Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

School Psychologists' Perceived Concerns Regarding Crisis Intervention With Diverse Populations, Ana E. Kemple

Theses and Dissertations

With the ever-increasing diversity among students in the United States, American schools are seeing more of a mismatch between school personnel and students. Service provision has traditionally addressed multicultural competencies in the area of assessment and more recently in counseling procedures. With the increased attention given to school-related crises, the role of school psychologists has expanded to include crisis intervention. The current study will present information on the need for multicultural competencies in crisis intervention and assess the current concerns of nationally certified school psychologists in this area of service provision. Responses from a random sample of school psychologists (n= …

School Counselors' Concerns Regarding Effective Crisis Intervention For Students Of Diverse Backgrounds, Michelle Lynn Canada

Theses and Dissertations

Although school counselors routinely provide crisis intervention, minimal research has focused specifically on providing such services in a manner sensitive to multicultural and ethnically diverse students. Responses of a random national sample of school counselors (n = 276, 69% return rate) indicate that approximately half voice some sort of concern related to providing crisis intervention services to students from diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this study is to summarize school counselor's concerns, providing an initial understanding for this aspect of school-based crisis intervention. Additionally, school counselors' comments were further analyzed to examine possible relationships between the type of concern and …

The Effects Of A Redirecting Strategy On Self Injurious Behavior Manifested By A Subject With Multiple Disabilities, Maria Estevanes Strickland

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a strategy involving redirection would reduce or extinguish self-injurious behavior (SIB). The subject, a ten-year-old girl, diagnosed with a seizure disorder, functioned at as eight month old level is confined to a wheel chair and is completely dependent on others for transportation and self-care needs. A single subject, ABAB design was used. The study was aimed at measuring SIB episodes during the baseline and treatment phases. A communication board was used during the treatment phases. The results indicate that the use of the communication board successfully reduced the episodes of self-injurious …

Ipsative Score Distortion On Affinity 2.0, Alec J. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated distortion that occurs when raw scores are converted to ipsative scores on Affinity 2.0, a relatively new instrument for assessing sexual interest. Using a sample of 146 non-offending, heterosexual females, this study examined the characteristics of distorted ipsative score profiles and attempted to develop an algorithm to identify such distortions. A method was developed for defining distortion objectively. Of the 146 profiles,125 were found to contain some degree of distortion. Several hypotheses were formulated as to variables that might be related to distortion. These relationships were examined using Pearson Product Moment Correlations. Several statistically significant, but weak, …

Relationships Between Cohesion And Depression In Parents Of Children With Developmental Disabilities, Amy Leigh Giauque

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the relationship between family cohesion and depression in mothers and fathers of children with disabilities. One hundred and six two-parent families who had a child with a disability provided information on their feelings of cohesion through Bloom's cohesion subscale and depression through the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Analyses indicated that mothers and fathers of this sample are not significantly more depressed than the general population. However, there was a correlation between mothers' and fathers' depression, indicating that when mothers' depression increased, fathers' depression increased. Negative correlations were found between mothers' and fathers' self-reported …

Methods Of Enhancing Communication In Preschoolers With Autism, Pam Headley

Theses & Honors Papers

Sixteen subjects were surveyed to determine their perceptions of four communication techniques used for increasing language in preschool children with autism: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT), Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The subjects included public and private special education teachers of children with autism. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X²) were used to analyze the data at .05 significance level. PECS was the technique used most often. ABA was the technique perceived as most effective. Significant relationships were found between choice of …

Longitudinal Course Of Eating Disorder Risk Among Undergraduate Females At Brigham Young University, Erin Blue Winters

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the prevalence rates and longitudinal course of eating disorder risk among undergraduate females at BYU, and compared the identified prevalence rates at BYU with identified rates at other colleges and universities. Almost 2,000 undergraduate females, in three cohort groups, filled out the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) once a semester for four to eight semesters. Clinical cut-off scores were used to determine what percentage of participants were at high risk for eating disordered behaviors and symptomology. Overall eating disorder risk prevalence rates at BYU ranged from 9-11%. These rates were significantly lower than identified rates at other …

The Eating Survey: Disordered Eating And Clinical Cutoff For Adolescents Ages 14-17, David Scott Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The Eating Survey is a new screening instrument for adolescent eating disturbances. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine how the Eating Survey functions as a total screening instrument and to find a clinical cutoff score for the current 17 items. The participants were 2,569 non-clinical adolescents with a comparative sample of 41 inpatient adolescents aged 14-17. More specifically, this study examined the age and gender differences of the 2,569 non-clinical adolescent males and females. It also compared the 1,662 non-clinical females to a sample of 41 inpatient females. Specificity and sensitivity analyses were conducted to find the …

An Analysis Of Assistive Technology Team Evaluations, Lori J. Marks, M. L. Mcmurray, C. Hales, M. K. Young

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Communication About Death Between Mothers And Adolescent Sons Using Fictional Children's Literature, Deon G. Leavy

Theses and Dissertations

Most children will experience the death of a loved one in their lifetime and will need to develop healthy grieving patterns. Communication between parents and children is a key ingredient in facilitating this development. Current opinions about bibliotherapy, using a book to assist in healing, suggest that books provide understanding about grief and death and open channels of communication. Although the use of bibliotherapy is gaining popularity, little research exists about its efficacy. Utilizing the book The Bridge to Terabithia, this study evaluated the facilitation of communication about death between 19 dyads of mother and adolescent sons. Their answers and …

The Frequency And Severity Of Problem Behaviors Among Individuals With Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, And Mental Retardation From The Utah Dspd Dataset, Melanie Kay Arp

Theses and Dissertations

The study reports on analyses of data collected from the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) for 5,859 children with Autism (n = 511), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI, n = 522), or Mental Retardation (MR, n = 4826) whose legal guardians applied for support services through the Utah Department of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD). Results indicate that the least to most frequent problem behaviors were (a) destructive to property, (b) hurtful to self, (c) hurtful to others, (d) socially offensive, (e) unusual habits, (f) withdrawal, (g) uncooperative, and (h) disruptive behaviors. The degree of severity varied from …

Creating Talking Books Using Powerpoint, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Presentation contains instructionson how to make a talking book using Microsoft PowerPoint. For examples of presentations, visit: http://faculty.etsu.edu/marks/workshops/05-06%20workshops/2005-2006workshops.htm

Inquiry-Based Environments For The Inclusion Of Students With Exceptional Learning Needs, Whitney Rapp

Education Faculty/Staff Publications

A qualitative study of children's museums' successful inquiry-based learning environments is described, focusing on four students with various exceptional learning needs. Benefits for the students in terms of scaffolded instruction, meaningful and contex-tualized activities, self-regulated learning, the establishment of learning communities, play, and parental involvement are noted. A discussion of the generalization of learning to the classroom and of positive attitudes and children's museums as inclusive, supplemental environments is included, Implications for future practice involve school-museum partnerships and individualized programming for all learners. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.

A Motivational Strategy That Accommodates Middle School Special Education Students: Achieving Academic Success, Susan J. Koempel

All Graduate Projects

The project provides middle school teachers with a handbook for clarifying academic targets in the general education U. S. history classroom. This strategy clearly defines, in a pictorial manner, the interconnectedness that exists between report cards, progress reports, and quarterly curriculum assignments. The intervention of this organizational strategy will assist students in decisions, regarding the timely completion and turn in of assignments, by creating an overall awareness of the progress of time and assignment due dates during the quarter. Originally, the production of the intervention was done by the special education staff so that there would be minimal time energy …

The School Counseling Psychology Program: A Qualitative Study., Daniel Vern Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The service role and functions of school counseling and school psychology have been discussed extensively for several decades. The literature from each professional discipline is replete with calls to expand the training and service capacity of these school professionals. Simultaneously calls are made for even broader educational reform as it specifically relates to student pupil services. From within this context an integrated school counseling and school psychology program known as the School Counseling Psychology Program was organized and administered at Brigham Young University. This qualitative dissertation study highlights the perceived strengths and limitations of this integrated training program. The impact …

Student Psychological Distress In A Career Exploration Course, Roger H. Belisle

Theses and Dissertations

A gap in the literature exists on the connection between an individual's career and non-career domains. Even less research exists on the topic of career development and how it relates to an individual's mental health. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate the connection between career issues and mental health by exploring the psychological distress levels of students enrolled in a career exploration course. During the course, students completed a bi-weekly online survey, the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45). Results support the possible connection between career issues and mental health and also show that for certain populations, career guidance interventions may decrease an …

Facing The Caree/Family Dichotomy: Traditional College Women's Perspectives, Lisa Michelle Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the experience of 32 traditional college freshmen women as they sought to choose a career with the idea of balancing career and family in the future. A traditional woman was defined as a woman whose central value system and cultural mores emphasize homemaking and childrearing as their primary role. Guided interviews were conducted to obtain in-depth descriptions of participants' experience. The interviews were transcribed and interpreted using a synthesis of qualitative methods based on Kvale's method. The six themes were as follows: 1. The concept of balancing careers and family life is not being discussed or …

An Exploration Of The Interactions Of Improvers And Deteriorators In The Process Of Group Therapy: A Qualitative Analysis, Laura Lee Hoffmann

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the interactions of individuals who showed symptom improvement and those who showed symptom deterioration during the course of 12-14 sessions of group process psychotherapy. Both general group themes, as well as themes specific to improvers and deteriorators were found. General group themes included (a) an initial difficulty distinguishing between improvers and deteriorators, and (b) a tendency for group to focus on past or future focus versus present group issues. Specific themes for deteriorators included (a) substantial early disclosure in the group process, (b) open praise of the process of group, (c) the stated expectation of sharing deep …

Perceived Impact Of The No Child Left Behind Act Of 2001 On Paraprofessionals, Heather Goodwin Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Using the states' paraprofessional requirements, this study explored the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) on the paraprofessionals' ability to assist in instruction as seen through the perceptions of paraprofessional and teacher teams. The literature review discloses data regarding the implementation of NCLB paraprofessional requirements into the accountability plans of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Tables synthesize the assessments used by states to meet NCLB paraprofessional requirements. The Council for Exceptional Children performance-based standards for paraeducators provides the framework for the development of two survey instruments, which measured the perceptions of paraprofessionals …

Family And Cultural Issues In Assistive Technology, Howard P. Parette, Joan Breslin Larson

Faculty Publications - College of Education

To ensure effective assistive technology (AT) decision-making for children with disabilities, families should ideally be actively involved in the process. An evolving issue in family-centered practice is the role of cultural and linguistic issues that may influence the participation of family members in AT decision-making and subsequent implementation of and support for devices and services. Culturally and linguistically-based values may wield strong influences on family perceptions of AT, and successful implementation of AT solutions agreed upon by team members.

This discussion will address issues related to identifying and developing an understanding of family perspectives about goals and expectations for AT …

An Evaluation Of A Service-Learning Approach To Assist In Achieving The Goals Of A Comprehensive Guidance Program, Kathryn Ann Stott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold: (a) to investigate how a service-learning class assisted in achieving the goals of a comprehensive guidance and development program in a junior high school, and (b) to examine the effects of a service-learning class on junior high school students. Thirty students who had been in the service-learning class participated in semi-structured interviews. Parents and teachers were also interviewed to cross-validate student perceptions. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify core meanings. Using phenomenological analysis, eight major themes were identified: personal awareness, social skills development, learning skills, career interests, character education, application of …

Teaching Pro-Social Skills To Help Young Children At Risk To Succeed In Inclusive Education, Susan M. Weston

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the pro-social skills program that the Valley Park Pre-K students have been exposed to. Ten typically developing 4-year-olds participated in this research study. A review of observations revealed that this pro-social skills program reduced problem behavior. These children greatly improved in their social skills. They were extremely cooperative and attentive during the teaching activities and lessons. They all willingly participated and were very interested in partaking in the games. I believe that this was a very successful program and could be implemented and integrated in other preschool classrooms and …

Transitioning From Analog To Digital Audio Recording In Childhood Speech Sound Disorders, Lawrence D. Shriberg, Jane L. Mcsweeny, Bruce E. Anderson, Thomas F. Campbell, Michael R. Chial, Jordan R. Green, Katherina K. Hauner, Christopher A. Moore, Heather L. Rusiewicz, David L. Wilson

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Few empirical findings or technical guidelines are available on the current transition from analog to digital audio recording in childhood speech sound disorders. Of particular concern in the present context was whether a transition from analog- to digital-based transcription and coding of prosody and voice features might require re-standardizing a reference database for research in childhood speech sound disorders. Two research transcribers with different levels of experience glossed, transcribed, and prosody-voice coded conversational speech samples from eight children with mild to severe speech disorders of unknown origin. The samples were recorded, stored, and played back using representative analog and digital …

General And Special Education Teachers' Perspectives On Co-Teaching Practice And Barriers, Kristie L. Attardi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore special and general education teachers' perspectives of why co-teaching is not implemented effectively and how the problems can be resolved to lead to successful practice. The objectives of the study are: (a) to better understand the perspectives of both the general and special educators with respect to the barriers of co-teaching, and (b) to gather information on what means the general and special teachers have used or believe should use to overcome the barriers. Sixteen teachers of the eight co-teaching pairs within an elementary school participated in this study. These teachers completed …

Using Functional Behavioral Assessment To Support An Elementary Student With Challenging Behavior In A Self-Contained Classroom, Alan Leonardi

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this single-case study were to examine the effectiveness of interventions based on functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to positively support a student who had specific challenging behaviors and to determine if it was practical for a classroom teacher, the researcher, to utilize functional-assessment techniques. The researcher used indirect and direct-observation tools to identify three target behaviors, record frequencies and durations, and describe the antecedents and consequences of behaviors. Hypotheses based on functional assessment principles were used to design an intervention plan. The researcher used an A-B design to compare baseline frequencies of behaviors to post-intervention frequencies and administered …

Transition Services For Non-Mainstreamed Students, Rosemary F. Dobbins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the vocational needs and transition services for non-mainstreamed high school students. Two transition needs and service surveys were conducted to 46 high school students under special education services and to 6 professionals who provide services. It was to determine if the services that the juniors and seniors were receiving would either prepare them to enter into the work force or to continue with their education. The findings show that there is some discrepancy between students and professionals about the existence of a transition plan, students' involvement in the plan-making process and their …

Special Education Teachers' Collection And Use Of Data To Measure Student Progress, Crystal Thacker

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not teachers use systematic and direct formative assessment techniques and if implementing these techniques has an effect on teacher efficacy. The participants (N = 89) were practicing special education teachers from urban and rural school divisions across Virginia and from one graduate-level course in special education. Data were collected using portions of the Data Collection and Analysis Survey (Cooke, Heward, Test, Spooner, & Courson, 1991) and selected items from the Teacher Efficacy Scale (Gibson, 1983). The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 89 surveys distributed, …

Wisdom, Intelligence, And Creativity Synthesized., Susan Daniels

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Wisdom, as explored by Sternberg is the application of successful intelligence and creativity. For thirty years, Dr. Sternberg has been a vocal critic of narrow conceptions of intelligence. In this recent work, he argues that a more comprehensive view of intelligence must go beyond the psychometrically based, IQ-driven views predominant in the last century.

Effectiveness Of Male Special Education Placements In A Residential Program, Joanne Virginia Collins

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the academic and behavioral progress of male special education students in a residential program and determine whether decisions to place them in the program were justified. A comparison of students' archival data that consisted of pre and post assessments for academic adjustment and behavioral adjustment was the method chosen to accomplish this purpose. Eighty students between the ages of 8 years and 1 7 years were selected from an Indiana residential facility for males. They were classified as either residential or day treatment students. Their archival data was collected from assessments that …

Effect Of Faculty Attributes On The Provision Of Academic Accommodations For Learning Disabled Students, Rita Potter Worrall

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The lack of research studies relevant to faculty attitudes impacting the learning environment for learning disabled students led this research to investigate the actual practices of faculty teaching accommodations in the classroom context. 111 This study was conducted with 523 faculty members at Indiana State University, a midsize Midwestern university. 160 faculty members responded to a survey of required and recommended accommodations made for learning disabled students in the classroom and the statistical data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regression. The study found there was a significant difference among faculty based on tenure status and number of required …