Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Teacher Nominations And The Identification Of Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Concerns In Adolescence, Stephanie Deverich Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) directly influence learning, relationships, mood, and overall scholastic experiences. Research provides evidence that early intervention and prevention efforts can address the needs of students with EBD (Allen-DeBoer, Malmgren, & Glass, 2006; Cook, et al. 2008; Lien-Thorne & Kamps, 2005; Regan, Mastropieri, & Scruggs, 2005; Rivera, Al-Otiba, & Koorland, 2006), but in order to identify these at-risk youth, a screening system is needed to broadly consider Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Concerns (SEBC).This dissertation evaluated the alignment of a teacher nomination process (Teacher Nomination Form (TNF)) and a normative screener of EBD risk (BASC-2 Behavioral and Emotional …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Student Attitudes Toward Reading And Achievement In Reading In Fifth-Grade Students, Christen Shelley

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between fifth grade student attitudes toward reading and student achievement in reading. The researcher hypothesized that from this study a correlation between student attitudes toward reading and student achievement in reading would be found.

Native American Students' Experiences Of Cultural Differences In College: Influence And Impact, Leslie Elizabeth Clark

Theses and Dissertations

The culture of most colleges and universities is very different for Native American students with close ties to their traditional communities. "Traditional," in a Native American sense, means multiple interconnections of emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual identity that combine to define expectations for the Native American way. This traditional cultural perspective is often in conflict with college cultures where typically only the academic or social aspects of identity are addressed. Research on college students of several ethnicities has found that the experience of post-secondary education can change individuals' attitudes, values, and behaviors. However, none of these studies focused on the …

Transforming Training In Orientation And Mobility: Examining The Effect Using An Audio-Link On The Distance Between Trainer And Trainee, Michael P. Munro, Barry H. Stafford

Faculty Publications

Increased distances between instructor and trainee during orientation and mobility (O&M) training is purported to be associated with improved outcomes of heightened independence, self-efficacy, and preparation for real-world experience as a traveller. However, there is currently no research that identifies standard or optimal instructor-trainee distances or effoctive strategies to increase distances that enhance training outcomes. This exploratory, qualitative study compared the distance between two instructor-trainee dyads over ten 1.5-hour lessons. The first jive lessons were conducted without an Audio-link device, and the second jive occurred using the device. Results indicated that use of an Audio-link system significantly increased training distances …

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 …

Video Self-Modeling To Improve Reading Fluency, Scotlynd Campbell, Mackenzie Cable, Tyler Debernardi

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

In this poster the following question was explored: “Does video self-modeling (VSM) improve reading fluency?” The authors located sources which demonstrated video self-modeling seemed effective across a variety of academic areas and adaptive behavior skills. When VSM was employed with tutoring, the reading fluency of four, 1^st grade students seemed to increase. The study showed that VSM increases fluency because when the researchers implemented reading tutoring without VSM. Tutoring was not as effective as when implemented along with VSM. In conclusion, this strategy can be implemented in reading classrooms, applied behaviors and academic skills.

Teaching Errorless Learning With Fidelity, Garrett Stone, Kory Ray

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

Scholarly sources were reviewed to determine different strategies to teach students with minimizing negative interactions. Errorless learning is a research-based strategy that minimizes errors with few or no responses to the negative stimulus. Time-Delay and prompting are two types of errorless learning techniques examined in this presentation. Time delay is exhibited during activities where a response is required. The duration between the cue and the response can be constant or progressive. Constant time delay has a constant amount of time between cue and response, where progressive time-delay increases duration of time before scaffolding is provided. If no response or an …

Phonemic Awareness: Do You Hear What I Hear?, Jennifer Timberlake, Brittany Mahler, Alexander Michael Miller

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

This poster, created by undergraduate students, was designed to illustrate the importance of employing research based strategies when providing phonemic awareness instruction. This research explored why phonemic awareness is important for beginning readers or students who are at risk and the resources that support instruction. The authors reviewed research based articles, textbooks, and websites in order to obtain strategies, and activities proven to be beneficial in the classroom. The research suggested that phonemic awareness skills are essential for word decoding, word identification, and reading fluency. Additionally, the research indicates that the use of small groups, technology, and interactive activities enhance …

Vocabulary Strategies And Implementation, Stacie Bratcher, Brandon Croghan, Katelyn Bradshaw

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

Vocabulary is a critical factor in the development of individuals’ ability to convey information. Information on this poster answers the question of ways to effectively implement implicit and explicit research-based teaching strategies. Researchers conducted an online probe consulting several articles discussing explicit strategies: keyword method, word walls, root analysis, and implicit strategies: cloze procedure, context clues and incidental word acquisition. The authors of this poster analyzed the information and divided the larger topic of vocabulary into subtopics. Through the use of these subtopics, teachers in all content and grade levels can implement vocabulary instruction. In conclusion, researchers found that teachers …

How Overcorrection Improves Behavior, Annie Katzman, Susan Carder, Molly Mcnamara

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

This poster introduces the practice of overcorrection. Overcorrection is a discipline strategy that can be used inside and outside of the classroom. It is used to decrease inappropriate behavior (e.g., running down the hallway, hitting another student, or destroying school property). There are different types of overcorrection that appear to be effective, such as positive practice, neutral practice, and restitutional practice. These have been implemented with positive results in the reduction of inappropriate behavior. Overall, overcorrection is a research based strategy, but care must be taken when a student is causing harm to himself or others.

Effects Of Choice Of Reinforcement On The On-­Task Behavior Of Kindergarten Students With Developmental Delays, Karen Binette

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

A high degree of external control is maintained in classrooms serving students with behavioral and developmental disabilities. However, decision making is an important developmental objective related to personal control and dignity. Choice making and discriminating preferred over less preferred outcomes is an important skill that is seldom taught to students with developmental disabilities. Previous research includes studies conducted in clinical settings or with populations with severe disabilities.

The Importance Of Self-Esteem In Learning And Behavior In Children With Exceptionalities And The Role Magic Tricks May Play In Improving Self-Esteem And In Motivating Learning, Shannon Bauman

HIM 1990-2015

This paper was written using various research based sources to determine the effects of self-esteem on learning and behaviors and whether or not the use of magic tricks can play a role in raising self-esteem and in motivating learning for children with exceptionalities. There have been multiple studies that show self-esteem has a significant effect on a child's ability to learn as well as studies that show self-esteem plays a role in a child's behavior. There are opposing studies showing that self-esteem has no effect on learning and behavior in children with and without exceptionalities. There was no information found …

The Effects Of The High-Probability Procedure On Compliance When Paired With Precision Commands, Whitney Teter

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Noncompliance to teacher directions is an issue in nearly every early childhood classroom. It is necessary for young children to comply with directions so that teachers may assess their knowledge and their progress in the curriculum. Three preschool aged children (N = 3) with developmental delays participated in this study. The high probability command procedure was used with two children and was shown to be successful at increasing compliance. The third child did not show an increase in compliance when the high probability command procedure was used, nor did compliance increase when precision commands (escape extinction) were paired with the …

Effects Of Training Peer Tutors To Deliver Praise Statements, Prompts, And Correction Procedures On Academic Skills Of Students Who Have Severe To Moderate Disabilities, Lyndi Brooks

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Peer tutors have been utilized in many settings to work with various individuals, including those with disabilities. There has not been considerable research into the training of peer tutors for students who have severe disabilities in the junior high setting and the effect the training has on the performance of students with disabilities. The purpose of this project was to determine whether training junior high school-­‐aged peer tutors on the use of praise statements, a prompt hierarchy, correction procedures, and data collected to track tutee performance increased academic skills of students with disabilities. Seven peer tutors participated. Five students (i.e., …

Identifying In-School Predictors Of Postsecondary Success For Students With Hearing Impairments, Jennifer Lynn Coyle

Dissertations

Students with hearing impairments are historically a low incidence disability group. Gaps in knowledge of evidence-based practices for implementing transition education and services for this population is limited, primarily as a function of the size of the population; they have not received much attention from the educational research community. Students with hearing impairments often experience more successful outcomes in postsecondary education and employment than other disability groups, but less than those without a disability; however, we know little of the specific educational experiences associated with such success. In contrast, a body of work on predictors of post-school success for students …

Using Teachliveᵀᴹ To Improve Pre-Service Special Education Teacher Practices, April N. Enicks

Dissertations

Currently, there is a body of research available that clearly specifies effective teaching behaviors and quality indicators of a given behavior (Rosenshine, 2012; Danielson, 2007; Stronge, 2007; Rosenshine, 1983; Brophy, 1979). Research is lacking in defining practices that develop effective teaching behaviors in pre-service teachers. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of various forms of instructional modes, settings, and experiences on students’ ability to demonstrate desired effective teaching behaviors. The secondary objective of this study was to determine if on-going self-reflection coupled with various forms of feedback supported students in becoming more effective reflective practitioners. …

Perceptions And Experiences Of Adolescent Students With Disabilities Regarding "Flextime" In A Response To Intervention Model, Julie G. Daye

Theses and Dissertations

Attitudes of Adolescent Students with Disabilities Regarding "Flextime" in a Response to Intervention Model Julie Daye Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, BYU Educational Specialist in School Psychology One of the stumbling blocks to implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) in a secondary school is finding time for students to receive second level instruction. Evidence of effective implementation of RTI in elementary schools is more prevalent than in secondary schools. There is limited information on how to restructure school time and other resources in order to successfully implement RTI in secondary schools. Evidence is also limited regarding the impact of …

Effectiveness Of Peer Interventions To Develop Appropriate Communication Skills In Children With Autism, Meghan Draper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine which type of social intervention is more efficient when comparing Peer Video Modeling and Peer Tutoring when attempting to decrease inappropriate social behaviors. Three children were chosen because they each displayed a lack of eye contact, inappropriate verbal responses, or avoidance of a response during free play sessions with their peers in the inclusionary prekindergarten classroom. Baseline data collection was held for a three-day period. A personalized peer modeling video was made for Students A and C. For Students B and C, personalized trained peers were paired. These interventions were implemented with …

Examining Interrater Agreement Analyses Of A Pilot Special Education Observation Tool, Evelyn S. Johnson, Carrie L. Semmelroth

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper reports the results of interrater agreement analyses on a pilot special education teacher evaluation instrument, the Recognizing Effective Special Education Teachers (RESET) Observation Tool (OT). Using evidence-based instructional practices as the basis for the evaluation, the RESET OT is designed for the spectrum of different instructional needs found within special education classrooms. The RESET OT informs what Danielson (2011) maintains are the two features of a teacher evaluation system 1) ensuring teacher quality and 2) promoting professional development. In June 2012, six special education teachers participated in a data coding session using the pilot RESET OT to evaluate …

The Perspectives Of Professionals And Parents On Inclusion In Head Start Programs, Thuy Nguyen, Margaret Hughes

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This study examined the perspectives of professionals and parents on part-time inclusive preschool Head Start programs that included both children with and without disabilities. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine parent and teacher perspectives of inclusion on the developmental outcomes of all children and (b) to investigate their perspectives on what constitutes a high quality inclusive program. Thirty Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education preschool teachers, as well as 30 parents of children with and without disabilities participated in this study. The major findings indicated that both parents and teachers strongly agreed that all children …

Perceptions Of Supportive Leadership Behaviors Of School Site Administrators For Secondary Special Education Teachers, Erin Roderick, Adrian Jung

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

School administrators fall short of supporting special education teachers due to a lack of knowledge of and experience in special education. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare leadership behaviors perceived as supportive by special education teachers and school site administrators. Data collection involved a survey instrument with 52 leadership behaviors from four domains: emotional, instructional, instrumental, and technical. The survey was sent via email to 200 participants who were previously identified as either special education teachers or school site administrators from secondary schools, grades 6-12, and 95 surveys were completed and used for data analysis. The …

The Effectiveness Of Learning Geography Using Computer-Based Games, Jerry Prell, William R. Nelson, John Foshay

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Eighty, seventh grade students attending a suburban middle school in southern Connecticut participated in the study evaluating the effectiveness of computer based geography games on student motivation and achievement. Using Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) Scores and baseline U.S.A scores as criteria to develop matched pairs, students were divided so that the control group played Sheppardsoftware.com’s States Level 3 and the experimental group played States Level 6. According to the data collected, States Level 3 and States Level 6 are significantly effective instructional tools that students enjoyed playing. CMT scores in spatial reasoning did not prove strong predictors of students’ performance …

The Effects Of Fluency Instruction On The Oral Reading Fluency And Comprehension Of First-Grade African American Males With Reading Risk, Lenwood Gibson Jr., Gwendolyn Cartledge

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This study evaluated the effects of a fluency building activity on the oral reading fluency (ORF) and comprehension of four first grade students identified as at risk for reading failure. The participants in this study were selected because they were members of a group at the highest risk for reading problems, specifically African American boys attending an urban school district. The results of this study demonstrated that the intervention was successful in increasing the ORF of all four participants but results were much more robust for two of the four students. Although ORF increased for all of the participants, gains …