Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Perceptions Of Residents Toward A Community Residential Facility In Eastern Virginia, Amy Marsden

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of a community toward a residential facility in Eastern Virginia. The subjects were (N= l50) community members from a suburban community in Virginia. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. out of the one hundred and fifty, fifty (30%) participants responded . Five of the surveys were not scorable since 30% or more of the questions were not answered. The data were analyzed by using both qualitative and quantitative methods. For the quantitative methods independent sample t-tests, Chi square ("X²), and Pearson-r were used. …

Parent Perceptions Of Behavior Management Strategies Used In Elementary And Secondary Special Education Programs For Students With Learning Disabilities, Natalie Buritsch

Theses & Honors Papers

A descriptive study was designed to investigate parent perceptions of behavior management strategies used in elementary and secondary special education programs for students with learning disabilities. A questionnaire was used to obtain the perceptions of 130 members of the Leaming _Disabilities Association of Virginia. In particular, three questions were examined: Do parents of children in elementary school differ from those having children in secondary schools regarding their perceptions of classroom management techniques? Do parents have different perceptions about a resource classroom compared to a self-contained classroom? Do parents differ in their perceptions of the teacher use of classroom management versus …

Staff And Student Perceptions Of The Time Out/Seclusion Booth In An Alternative Day School For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disturbance, Kelley S. Regan

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of the time out procedure at an alternative day school for students with emotional and behavioral disturbance. This study interviewed student and staff members at the facility using parallel questions. Information from the time out log was observed in order to. verify student and staff responses. Results concluded that both students and staff members had similar perceptions of time out .

Willingness Of College Faculty To Make Accommodations For Students With Learning Disabilities, Christine Ritter

Theses & Honors Papers

A survey questionnaire was sent to forty-nine full time faculty members in the fall of 1996. Thirty-nine {80%) faculty members at a small four year, predominantly liberal arts college in central Virginia, responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was concerned with providing instructional accommodations, assignment accommodations, examination accommodations, and academic policy accommodations for students who have learning disabilities. Data were analyzed using t-tests and a one way analysis of variance. The variables included were gender, professional position, interaction with students who have learning disabilities, total years teaching at the college level, and whether or not the faculty member has taken …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring Of Task Completion Time On Assignment Completion And Accuracy, Kathryn B. Wright

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if productivity and accuracy would increase if subjects recorded the amount of time it took to complete assignments. Two students with learning disabilities were taught to record the times assignments were started and finished and to calculate the difference. Data were collected on the time spent on assignments, the percentage of the assignment completed, and the percentage of the assignment completed correctly. The results showed that productivity and the amount of time spent on assignments improved slightly. The accuracy of the work, however, decreased. Implications for future research are discussed.

The Effect Of Cognitive Learning Style On Organizational Skills Of Students With Learning Disabilities In A Ninth Grade Inclusion Science Classroom, Louise Mont-Tucker

Theses & Honors Papers

The effect of cognitive learning style on improving the organizational skills of students with learning disabilities was investigated using subjects of a ninth grade inclusion science class in a rural school division. The intervention consisted of identifying the learning styles of two subjects, and adapting instruction to reflect the modalities of the subjects. The results of a multiple baseline across subjects design showed an improvement in the subjects' organizational skills which was measurable in the subjects ' academic achievement. Future research implications were discussed and recommended.

Middle School Ld Math Teachers: Are They Following Regular Educational Programming Or Instituting Specialized Programs?, Sandra A. Meyer

Theses & Honors Papers

A review of the literature indicated that students with learning disabilities graduate from high school without a solid background in mathematics. It is the responsibility of the special education teacher to find and implement methods to reverse this trend. Regular education middle school math teachers and learning disabilities middle school teachers were surveyed to determine whether or not these teachers currently use similar instructional methods. Questions included what types of methods each group were using in their math classes. Respondents were asked to indicate if they often used a discovery method, peer tutoring, drill and practice, small group activities, or …

The Integration Of Students With Specific Learning Disabilities In A Rural School System, Catharine B. Kerr

Theses & Honors Papers

This study analyzed data collected from a small, rural school division to determine how the integration of students with SLD into general education classrooms was being implemented. Specifically, a survey was conducted to determine if appropriate accommodations were being made for these students and how student outcomes were being evaluated. Respondents included all personnel who were involved in the evaluation and eligibility processes for students with SLD (N=140). Results indicated that, although some active efforts are occurring to integrate students with SLD into general education classrooms, no formal plan for implementation exists in the school division surveyed. General education teachers …

Learning Style Adaptations And The Effect On Sight Word Recognition Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Andrea Elizabeth Wollett

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sight word recognition of two students with learning disabilities from a private school in Virginia, after adaptations to their learning styles had been made. The experimental design used to assess the effects of learning style adaptations on sight word recognition was a multiple probe across word groups. A combination of the Dolch and Fry Sight Word Lists determined the unmastered sight words for both subjects. The Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Inventory was used to identify the subjects' preferred learning style. The results of the study indicated that when adaptations were …

Relationship Between General Education Teachers' Sense Of Efficacy And Use Of Accommodations For Students With Learning Disabilities In General Education Classrooms, Lori Andrews Jones

Theses & Honors Papers

One hundred and five middle school general education teachers of English, math, social studies, and science in Virginia were surveyed to determine if their reported levels of teaching efficacy and personal teaching efficacy were related to their use of accommodations for mainstreamed students with learning disabilities. A 32-item self-efficacy scale was used to assess subjects' levels of teaching efficacy and personal teaching efficacy. A 41-item survey was constructed to assess the extent to which subjects used accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Results showed a significant positive correlation between subjects' sense of personalteaching efficacy and their use of accommodations for …

Homework, An Educational Instructional Technique Used In The Middle School Special Education Classroom, Charles R. Murphy

Theses & Honors Papers

The assignment patterns, frequency, and perceptions of homework as an educational instructional device was investigated in middle school special education classroom teachers. A general topic questionnaire was generated and administered to each of the middle school special education teachers who volunteered for this study. A population sample was used in the survey to represent, determine, and investigate the application of homework as an instructional technique. The survey also referenced specific questions on teachers' attitudes and perspectives on whether homework should be employed as a device to improve learning, comprehension, and retention of materials being presented in the classroom. The results …

The Perspectives Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Elizabeth A. Pasto

Theses & Honors Papers

One hundred and fifteen middle and high school students with learning disabilities selected from the Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia were surveyed on their perceptions on homework. An adapted questionnaire was used to collect data for this study with an 18.22% return rate.

Descriptive statistics and Chi square were used to analyze data for this study. Results obtained from the Chi square analysis show that middle school students daydreamed or played with objects and needed reminders to start homework more often than high school students. Several inconsistencies regarding completion rates of homework and amount of complaining about homework were revealed …

Regular Education Teachers' Perceptions About Having A Student With Emotional Behavioral Disorders In Their Classrooms, Kimberly Mason

Theses & Honors Papers

This study investigated the perceptions of 60 regular education teachers (30 elementary school and 30 high school) about having a student with emotional/behavioral disorders in their classroom. The teachers responded to 19 questions concerning the student's academic and behavioral performance using a 4-point Likert scale. The results of the study were analyzed by calculating a mean and standard deviation for each of the 19 questions. In addition, t-tests were used to determine if significant differences existed between the two groups of teachers and their responses to each of the questions. Correlation coefficients were computed between the 19 questions and the …

Regular And Special Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Inclusion, Michelle L. Burton

Theses & Honors Papers

Inclusion is one of the most controversial issues facing education today. With the passing of p·.L. 94-142, all children were guaranted the right to a free and appropriate education. The major concern is whether or not the regular education classroom is appropriate for all children.

The purpose of. this study was to survey regular and special education teachers regarding inclusion . One-hundred ninety-five regular and special education teachers in the state of Virginia completed a survey assessing their perceptions of inclusion . The results showed a significant difference between regular and special education'teachers' outlook on inclusion . Implications of the …

The Effect Of Organizational Structure On Perceived Teaching Efficacy In Classrooms For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Trisha Barker

Theses & Honors Papers

A survey research design was used to examine the relationship between organizational structure and personal and teaching efficacy. Subjects were drawn from a randomly selected 15% of the teachers of students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD) in the state of Virginia . A researcher constructed questionnaire was used to gather data on the attitudes of organizational structure, and an instrument developed by DiBella-McCarthy, McDaniel and Miller (1995) was used to determine high and low teaching and personal efficacy. Fifty-three percent of the questionnaires were returned and analyzed with independent sample t-tests and a one-way Analysis of Variance. An independent sample t-test …

Acquisition Of Keyboarding Skill: A Single Subject Design, Stacey Wirt

Theses & Honors Papers

The effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction,. mnemonics, and constant time delay procedures to teach basic keyboarding skills and letter/sound correspondence was investigated in this study. The study was done with an elementary-school child who has been described as having a mental disability and a speech language impairment.· He has been diagnosed with Robinow Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research has shown that computers are an effective method for teaching students with disabilities who have difficulties with paper-and-pencil tasks. Data were collected twice a week over a six-week period. The results indicated that mnemonics was ·effective in teaching letter/sound correspondence. However, …

A Qualitative Study To Review Community Reactions To Students With Mental Retardation Involved In Community Based Instruction, Annette L. Keatts

Theses & Honors Papers

Community-based instruction (CBI) is an important part of many educational curricula. Through CBI, employees from various service industries come into contact with individuals with mental retardation. Using a qualitative study:, the purpose of this research was to identify employees' reactions to customers with mental retardation. Six subjects were randomly selected to participate in the study. Two subjects from the fast food industry:, supermarket industry:, and the department store industry: were selected. One subject from each location had experience working with individuals with mental retardation. Subjects responded to a series of open ended questions. Results indicated five themes: (1) Employees perceive …

Teaching Purchasing Skills Through The Application Of Constant Time Delay To Students With Moderate Mental Retardation During Community-Based Instruction, Jennifer L. Hueston

Theses & Honors Papers

A constant time delay procedure was used to teach two students with moderate mental retardation how to purchase food at local fast food restaurants and snacks at a local convenience store. Students were taught to purchase the items using paper money and were required to determine the amount due by locating the next dollar up amount on a number line. A 5-second time delay was used in teaching the subjects these purchasing skills. Training was evaluated with a multiple probe design across settings. Results indicated subjects did not reach criterion in the fast food setting. In the convenience store setting …

Factors Affecting The Adaptations Made By General Educators For Students With Learning Disabilities In The Regular Classroom, Allison Kelly Hoke

Theses & Honors Papers

The subjects in this study were 129 general educators from elementary schools in Virginia. These subjects all had at least one student with learning disabilities in the classroom. A researcher-developed, three part survey was used to collect the data . The survey examined relationships among factors influencing teachers' decisions to make accommodations and the actual accommodations that were employed in the classroom.

The results revealed several accommodations which were frequently implemented in the classroom by the general educators. These teachers often gave oral tests to students with learning disabilities, allowed the students to work in pairs, and individualized the assignments …

The Effects Of The Write Source 2000 Program On Adolescent Students With Learning Disabilities In The Area Of Writing, Debra E. Gray

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Write Source 2000 Program on adolescent students with learning disabilities in the area of writing. A single-subject was used in this A-B design. In the study the subject was exposed to various writing techniques found in the Write Source 2000 Program. A pre-writing sample was taken before treatment began. This writing sample was assessed with a Rubric Writing Assessment. Mid-way through treatment another writing sample was taken and assessed with the Rubric Writing Assessment. The student was also at this time placed into a regular education classroom where …

Self-Perceptions Of Special Education Students Within The Regular Classroom, Sean Rayner

Theses & Honors Papers

This study was conducted to determine the self-perceptions of special education students within the regular education classroom . The subjects in this study consisted of 25 students from a mid Atlantic school system in Virginia . The subjects were high school students. The data were collected by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included 18 closed ended or likert questions. The data were then analyzed qualitatively by descriptive statistics. The results showed that students with disabilities perceive their behavior to be the same in both the special education and the regular education classroom.

Teacher Perspectives Of Student Transitioning In Special Education From Correctional Facilities To Public Schools, Elanor B. Mccormack

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore correctional special education teachers' and public high school special education teachers ' perspectives of student transitioning from correctional facilities back to public schools. The point of interest was regarding what information these two groups of teachers believe to be important for transitioning to occur more smoothly from correctional education to the public schools.

Surveys were distributed to the two groups of teachers. Respondents indicated the need for collaboration between correctional facilities and public schools. They also indicated the need for transference of information about the student prior to the student's arrival in …

Perceptions Of Regular Education And Special Education Professionals Regarding Involvement In The Iep Process, Donna B. Howland

Theses & Honors Papers

Special education and regular education professionals in public high schools in Virginia were surveyed regarding their perceptions of student, parent, special and regular educator involvement in the IEP conference. The survey aimed to compare the teachers' perceptions on the ideal level of involvement with what actually occurs in the schools. Students and regular education teachers had lower levels of actual involvement in the IEP conference than the teachers believed it should be. Furthermore, both groups of teachers indicated that the primary responsibility for developing the IEP should fall to the special education professional.

Students' Perception Of Involvement In Transition, Linda D. Sadler

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the exceptional student's perception of his or her involvement in the transition process as well as expectations and desired outcomes for adult life. A sample of twenty-one students classified as learning disabled who were taking a study skills class chose to participate in this study. The results show that over half of this sample were not aware that they were currently in a program designed to assist them with planning their future. Even so, over ninety percent stated that they had a future plan in mind, with over ninety percent planning to …

The Effects Of Direct Instruction On The Decoding Skills Of Learning Disabled Student With An Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Stephanie Sample

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of direct instruction on the decoding skills of a student identified as learning disabled and with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A procedure called the Corrective Reading Decoding Program was used to test this hypothesis. A single subject sign was used for this study. The subject received a direct instruction decoding program that consisted of sixty-five lessons, that took approximately six weeks to complete. An analysis by descriptive statistics showed that the subject improved his percentages at each grade level on the word lists, and improved at each reading level …

Are The Personnel Of Support Centers Trained To Meet The Needs Of Students With Learning Disabilities In College?, Sheri Barger

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the directors of support centers are prepared to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities in college. The subjects in this study were selected from all two and four year public schools from three states. They responded to a questionnaire about their training and the pertinence of their training to their work . The data were analyzed using a Pearson-r to examine the relationship between the variables . All questions were found to be statistically significant. Seventy-five percent of the variables were found to be significant at the …

Factors Related To School Involvement By Parents Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Kristen White

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to a parent's involvement in their child's education. More specifically it addressed the factors related to the involvement by parents of children with learning disabilities. The subjects (n=52) were all parents of children with learning disabilities. All parents attending a convention sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina were surveyed. A self-developed questionnaire was used for this research. 37% of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Pearson r. A significant correlation was found between teacher involvement and parental involvement (r= …

Factors Affecting Parent Perceptions Of Children's Performance In Inclusive Classroom Settings, Amy M. Johnson

Theses & Honors Papers

The subjects of this study included parents of forty - five students with learning disabilities who were integrated in the regular education classroom from rural Virginia. A self developed questionnaire was used to collect the data . Thirteen (28%) of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that divorced parents, married couples working between 20 to 29 hours per week, married parents who both had finished college, single I divorced parents who had finished High School only, and parents who had one child or all children in the family receiving Special Educational services …

The Effects Of Dialogue Journal Writing On The Writing Apprehension Level Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Jennifer H. Dooley

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examined what effects writing in dialogue journals has on the writing apprehension level of middle school students identified as having a learning disability related to writing. Twenty eight students participated in the study , eleven of which served as a control group and eleven as an experimental group (other subjects were eliminated randomly ). Each subject completed the Writing Apprehension Measure before and after the treatment. During the six - week study , the control group wrote in journals three times each week. The experimental group wrote in journals three times each week and received a response from …

Instructional Techniques For Elementary Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Marlene Tiller

Theses & Honors Papers

Instructional techniques used with elementary students diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were investigated. Subjects included fifty (n=50 ) special education teachers of elementary level (K-5 ) students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or emotional disabilities (ED). Of the fifty subjects, only twenty-three surveys were returned . Subject s were asked to choose the most effective desk placement, classroom placement , classroom strategy , and teaching method for an elementary level student with ADHD . A t-test, chi- square, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data . No significant differences were found between the choices of teachers …