Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Higher Education Students With Disabilities, Allen J. Heindel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Distance education has the potential to offer a meaningful alternative for students with disabilities. Colleges and universities have opportunities to provide quality online courses to students with disabilities; yet data show these students may often choose to discontinue higher education pursuits. Little is currently known about how students with disabilities experience the distance learning environment or how institutions of higher education. This phenomenological study focuses on the quality of the learning experiences and learner satisfaction of students with disabilities in distance education courses.

The purpose of this study is to investigate 1) how online learning is experienced by students with …

Graduate Bulletin, 2014-2015 (2014), Minnesota State University Moorhead

Graduate Bulletins (Catalogs)

No abstract provided.

Influential Factors Of Deaf Identity Development, Ge Chen

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The development of deaf identity is a complicated and difficult process, and it was studied by many researchers from last century. They found that the development of deaf identity was affected by a lot of different factors and then they proved these influential factors by the qualitative or quantitative research methods in their articles or books, such as, the status of hearing loss, the educational experience, the environment of family, the mode of communication and so on. In present article, such influential factors will be summarized based on analyzing the theory of deaf identity development, and how these factors influence …

A Comparative Study Of Classroom Teachers' Perceptions Towards Inclusion, Keisha H. Pritchard

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine classroom teachers' perceptions of inclusion in local education agencies (LEAs) in North Carolina. Regular education teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels were surveyed to determine characteristics that impact their perceptions of inclusion in regards to teacher gender, years of teaching experience, subjects taught (core or elective classes), past experience with inclusion, personal experience with disabilities, number of hours of coursework concerning disabilities, number of hours of professional development concerning disabilities, number of hours of training concerning inclusion, and region. This study detailed related research in the area of inclusion and …

The Effect Of The Pies Mnemonic Strategy On The Word Problem Solving Skills Of Middle School Students, Lisa A. Short

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the PIES mnemonic strategy on the word problem solving skills of middle school students in inclusive math classes. Participants in the study were 109 students in a rural middle school in a mid-Atlantic state. Seventy-five participants were normally achieving students, and 34 were students with disabilities (Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders). A pretest consisting of 10 grade-level word problems covering concepts that had already been taught was administered. Students then learned the PIES mnemonic strategy (Picture, Information, Equation, Solution) and participated in five weeks of …

Teaching See The Sound Visual Phonics To Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Kindergarteners, Alison Stevenson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a manual phonics intervention program on the phonics acquisition skills of kindergarten students with hearing impairments. Recent research of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students who received See the Sound Visual Phonics (SSVP) as an intervention alongside phonics instruction programs indicated an improvement in grapheme-phoneme correspondence regardless of types of hearing loss. Ye, W., Spychala, H., Harris, R. S., & Oetting, T. L. (2013) report that there is a lack of research investigating the explicit instruction of phonic skills to DHH students and its subsequent impact on reading …

Paraprofessional Perceptions Of Training And Professional Development, Paige C. Stratton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Paraprofessionals, also called teacher’s aides, in Lincoln and Putnam counties in West Virginia were surveyed to gain their perceptions of the effectiveness of the state’s training requirements and professional development. Questions on how well the current requirements prepares paraprofessionals for their jobs and what should be added yielded moderately positive opinions with suggestions for classes on individual disabilities and a practicum being added. Questions on professional development showed moderately positive opinions on the effectiveness of current professional development. The majority of participants felt that additional training would improve their job performance. Training in specific disabilities and interventions was viewed as …

The Effectiveness Of Graphic Organizers On The Comprehension Of Social Studies Content By Students With Disabilities, Martha Lynn Mann

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Today, more students with disabilities are being served in inclusive classrooms and are required to achieve the high expectations set by the 21st Century standards. Many are not being successful, due to the difficulty of differentiating between what is important and is not important in the social studies textbooks. Research suggests that graphic organizers can help facilitate learning through visual representations, but they are not being utilized to help students in the comprehension and achievement of the curriculum content. This study focused on the effectiveness of “concept/event maps and sequence chains.” These two types of graphic organizers were utilized during …

Teachers Attitudes And Confidence In Technology Integration, Heather Brown

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine if training affects a teacher’s confidence in their ability to integrate technology in the classroom to enhance student learning. Technology training has been identified as a key component in a teacher’s attitude and confidence when it comes to the integration of technology into the curriculum. Data was gathered from an anonymous pencil/paper survey handed out to teachers in a Title I public elementary school in rural southern West Virginia to determine if training had any effect on their confidence to integrate technology. The information gained from this survey is intended to provide …

Teaching High School Students Scientific Concepts Using Graphic Organizers, Kyle Lusk

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the current study, the effect of using graphic organizers as a teaching method in a special education classroom was compared to the effectiveness of lecture style teaching in a regular education classroom. It was hypothesized that the use of graphic organizers in a special education classroom would result in a greater difference between the pre-and post-test measures than the group that was taught using lecture style instruction. Each classroom was given the same pre-test, followed by four weeks of instruction, then the same post-test. A paired samples t-test indicated that there was a significant difference observed in both groups, …

Creating The Continuum: J. E. Wallace Wallin And The Role Of Clinical Psychology In The Emergence Of Public School Special Education In America, Philip M. Ferguson

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This paper reviews the history of the continuum of services in intellectual disability programs. The emergence of public school special education in the United States in the first two decades of the 20th century is used as a case study of this history by focusing on events and personalities connected to the St. Louis Public Schools. Using Annual Reports from the era along with the abundant publications and personal papers of J.E. Wallace Wallin, the author explores how the growing class of specialists in clinical psychology and psychometrics gained a foothold in the schools as educational gatekeepers for student placements …

Inclusion And Sport: Analysis Of Selected South African Township Schools, T. M. Makoelle

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

In 1994, South Africa adopted an inclusive system of education in line with the rest of the world. The doors of learning were opened to all learners regardless of their background or disability. However, in spite of the changes, the notion of inclusive school sport as enshrined and articulated in White Paper 6 on special needs’ education published by the South African Department of Basic Education in 2001 has not been fully realized in terms of enabling a diverse inclusive sporting environment for all learners. The research on which this article is based therefore attempted to analyze the nature of …

Inclusion - Spanish, Stanley L. Swartz

Special Education, Rehabilitation & Counseling Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Barriers In Meeting The Needs Of Special Education Students: A Qualitative Case Study, Zoee Bartholomew

Education | Faculty Authored Dissertations and Theses

Special education students’ needs are not consistently being met in special education programs. This qualitative single case study explored special education programs based on a county education program serving multiple school districts in Northern California. The qualitative approach was selected to explore and identify potential themes in special education programs affecting special education students’ needs not being met consistently. There were 14 themes found in this study, which appeared to be potential barriers impacting students’ needs from being met consistently. The study utilized both a theoretical and conceptual framework for the study. There were 8 recommendations provided to help this …

A Proposed Framework For Combining Smart Environment And Heuristic Diagnostic Teaching Principles In Order To Assess Students’ Abilities In Math And Supporting Them During Learning, Ardiana Sula, Evjola Spaho, Leonard Barolli, Rozeta Miho

Jandrisevits Faculty Publications

In this paper, we propose the use of the smart environment based on Internet of Things (IoT), P2P technology and Heuristic Diagnostic Teaching principles for identifying learning abilities in mathematics and creative traits for students that are diagnosed within Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). Many children with autism are highly interested and motivated by smart devices such as computers and touch screen tablets. These types of assistive technology devices get children with autism to interact, make choices, respond, gain new communication skills and create P2P communication between children, caregivers and therapists. Our proposed system uses JXTA-Overlay platform and SmartBox device to …

Dynamic Evaluation Approach In Adapted Physical Education: Assessing Individualized Education Procedures For Inclusion Purposes, Dimitrios Kokaridas, M. Paslamouska, A. Patsiaouras, P. Natsis, I. Karagiannidis, G. Maggouritsa, P. Efthimiou

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this study was to present a new Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) developed for PE teachers using a dynamic evaluation procedure so as to assess its value in promoting educational knowledge. A modified version of the Evaluation Scale of the Educational Program’s Implementation (ESEPI) (Grammatikopoulos 2004) was applied for the needs of the research on a sample of 151 physical education teachers (84 men, 67 women), all working in Greek primary and secondary schools. Statistically significant differences were observed in ‘training’ factor with PE teachers who had previous experience of teaching students with disabilities or working in inclusion …

Perceptual And Instrumental Assessments Of Orofacial Muscle Tone In Dysarthric And Normal Speakers, Angela M. Dietsch, Nancy Pearl Solomon, Laura A. Sharkey, Joseph R. Duffy, Edythe A. Strand, Heather M. Clark

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Clinical assessment of orofacial muscle tone is of interest for differential diagnosis of the dysarthrias, but standardized procedures and normative data are lacking. In this study, perceptual ratings of tone were compared with instrumental measures of tissue stiffness for facial, lingual, and masticatory muscles in 70 individuals with dysarthria. Perceptual and instrumental tone data were discordant and failed to discriminate between five dysarthria types. These results raised concerns about the validity of Myoton-3 stiffness measures in the orofacial muscles. Therefore, a second study evaluated contracted and relaxed orofacial muscles in 10 neurotypical adults. Results for the cheek, masseter, and lateral …

Frequency-Modulated Orocutaneous Stimulation Promotes Non-Nutritive Suck Development In Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome Or Chronic Lung Disease, Steven M. Barlow, Jaehoon Lee, Jingyan Wang, Austin Oder, Sue Hall, Kendi Knox, Kathleen Weatherstone, Diane Thompson

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Background—For the premature infant, extrauterine life is a pathological condition which greatly amplifies the challenges to the brain in establishing functional oromotor behaviors. The extent to which suck can be entrained using a synthetically patterned orocutaneous input to promote its development in preterm infants who manifest chronic lung disease is unknown.

Objective—To evaluate the effects of a frequency-modulated orocutaneous pulse train delivered through a pneumatically-charged pacifier capable of enhancing non-nutritive suck (NNS) activity in tube-fed premature infants.

Methods—A randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of pneumatic orocutaneous stimulation 3x/day on NNS development and length of stay (LOS) in the NICU …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education. The conversations concerning inclusion continue with research from international perspectives.

Stumped By Student Needs: Factors In Developing Effective Teacher Collaboration, Peter Clyde Martin

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The article discusses underlying issues in the collaboration of teachers to better address the needs of students who traditionally fail in public schools. Building on a theoretical foundation that considers a variety of factors that typically limit in-school collaboration, the article examines the case of three high school teachers who struggle to work with second language learners who are not functionally literate in either their first or second language and find themselves at great risk of academic failure. Attempts at collaboration among these three teachers are described and both favorable and detrimental cultural, structural, logistical, and personal factors are examined …

The Impact Of Sensory Processing Disorder On An Adolescent: Jamie's Story, Julie Trebtoske

Theses and Graduate Projects

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the natural process of taking in or receiving stimuli from your surroundings and body are intemrpted due to a neurological impairment of normal sensory processing. The ability to function normally when presented with sensory stimuli is taken for granted by most. Sensory processing includes five external senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, taste, and two internal senses: balance and muscle/joint control. Dr. Jean Ayres who coined the term SPD first pioneered SPD. The existence of SPD and the classification of the inability to successfully process information as an actual disorder are contentious. …

A Phenomenological Examination Of The Influence Of Culture On Treating And Caring For Hispanic Children With Autism, Lynette Estrada, Aaron R. Deris

Special Education Department Publications

Researchers have found that cultural factors may lead to lower rates of diagnosis in Hispanic children with autism and that parents lack the knowledge of therapies and practices used in the treatment of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Five research questions guided this phenomenological study. The focus of the first two questions was how culture may affect families seeking assistance; the third question queried how professionals play a part in the choice of therapies ; the fourth question dealt with how do families choose a therapy to aid their child with ASD. The focus of the last question was the …

Why Are We Still Talking About This? Making Inclusion Work In The General Education Classroom Setting From The Perspective Of One Minnesota Charter School, Alison Tanner

Theses and Graduate Projects

Those familiar with inclusion understand that legislation including Public Law 94-142,the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA), and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), was put into place to ensure students with disabilities received free and appropriate education. Decades after these laws have been put into place, student access to equitable education is still hotly debated. This qualitative study investigates how inclusion is working in an inclusive, urban public elementary school. The research illustrates current successes and challenges associated with implementing inclusive practices. Using textual analysis of interview transcripts …

Inclusion: A Transformation In A Charter School, Katherine Petty

Theses and Graduate Projects

Schools and governments across the United States are trying to figure out how best to educate students with special needs. Several schools have turned away from mainstreaming students and are now implementing an inclusive education program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the full inclusion model; summarize the literature on the advantages and disadvantages of the full inclusion model; identify the components of inclusion; describe an informal sunrey (given to teachers from two different schools) used to determine what teachers need to know about the full inclusion model; and present the results of the teacher …

Factors That Contribute To Successful General Education And Special Education Teacher Partnerships, Karen L. Lampi

Theses and Graduate Projects

Regardless of ability level, all students are entitled to an education in their least restrictive environment. This has come to mean greater inclusion in our general education classrooms. To meet the needs of students, schools have implemented collaborative models to deliver instruction. The roles of general and special education teachers in collaborative classrooms have required a cornbination of skill, expertise, and hard work. Through qualitative methods using narrative and descriptive approaches, this study investigated teacher's views of inclusion, student and educator needs that must be met, barriers to overcome for successful implementation, and understanding what elements have worked within the …

Soaring Above The Stigma Of Special Education, Kayla M. Krebs

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to identiff an educational issue and provide a

solution. The educational concern covered in this paper is parents who reject special education services. The methods of producing a solution involved a literature review and survey of parents. Conclusions from the literature review demonstrated that good communication, nefworking, and technology fosters more success befween parents and educators. Recommendation of a solution is in the form of a video clip feafuring parents who share their struggles and positive experiences with receiving special education services.

The Effectiveness Of Video Modeling In Teaching Positive Social Behavior To Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kellie Cleary

Theses and Graduate Projects

This srudy investigated the cffectiveness of using a video modeling teaching strategy coupled with guided practice lesson to teach students on the autism spectrum (ASD) functional social skills. Four students and their parents or guardians elected to participate in this study. Interviews with parents or guardians were conducted to determine student's level of performance in l3 social areas. Sfudents then participated in social instruction using video modeling, particularly using to video "Fitting in and Having Fun", as a key strategy. Video modeling is a teaching strategy that involves watching a video that models a desired behavior then practicing the desired …

Determining Effective Leadership Competencies Of School-Based Administrators Overseeing Special Education Programs Within Virginia Public Schools, Patrice A. Thompson

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

The effective leadership of special education programs is an essential component in providing students with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education. Special education administrators are responsible for ensuring that special education programs are provided and that special education law is followed in order for students with disabilities to access a free and appropriate public education. Perceptions of competencies needed for the effective leadership of special education programs were similar between the participant groups in a state-wide survey. In addition, training experiences had an impact on the self-reported proficiency levels of competencies rated by school-based special education administrators.

Program Evaluation Of A Writing Strategies Curriculum For High School Students With Disabilities, Lisa J. Dejarnette

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a writing strategies curriculum designed for use with high school students with disabilities. Specifically, this curriculum incorporates both the cognitive/motivational theory of writing and the social/contextual theory of writing, and was presented in a two-year program. Expected outcomes were improved written expression skills and improved student perceptions of their writing abilities and of themselves as writers. Results of this evaluation indicated that participation in a program using a writing strategies curriculum improved the written expression skills of the students in this study while self-efficacy beliefs remained stable.

Effects Of Disability Awareness Educational Programs On An Inclusive Classroom, Cecelia Williamson

Honors Projects

Students with disabilities are more often than not included in the general education classroom. This study develops and implements a Disability Awareness Program in a fourth grade classroom and through action research, determines whether the program was influential in shaping positive behaviors towards students with disabilities. The students were exposed to five disability lessons on autism, physical disabilities, dyslexia, blindness/ vision impairments and accessibility. Three lessons, beginning, middle and end, began with questionnaires on disability knowledge and moral thinking. Each lesson was partnered with open discussion. In response to the positive attitudes, the classroom environment become more inclusive of students …