, Rhonda Kelly Simpson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Kentucky least restrictive environment (LRE) practices and KCCT assessment annual measureable objectives (AMO) in reading and mathematics for students with disabilities. This research was designed to determine whether districts achieved AMO targets for reading, mathematics and LRE. Also, it examined whether a relationship exists between special education students’ placement and assessment scores attained for the with disability subpopulation AYP category.

This quantitative, correlation study utilized data from the Kentucky Department of Education Open House, 2011 No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress Reports for each school district, and KCCT …

Sight Words, Megan Copass, Joshua Bewley, Laura Beth Blanford

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

What are sight words? Sight words are common words that a reader should recognize on sight. These are often referred to as “high frequency words” or “instant words.” Research indicates interventions used to teach sight words to students with disabilities, especially students with moderate to severe disabilities are beneficial. Multiple methods can be utilized to teach sight words to students with disabilities. These methods include: games, sight word recognition, and memorization. Research that catered specially to students with moderate to severe disabilities indicated that choosing between multiple methods is most effective way to teach sight words. This approach provides students …

Reading Comprehension Poster, Kelsey Beach, Elizabeth Bean, Hannah Christian

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

This poster presents research based information about reading comprehension. The goal of this research was to provide basic information about reading comprehension, how to use reading comprehension and how to assess a student’s progress. Peer-reviewed journal articles and other resources were used to obtain information used on the poster. Throughout the readings, statistics indicate that adults who live in poverty struggle with reading. Direct instruction (i.e. explicit teaching), modeling (i.e. demonstrating the task), and a think-aloud (i.e. verbally thinking through the reading process) were suggested to be useful strategies to implement in the classroom to improve reading. Research also suggested …

Token Economy, Hendrix Brakefield, Maranda Feldman, Chelsie Stevens

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

The purpose of this poster was to inform other educators of the benefits of using a token economy system in their classroom. The research conducted for this poster confirmed that using a token economy system is effective and beneficial to both younger students and older students. Token economy is well known in general education but is practiced as a component of a management system in both general and special education classrooms.

Phonics Instruction, Katelyn C. Pace, Rebekah Pribula, Shea Thrash

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

One of the main research questions answered through this poster presentation is as follows: Is it possible to teach phonics in non-phonemic language? Can we in fact teach students to read phonetically when everyday language does not always follow the rules of phonics. Phonics instruction is essential for beginning readers both with and without disabilities. Phonics instruction has evolved over time from traditional approaches to ever advancing and engaging interactive methods, most recentlyvia interactive tablets. Tablets support the delivery of instruction to students in the area of phonics. Overall, research conducted for this poster presentation highlighted effective strategies and key …

Spelling In The Classroom, Sue Ellen Yeiser, Allen Ehredt, Margaret Haydon

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

This poster introduces research based information for teaching spelling in the classroom. The focus of the poster further explains “Why is spelling important?” and “How spelling can be effectively implemented into the classroom?” Research was conducted by examining multiple media sources such as textbooks, journal articles, and online databases using the keywords: spelling, strategies, and interventions. The reviewed research showed that spelling correlates with reading, writing, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Research-based strategies that are effective in the primary classroom include weekly spelling stories, spelling magnet boards, and various spelling games. Incorporating fun word games into a daily or weekly routine …

Using Prompts To Initiate Behavior, Jenna L. Clark, Megan R. Lechner, Kelsea Simmons

Applied Behavior Analysis (SPED 432) and Intervention Strategies for Literacy (SPED 431)

Using prompts to initiate behavior seems to be effective when employed as a component of a classroom behavior management system. Prompts can remind or guide an individual to perform a desired behavior. In the research, there are 7 different types of prompts, as well as 6 rules to follow when administering prompts. The seven different types of prompts are: 1) verbal, 2) written, 3) material, 4) imitative, 5) physical, 6) pictorial, and 7) gestural. The six rules are: 1) timing is everything, 2) select a location that facilitates good timing, 3) prompts should be specific, 4) the prompt should guide …