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Full-Text Articles in Special Education and Teaching

Best Practices For Classroom Seating Arrangements: A Narrative Literature Review, Sophia M. Williams Jul 2026

Best Practices For Classroom Seating Arrangements: A Narrative Literature Review, Sophia M. Williams

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Every K-12 classroom has a unique dynamic produced by students and managed by its teachers. The relationships between peers, as well as the relationships between students and their teacher play an integral role in how students work and behave each day. An important aspect of the classroom dynamic that teachers’ control is seating arrangements. Indeed, extant research has debated on the best practice for seating arrangements in classrooms to create optimal learning environments that benefit both pupil and teacher. Some studies suggest that students work better when they are working with people that they have positive relationships with. Contrarily, others …


Parental Attitudes Towards Using Medication To Regulate Behavioral Problems Among Children With Autism Spectrum, Amna Abdulla Alneyadi Jun 2026

Parental Attitudes Towards Using Medication To Regulate Behavioral Problems Among Children With Autism Spectrum, Amna Abdulla Alneyadi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Medication is increasingly being used to manage behaviour among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, teachers and parents continue to raise concerns about behavioural problems demonstrated by children with ASD. This raises questions about the efficacy of psychotropic medication used in managing behavioural problems among children with ASD. However, there is limited research on stakeholders’ attitudes towards the usage of medication to manage behavioural problems among children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ attitudes towards using medication to manage behavioural problems among children with ASD. The attitude domain of Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour …


Parental Conceptions On The Causes Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders In The United Arab Emirates, Mariam Mohammed Ali Aljaberi Apr 2026

Parental Conceptions On The Causes Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders In The United Arab Emirates, Mariam Mohammed Ali Aljaberi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

When no verified causes are pinned to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), individuals construct their own beliefs based on their own context. Some studies aimed at unfolding these beliefs globally, yet a gap remained in examining this in the United Arab Emirates context. This study investigated Emirati parents' causal conceptions of NDDs across health, genetic, environmental, and religious domains between parents of children with disabilities and parents of typically developing children. This study implemented an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, as the data was collected in two subsequent phases where the qualitative phase's exploratory findings informed the creation of the quantitative …


The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In Developing The Social Skills Of Children With Developmental Disabilities In The Uae: Parents’ Perspectives, Fatima Mohammed Alkatheeri Apr 2026

The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In Developing The Social Skills Of Children With Developmental Disabilities In The Uae: Parents’ Perspectives, Fatima Mohammed Alkatheeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores parents’ perspectives on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy (EBT) in improving social skills among children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Equine-based therapy has gained increasing international attention; however, research in the Gulf region remains limited, especially qualitative studies exploring parents’ lived experiences. The main objective of this thesis is to explore parents’ perceptions of changes in their children’s social development following participation in equine-based therapy and to examine the cultural relevance, benefits, and challenges of EBT implementation within the UAE context. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 …


The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb Apr 2026

The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common manifestation observed in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), wherein the brain inaccurately interprets sensory information. Teachers often face many sensory issues in the classroom. However, it is commonly known that addressing SPD falls within an occupational therapist's (OT) responsibility. Recent research has found that promoting sensory strategies in educational training is necessary. Hence, the current experimental mixed-methods research aimed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the sensory intervention and sensory inputs utilized in the Living and Non-Living Sensory Input (LNSI) intervention program on sensory behavior, executive function, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and cortical …


The Impact Of The Space Science Steam Enrichment Program On Grade 11 And 12 Gifted Students' Content Knowledge, Design Thinking, And Problem-Solving Skills In The United Arab Emirates, Nada Ali Mubarak Obaid Apr 2026

The Impact Of The Space Science Steam Enrichment Program On Grade 11 And 12 Gifted Students' Content Knowledge, Design Thinking, And Problem-Solving Skills In The United Arab Emirates, Nada Ali Mubarak Obaid

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the impact of a Space Science Enrichment Program grounded in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education and designed for gifted secondary students in the Elite and Advanced Science Streams of UAE government schools. Informed by problem-based learning, project-based learning, and design thinking frameworks, the program aimed to enhance students' content knowledge, academic achievement, and design thinking and problem-solving skills. Over a two-month period, students participated in blended online and face-to-face theoretical and practical sessions introducing space science topics such as satellite missions and applications, CubeSats, rocket motion, thermal and vibration simulations, 3D modelling, and additive …


The Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Interventions On Social And Communication Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In The Uae, Shamsa Ali Almarzooqi Apr 2026

The Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Interventions On Social And Communication Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In The Uae, Shamsa Ali Almarzooqi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on the social and communication skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study is organized into four connected phases, each building on the findings of the previous stage. Phase 1 explored parents’ perceptions of how companion pet ownership contributes to their child’s social interaction, communication, emotional well-being, and daily activity routines, using focus groups with mothers of children with ASD. Phase 2 employed a mixed-methods design to observe how students with ASD engage with different animal species (cat, rabbit, and fish/birds) …


Beyond Words: Supporting Nonverbal Autistic Preschoolers With Exceptional Cognitive Abilities, Dawn Timms Mar 2026

Beyond Words: Supporting Nonverbal Autistic Preschoolers With Exceptional Cognitive Abilities, Dawn Timms

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This project explores how caregivers can support autistic preschoolers who are nonverbal yet demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities. Grounded in communication theory and neurodiversity‑affirming practice, it reframes communication as a shared, relational process that extends beyond spoken language. Drawing from interdisciplinary research, I created a strengths‑based caregiver communication toolkit that translates complex theory into clear, practical strategies families can use in everyday routines. This work honors the intelligence of children whose thinking outpaces their speech and equips caregivers with tools that make communication more accessible, responsive, and affirming.


Beyond The Tour: Designing Graduate Library Orientations That Build Research Confidence And Belonging, Megan York Mar 2026

Beyond The Tour: Designing Graduate Library Orientations That Build Research Confidence And Belonging, Megan York

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Graduate student orientations often lean heavily on logistics: where to find resources, how to log in, and which services the library offers. While this information is important, it rarely addresses the deeper needs of graduate learners. Many of the students I work with arrive on campus already balancing careers, families, and demanding academic programs. At the University of Arkansas, graduate orientations in the College of Education and Health Professions frequently take place on weekends, serving students who travel from out of state and receive an overwhelming amount of information in a short time. For them, orientation is not simply a …


Creating Accessible And Welcoming Iep Meetings: Empowering Teachers To Partner With Parents, Barbara Serianni, Nedra Cossa Feb 2026

Creating Accessible And Welcoming Iep Meetings: Empowering Teachers To Partner With Parents, Barbara Serianni, Nedra Cossa

Empowering Educators Conference

Parents’ experiences in eligibility and initial IEP meetings range from feeling welcomed to feeling unheard. This session equips special education teachers with practical strategies—clear communication, inclusive structures, and culturally responsive practices—to create accessible, empowering environments where families are valued as equal partners in the IEP process.


Supporting Students’ Progress And Academic Attainment: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Inclusive Education In Uae Schools, Ahmed Adel Aggour Nov 2025

Supporting Students’ Progress And Academic Attainment: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Inclusive Education In Uae Schools, Ahmed Adel Aggour

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening student progress tracking and advancing inclusive education in United Arab Emirates (UAE) schools. Aligned with UAE Vision 2071 and the AI Strategy 2031, it addresses gaps in traditional systems such as delayed interventions, teacher workload, and lack of real-time feedback. Three research questions guided the study: What challenges do teachers face in tracking student progress? How can AI support effective monitoring? What is its impact on inclusion?

A convergent mixed-methods design was applied. A bilingual (Arabic–English) questionnaire produced 211 responses from educators across the Emirates, complemented by twelve semi-structured …


Evaluating The Implementation And Effectiveness Of The Tiered Support Model For Students With Additional Learning Needs Within Adek’S Inclusion Policy Framework, Siham Mohamed Ahmed Nov 2025

Evaluating The Implementation And Effectiveness Of The Tiered Support Model For Students With Additional Learning Needs Within Adek’S Inclusion Policy Framework, Siham Mohamed Ahmed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the implementation and efficacy of the tiered model of support for students with additional learning needs in the UAE, in line with ADEK’s inclusion policy. The model relies on accurate identification of students, effective teacher intervention, and collaboration with parents to ensure positive learning outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the practical application of this model by assessing the validity and reliability of commonly used identification tools, such as MAP and CAT4, examining teacher preparedness, training, and progress monitoring strategies, and exploring school administrators’ perspectives on the system’s effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach combining assessment data analysis, …


Behavioural Intentions And Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge Of Teachers Towards Using Artificial Intelligence To Teach Students With Learning Difficulty/Disabilities In The United Arab Emirates, Fatima Zraydi Jun 2025

Behavioural Intentions And Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge Of Teachers Towards Using Artificial Intelligence To Teach Students With Learning Difficulty/Disabilities In The United Arab Emirates, Fatima Zraydi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers significant potential for identifying and supporting all students including those with learning difficulties. Although discussions on potential of AI to advance the learning of students is ongoing, AI usage among teachers to support the teaching of students with learning disabilities in non-western context such as the United Arab Emirates, is unresearched. The goal of this study was to explore the synergy between teachers’ behavioural intention and pedagogical content knowledge towards using AI to teach students with learning difficulties. The study was guided by unified theory of acceptance and use of technology …


Exploring The Quality Of Professional Development In Addressing Challenges With Behavior Management Of Special Needs Students In Inclusive Classrooms: An Instrumental Case Study, Reem Abuwatfa Jun 2025

Exploring The Quality Of Professional Development In Addressing Challenges With Behavior Management Of Special Needs Students In Inclusive Classrooms: An Instrumental Case Study, Reem Abuwatfa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Inclusive education has become a major educational priority globally and within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by policies promoting the full participation of students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. This study explores how elementary-level general education teachers perceive the quality of professional development (PD) in addressing their challenges with behavior management of students with SEN in inclusive classrooms. A qualitative case study approach was used, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Three overarching main themes were generated from the interviews, which were further categorized into eight themes and 18 subthemes. The findings indicated that teachers face challenges from the …


Changemakers For Students With Severe Disabilities, Kelsey Lamountain Apr 2025

Changemakers For Students With Severe Disabilities, Kelsey Lamountain

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Students with severe disabilities continue to face multiple barriers in accessing their education compared to their non-disabled peers. Specifically, they can be segregated from their peers without disabilities, general education teachers, and the general education curriculum. Despite these barriers, special education teachers can work within their role to disrupt ableism and stop harmful practices. In addition to being case managers and teachers, special education teachers can take on the role as advocate as they work towards persisting past the above barriers. Research has documented the importance of teacher educators preparing special education teachers as change agents (Olson & Roberts 2017; …


Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students’ Satisfaction In Higher Education At The Uae, Saleha Saleh Alkarbi Apr 2025

Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students’ Satisfaction In Higher Education At The Uae, Saleha Saleh Alkarbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students face unique challenges in higher education, particularly regarding accessibility, communication, and academic support. This study examines the levels of satisfaction among DHH students in UAE universities, focusing on key factors such as academic support, accessibility services, teaching methods, and inclusion efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from 47 students surveyed and qualitative data from 18 students interviewed. The findings highlight key barriers, including the inconsistent availability of sign language interpreters, limited faculty awareness regarding the needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students, and insufficient academic accommodations. Despite advancements in national policies …


The Effect Of A Stem-Based Enrichment Unit On Gifted Sixth Graders’ Academic Achievement, Problem-Solving Skills, And Attitudes Towards Stem, Aisha Abdulkader Cheikhmous Apr 2025

The Effect Of A Stem-Based Enrichment Unit On Gifted Sixth Graders’ Academic Achievement, Problem-Solving Skills, And Attitudes Towards Stem, Aisha Abdulkader Cheikhmous

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study aimed to examine the effect of a STEM-based enrichment unit on gifted learners’ academic achievement, problem-solving skills, and attitudes towards STEM. The participants were 33 female sixth-grade students attending the Elite Stream at a public school in the United Arab Emirates. To collect the data, the study followed a triangulation mixed-methods research design where the qualitative data was collected from the researcher’s observations during the program implementation. Furthermore, the quantitative data was obtained from a content-based test that focused on problemsolving skills, a survey on students’ attitudes towards STEM, and the End-of-Term summative achievement exam scores in Mathematics, …


Access To Special Education Support For Rural Areas, Annamarie Mallory, Zayne Smith, Sam Rohrssen Apr 2025

Access To Special Education Support For Rural Areas, Annamarie Mallory, Zayne Smith, Sam Rohrssen

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Across the globe, students need more individualized education. 750 of the 1.1 million learners in compulsory schools in Sweden attend state-run special schools, and 14,400 attend compulsory schools for learners with intellectual disabilities. Special education, on top of many other issues, is a significant reason for rural schools’ struggling to provide quality education for their students who have learning disabilities. Special Education in the United States and Sweden is often overlooked. In the United States, the number of unqualified teachers in rural areas equals 35%, with 11.4% being special educators. This paper will discuss the most appropriate interventions that provide …


Non-Aversive Social And Academic Interventions For Youth With Challenging Behavior, Tom Clees Mar 2025

Non-Aversive Social And Academic Interventions For Youth With Challenging Behavior, Tom Clees

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Differential reinforcement procedures (DR) will be the focus of this presentation, including differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior that is alternative to (DRA), or incompatible with (DRI), targeted challenging behavior, and differential reinforcement of the absence of challenging behavior for specified intervals (DRO). In addition, combined strategies (DR with changing criteria and/or social skills instruction) will be presented. Novel applications will also be highlighted.


Harnessing The Power Of Applied Behavior Analysis: Evidence Based Interventions For Children With Autism, Sandrene Foster Feb 2025

Harnessing The Power Of Applied Behavior Analysis: Evidence Based Interventions For Children With Autism, Sandrene Foster

Empowering Educators Conference

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven therapy improving behavior, academics, and social skills, widely used for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other needs. With ASD diagnoses rising, early intervention is essential. This presentation explores ABA fundamentals, effective early interventions, and continuous assessment to maximize outcomes for children with ASD.


The Impact Of Behavior Skills Training On Secondary Math Teachers’ Use Of Evidence Based Classroom Management Strategies, Molly E. Jouflas, Kimberly Dean Dr., Peggy Hickman Dr. Jan 2025

The Impact Of Behavior Skills Training On Secondary Math Teachers’ Use Of Evidence Based Classroom Management Strategies, Molly E. Jouflas, Kimberly Dean Dr., Peggy Hickman Dr.

Capstone Showcase

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS) is a research-based approach that improves student engagement, behavior, and school culture, primarily in elementary schools, but is growing in secondary schools. Secondary teachers often resist SW-PBIS due to perceptions that it’s meant for younger students and the belief that high schoolers should already know socially appropriate behavior. One significant barrier to its implementation is the lack of time and space for effective teacher training at the secondary level (Estrapala et al., 2021; Swain-Bradway et al., 2015). Behavior skills training (BST), derived from applied behavior analysis, has proven effective in training educators to …


Language Learning Disabilities: Adolescents Receiving Psychological Therapy In Addition To Speech Language Therapy, Katelyn Grace Mcnair, Catherine L. Cotton Phd. Apr 2024

Language Learning Disabilities: Adolescents Receiving Psychological Therapy In Addition To Speech Language Therapy, Katelyn Grace Mcnair, Catherine L. Cotton Phd.

Undergraduate Research Conference

Specific learning disabilities are among the most common disability categories, in which students receive special education and/or related services in schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (2023). Research has shown an increase of understanding in the areas of reading, writing, and spelling in individuals with learning disabilities. More recently, Ghiasi, Sedrpoushan, Abedi, Soltani (2022), noted students with learning disabilities have a lower level of achievement, motivation, self-esteem, and a high level of depression. Advances in language literacy remediation, may not be enough to overcome factors such as decreased self-esteem and fear of failure (Wolter, DiLollo, Apel, 2006). …


Global Strategies For Addressing Communication Disorders In Justice-Involved Youth, Sophia Martinez, Anne Marie Perrotti, Brooke Baker, Allison Chappell Mar 2024

Global Strategies For Addressing Communication Disorders In Justice-Involved Youth, Sophia Martinez, Anne Marie Perrotti, Brooke Baker, Allison Chappell

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Throughout all stages of processing, most juveniles who encounter the justice system demonstrate cognitive-communicative difficulties (CCDs). Empirical evidence reveals that 19-22% of female and 28-38% of male youth offenders, culminating in approximately 50-60% of youth offenders, demonstrate language disorders that require intervention, but most have never received services (Snow et al., 2014; Winstanley et al., 2021). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are communication experts certified to assess and treat CCDs. While nations abroad recognize the value of SLP involvement in all stages of processing for justice-involved youth (JIY), America lags in utilizing SLPs to improve JIY outcomes and lower youth's risk of …


Students’ Perceptions Of Crisis Intervention: Using A Trauma Informed Approach Versus Restraint, Mary Triana, Eric Bieniek Mar 2024

Students’ Perceptions Of Crisis Intervention: Using A Trauma Informed Approach Versus Restraint, Mary Triana, Eric Bieniek

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation reviews first-of-its-kind research that directly interviewed students who have experienced both restraint and a restraint-free trauma-informed approach during crisis. It will review the results of these interviews including students’ understanding of interventions, relationships with staff, and recommendations for schools.


The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little Mar 2024

The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation aims to spark intentional conversation and change geared towards shattering stigmas around the autistic and ADHD experience. Attendees will enhance their understanding of neuro-divergent populations in order to modify environments and provide interventions aligning with trauma informed care and inclusion. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to embrace the power of self disclosure and mentorship.


Teaching Students About Trauma, Stress And Brain Regulation, Kathy J. Van Horn Mar 2024

Teaching Students About Trauma, Stress And Brain Regulation, Kathy J. Van Horn

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

All students are impacted by stress and can benefit by understanding their brains, their stress response, and strategies for regulation. This presentation will provide practical principles and ideas for teaching students strategies and skills for physical, emotional, and cortical regulation.


Mindfulness: The Missing Link In Education, Ashley L. Baer Mar 2024

Mindfulness: The Missing Link In Education, Ashley L. Baer

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Were you asked to pay attention or behave in school? As educators, we must stop expecting focus and self-regulation, and instead we must teach it. Learn how in this experiential session to connect and regulate students using the breathing ball, games, breath, and movement. Let’s practice!


The Power Of Team Sports And One Caring Adult, Don Poole Mar 2024

The Power Of Team Sports And One Caring Adult, Don Poole

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

When team sports are combined with one adult(Synergy) you can give a child a "Why". Also when you committ to not use limiting beliefs or make judgements about a child's future the sky is the limit. Using the Goldfish principles amazing outcomes will happen!


Self- Determination And Student- Led Ieps, Elizabeth R. Clarke Feb 2024

Self- Determination And Student- Led Ieps, Elizabeth R. Clarke

Empowering Educators Conference

In this session, Dr. Clarke and her student, a high school senior, will analyze and instruct educational professionals about self-determination. She will explain how to give students a voice in their IEP and their educational plans, as well as the subsequent effects: boosting motivation, independence and academic success.


The Role Of School–Community Collaboration In The Inclusive Education (Ie) Practices Concerning Students With Special Educational Needs (Sens) In Public And Private Schools In Abu Dhabi, Hamdah Jibar Nov 2023

The Role Of School–Community Collaboration In The Inclusive Education (Ie) Practices Concerning Students With Special Educational Needs (Sens) In Public And Private Schools In Abu Dhabi, Hamdah Jibar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This dissertation investigates the multifaceted role of school–community collaboration in inclusive education (IE) practices for students with special educational needs (SENs) in Abu Dhabi’s public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the past two decades, the UAE government has intensified its efforts to enhance the realm if special education, aiming to improve SEN students’ social, cognitive, and academic outcomes. National attention for these practices aligns with the broader aspiration to establish an inclusive and equitable society.
The primary objective of this study is to explore the intricacies of school–community collaboration in fostering inclusive education practices. In …