Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Using Positive Self-Talk And Goal-Oriented Thinking To Improve Behavioral Outcomes For Students With Learning Disabilities, Danielle M. Feeney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Positive self-talk is the experience of carrying on an internal conversation with oneself in the form of praise and encourages the individual to persist despite risks or challenges. Goal- oriented thinking is a purposeful mental process used when solving a problem or working on a task and generally occurs when an individual is reasoning, problem solving and decision making. When engaged in goal-oriented thinking, individuals must interpret their current situation, determine their desired state, and then connect the two through a series of actions in an attempt to transform the former to the latter. Individuals who frequently use positive self-talk …

The Effect Of Joint Training On Knowledge And Attitudes Of Career And Technical Education And Special Education Professionals, Crystal Emery

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Career and technical education (CTE) is a set of career-focused courses and pathways that provide students with technical skills and knowledge which can lead to future employment and postsecondary education. Concentration in a career and technical education pathway while still in high school supports job exploration for school-age youth and is correlated with higher levels of full-time employment after high school. This is especially true for students with disabilities. Special Education (SPED) is the educational support system for students with disabilities. CTE and SPED professionals have struggled to effectively collaborate to serve students with disabilities. Infrequent and inconsistent communication between …

The Effects Of Station Teaching On Academic Achievement, Attention And Focus Of Students With Learning Disabilities In An Inclusive Classroom, Jacqueline M. Wraight

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the station model of co-teaching on the academic achievement and attention, focus and engagement of students with learning disabilities, as well as, the students' satisfaction with this model. The study utilized an ABAB single subject design to look at one of the six models developed by Friend and Cook (2004) allowing educators to combine their expertise to meet the needs of students in an inclusive setting. The results reveal the station model of co-teaching to be beneficial for students with learning disabilities in the areas of academic achievement and …

The Effects Of The Station Teaching Model Of Co-Teaching On Students With Learning Disabilities, Kathryn A. Ruoff

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine the effects of using the station teaching model of co-teaching to improve academic performance of students with learning disabilities, (b) to examine the effects of using the station teaching model of co-teaching to improve attention and engagement of students with learning disabilities, and (c) to evaluate student satisfaction of the station teaching intervention. Eight elementary students, five second graders and three fourth graders participated in the study. All eight students, three males and five females, were eligible for special education services as classified with varying learning disabilities. A single subject ABAB …

Students With Visual Impairments' Access And Participation In The Science Curriculum: Views Of Teachers Of Students With Visual Impairments, Karen E. Koehler, Tiffany A. Wild

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Science is a core curricular area of instruction for all students and the federal mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) and No Child Left Behind (2001) require that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment and have access to general education science content, based upon rigorous standards. While, most students with visual impairments are educated in the general science classroom, few studies have been done to determine whether appropriate accommodations and modifications are being made in those classrooms to meet the specialized needs of these students. A 35 question survey instrument was disseminated to …

Reducing Suspension Rates In Camden, New Jersey, Christina Fleming

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have found that being suspended is a strong indicator that a student will eventually drop out. Students who drop out are much more likely to end up in prison, becoming part of the "school to prison pipeline." This study will look to answer the question "Are Charter schools addressing the School to Prison Pipeline?" Camden, NJ, a city riddled with poverty, high crime rates, and high rates of incarceration is now a city with an all but dismantled public school system. Can Charter schools be the answer?

Researchers have gathered enough evidence to support various solutions including but are …

The Effects Of Mindfulness On The Engagement And Social Interactions Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Naveen Khan

Theses and Dissertations

This study followed a single subject ABABAB design to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on the on-task engagement and the positive social interactions of high school students with disabilities. The seven students participating in this study attend a special services school and underwent the study in a basic skills math class. Baseline data was collected in week zero prior to the start of the study via a system of monitoring and checking for desired behavior; how often the students were on task, and how often they showed positive social behaviors. This baseline data was then used to examine …

Successful Transition Planning For Individuals Diagnosed With Asd: A Comparison Of Sending And Receiving School Districts, Carly J. Olcese

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that the successful transition plans can provide students who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with increased employment opportunities, independent living options, and most importantly a positive quality of life. Individuals diagnosed with ASD have a variety of symptoms and characteristics that range from moderate to severe. Teachers and parents must work together to provide the child or adult with an education that encompasses their strengths and areas improvement, to allow for independence and future success. The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of the components in the transition process as well as …

Motor-Induced Suppression Of The N100 Event-Related Potential During Motor Imagery Control Of A Speech Synthesizer Brain–Computer Interface, Jonathan S. Brumberg, Kevin M. Pitt

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: Speech motor control relies on neural processes for generating sensory expectations using an efference copy mechanism to maintain accurate productions. The N100 auditory event-related potential (ERP) has been identified as a possible neural marker of the efference copy with a reduced amplitude during active listening while speaking when compared to passive listening. This study investigates N100 suppression while controlling a motor imagery speech synthesizer brain–computer interface (BCI) with instantaneous auditory feedback to determine whether similar mechanisms are used for monitoring BCI-based speech output that may both support BCI learning through existing speech motor networks and be used as a …

The Effects Of Technology Use In A Third Grade Inclusion Classroom, Jamie C. Ott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single-subject, ABAB research design study was to examine if the integration of Google Classroom and digital texts on Chromebooks promotes student academic performance, specifically their reading level, and active engagement in an inclusive setting. This research was designed to identify the effects that introducing digital texts and comprehension response items in Google Classroom has on students' comprehension and engagement. This study was conducted in an inner-city public k-8 grade school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The scores gathered from students' TDA responses and engagement were converted into percentages and put into tables. The data from these two variables …

A Study Of The Collaborative Strategies Of General Education And Special Education Teachers In The Inclusion Classroom In An Urban High School, Angela Mcdougall

Theses and Dissertations

This study expands on prior research on the benefits and strategies implemented in an inclusion classroom with the general education and special education teacher in an urban high school. The collaborative strategies that both teachers implement are critical to ensure a high level of instruction delivery to the special education students and the general education students that are placed together in the inclusion classroom. The general education teacher and the special education teacher both have their respective roles in the inclusion classroom.

General education teachers, ICS (in class support) and special education teachers who instruct in self-contained classrooms were interviewed …

Atoh1 Directs Regeneration And Functional Recovery Of The Mature Mouse Vestibular System, Zahra N. Sayyid, Tian Wang, Leon Chen, Sherri M. Jones, Alan G. Cheng

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Utricular hair cells (HCs) are mechanoreceptors required for vestibular function. After damage, regeneration of mammalian utricular HCs is limited and regenerated HCs appear immature. Thus, loss of vestibular function is presumed irreversible. Here, we found partial HC replacement and functional recovery in the mature mouse utricle, both enhanced by overexpressing the transcription factor Atoh1. Following damage, long-term fate mapping revealed that support cells non-mitotically and modestly regenerated HCs displaying no or immature bundles. By contrast, Atoh1 overexpression stimulated proliferation and widespread regeneration of HCs exhibiting elongated bundles, patent mechanotransduction channels, and synaptic connections. Finally, although damage without Atoh1 overexpression failed …

Investigating The Use Of Technology In Communication Exchanges And Visual Support For Students With Autism, Angela Barone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of technology in a first-grade resource classroom. The participants used in this study were first grade nonverbal students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The data collected during this study reflected if Apple iPads(TM) increased the number of communication exchanges between teachers and students in a classroom using a Picture Exchange System on each screen. The study also examined the increase in independent task completion using the iPad(TM) in a first grade classroom. The students used a checklist of six items to complete, and had to complete this checklist independently using …

Will Teaching Pecs To Vocal And Non-Vocal Students Increase Social Interactions?, Patricia Kathleen Infantino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of PECS when taught to vocal and non- vocal students would increase communication and interactions during social situations. While using PECS both groups increased their social interactions during play time. Before this study the children in group one were not interacting at all. After being taught the use of PECS Group One interacted an average of five times per session. Before the study the children in Group two were not demonstrating any interactions, and after being taught the use of PECS they interacted an average of 10 times per …

The Teacher Evaluation Conundrum: Examining The Perceptions Of Special Education Teachers, Gordon Brobbey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

For more than a decade now, state and local education agencies have adopted high-stakes teacher evaluation systems in response to federal accountability mandates and the recognition of the critical role of teacher effectiveness in student achievement. Teacher evaluation systems have revealed relevant details regarding teacher effectiveness, especially in general education settings. However, no systems of teacher evaluation have been developed and evaluated for special education teachers and little is known about how special education teachers have fared under the accountability microscope. The study was informed by three significant issues pertaining to special education teacher evaluation: (1) the challenges surrounding evaluation …

Cultivating Educators’ Critical Consciousness Of Learning And Language Needs In Emergent Bilinguals, Alta Joy Broughton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation study reports the application of the Cultivating Critical Consciousness in Educators (CCCE) model for the collective cases of instructional coaching in one school. Overall, this conceptual model informed the coaching model, data collection, and data analysis by integrating three interacting concepts; 1) conscientização, the process of developing critical consciousness, (Carlson, Engebretson, & Chamberlain, 2005; Freire, 1970; King, 1991), 2) knowledge and practice as interdependent and interactive domains for cultivating teacher growth (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999), and 3) tenants of culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies summarized in three complementary strands: the Self, the Other, and the sociopolitical dimensions. Two …

Setting The Stage For Special Needs Theatre, Chandran R

Social Space

When I was a child, my special ability was in sports. I was good at football, badminton and sprinting, and even had aspirations of being a professional sportsman when I grew up. However, in terms of pursuing a sustainable sporting career, I was ahead of my time by a few generations.

Literacy: The Shape Of Something Possible, Miles Caudesch

Student Published Works

This article discusses the author's experience utilizing library resources to bond with a student as a substitute special education paraprofessional.

Table Of Contents

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Using A Universal Design For Learning Framework To Provide Multiple Means Of Representation In The Early Childhood Classroom, Ariane N. Gauvreau, Marla J. Lohmann, Katrina A. Hovey

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

In order to ensure high quality outcomes for all children in the early childhood classroom, teachers are expected to utilize both the Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 2009), as well as the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices (DEC, 2014). Both NAEYC’s DAP and DEC’s Recommended Practices align with the use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that supports the learning needs of all learners through intentional, proactive, and reflective instruction and interactions. This article provides a brief overview of UDL, with a specific …

Effects Of Different Camera Perspectives On Preservice Teachers’ Written Reflections, Wilhelmina Van Dijk Ph.D., Holly B. Lane Ph.D.

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Promoting meaningful reflection from teacher candidates is an ongoing challenge for many teacher preparation programs. Video-based reflection provides an opportunity for candidates to examine their own teaching more closely as they reflect on their continued growth. This study examined the role of different cameras and camera angles in the reflection process for preservice teachers implementing one-on-one reading tutoring sessions. In particular, we were interested in whether using video from head-mounted cameras as a basis for reflection activities would have an influence on the focus and type of statements used in reflections. We were also interested in the advantages and disadvantages …

Examining The Perspectives Of Elementary Education Teachers Prepared Through Traditional And Dual License Programs, Kelly A. Swindlehurst Ph.D., Colby T. Kervick Ed.D, Katharine G. Shepherd Ed.D

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Preparing classroom teachers to work with students with diverse learning needs is a challenge that has been well documented by the literature. Earning a dual license in general and special education has been posited as one possible solution to this challenge. This paper reports on a qualitative study that examined the differences between dually licensed and traditionally prepared educators with regards to their self-efficacy and ideas about inclusion. Findings suggest that teachers who earn a dual license in general education and special education may have a stronger sense of self-efficacy as well as a stronger skill set for working with …

Considering Augmentative And Alternative Communication Research For Brain-Computer Interface Practice, Kevin M. Pitt, Jonathan S. Brumberg, Adrienne R. Pitt

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim to provide access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices via brain activity alone. However, while BCI technology is expanding in the laboratory setting, there is minimal incorporation into clinical practice. Building upon established AAC research and clinical best practices may aid the clinical translation of BCI practice, allowing advancements in both fields to be fully leveraged.

Method: A multidisciplinary team developed considerations for how BCI products, practice, and policy may build upon existing AAC research, based upon published reports of existing AAC and BCI procedures.

Outcomes/Benefits: Within each consideration, a review of BCI research …

Self-Efficacy Among Special Education Teachers Who Teach Students Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pamella Tracy Hosley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and work engagement among teachers of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Self-Efficacy data will be gathered using the Ohio version of the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scales (TSES-T) and the student engagement, classroom management and the instructional strategies sub-scales. Work engagement will be evaluated using the Utrecht Work Engagement Total Scale. Participants will be 66 special education teachers who teach students diagnosed with ASD. A bivariate correlational design employing a Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine if there is a significant relationship between …

In The Shadows Of Autism: A Collective Case Study On Life With A Sibling With Autism In A Military Family, Jennifer M. Henderson-Rudling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the typically developing (TD) sibling's well-being and role in a military family with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a military post through the parent and TD sibling perspective. The three theories which guided this research include the social cognitive theory (Bandura, 2001a), self-determination theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000), and family system theory (Bowen, 1966). These theories were utilized to evaluate and better understand the motivations, characteristics, and the social development within the family when one child has a diagnosis of ASD. The research questions were: (1) How …

Five Reasons To Write For Ld Forum, Apryl L. Poch

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Benefits And Disadvantages Of Inclusion In An Elementary School Setting, Christina Sieber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Students who receive special education services must be educated in the least restrictive setting. Inclusion in the general education classroom for students with special needs has become a controversial topic among educators and parents. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the benefits and disadvantages of an inclusive educational placement for elementary students with significant special needs. After an examination of the literature on inclusion, data will be shared to determine the possible benefits and disadvantages of a fully inclusive placement for students with significant special needs. The literature review will also provide an analysis of the research …

Equipping Special Needs Ministries In The Church And/Or School, Leah Van Tol

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Inclusion of children, teens, and adults with various disabilities within religious settings, private schools, and church is less common than that of a public school or work environment. Inclusion reaches far beyond just invitations to events or places, it requires physical adaptations, attitude changes, and/or environmental changes. This review of literature provides a leader or educator with relevant research as well as how to start an inclusive religious program. It discusses how to include these individuals within the church setting as well as what the role of said leader or educator could or should be. It also provides numerous teaching …

The Effectiveness Of Character Education On Student Behavior, Katie M. Ferrara

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if character education in schools is effective enough to positively increase students' moral and ethical behaviors and values. Students' behaviors in grades Kindergarten through fifth across three different elementary schools were examined. Measurements were taken prior to the implementation of a character education program and were reexamined after the first year. The results of the study revealed all three schools decreased in filed discipline reports and increased in positive behaviors from the execution of character education programs.

Individualized Instruction In Letter Name Identification For A Student With Cortical Visual Impairment, Holli Luff

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Students with cortical visual impairment (CVI) have difficulties participating in literacy activities and the reading process. An evidenced-based curriculum was adapted and modified to teach letter naming to a student with CVI. A multiple probe design was used to determine whether the instruction was effective with a student with CVI and if instruction in letter identification support identification of letter sounds for a student with cortical visual impairment. There was a functional relationship between the explicit instruction and the students immediately recorded correct responses, but the skill was not maintained.

Advisor: Mackenzie Savaiano