Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

The Effect Of Using The Gamification Strategy On Academic Achievement And Motivation Towards Learning Problem-Solving Skills In Computer And Information Technology Course Among Tenth Grade Female Students, Mazyunah Almutairi, Prof. Ahmad Almassaad

International Journal for Research in Education

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effect of using the gamification strategy on academic achievement and motivation towards learning problem-solving skills in computer and information technology course. A quasi-experimental method was adopted. The study population included tenth-grade female students in Al-Badi’ah schools in Riyadh. The sample consisted of 54 students divided into two equal groups: control group and experimental group. The study tools comprised an achievement test and the motivation scale. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the academic achievement test in favor of the experimental group, with a large effect …

The Effect Of A Training Program On Developing Some Orientation And Mobility Skills Of Blind Students Integrated In Grade 10, Dr. Ashraf Moustafa Hussein

International Journal for Research in Education

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a training program on developing some orientation and mobility skills for blind students integrated in grade 10. The study sample consisted of 8 blind students integrated into the tenth grade at Al-Dhamma School for Secondary Education. Students responded to the orientation and mobility skills scale prepared by the researcher and a training program prepared by the researcher. A quasi-experimental approach was used for the study, and statistical methods included Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman-Brown correlation coefficient, and Wilcoxon test. The overall results indicated the effectiveness of the training program on developing some …

The Effect Of Feedback On Written Expression Skills Among High School Deaf Students, Dr. Maryam Hafez Omar Turkestani

International Journal for Research in Education

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feedback on written expression skills among high-school deaf students, by using quai- experimental design approach. The participants included 12 deaf female students in the 11^th and 12^th grades in the merged classes in Riyadh city. Participants were randomly divided equally into an experimental and a control group. A rubric was built to evaluate the following written expression skills (ideas, organization, word choice, syntactic, grammatical & spelling rules, and presentation) and 14 topics were chosen for this study. Feedback was provided for the participants’ writings for seven weeks, in a …

Teachers Of Students With Learning Disabilities Viewpoints Of The Predictive Validity Of Using Evidence-Based Practices, Sara Fahad Alturaifi, Abdulkarim Alhossein

International Journal for Research in Education

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine predictive ability in the importance of using teachers of students with learning disabilities for evidence-based practices, from their perspectives. The differences among participants were measured based on gender, teaching experience, and the number of training programs. The study used a descriptive survey design. The survey was distributed to all elementary teachers of students with learning disabilities in the Qassim region. The participants consisted of 85 teachers. The study found that teachers use evidence-based practices to a great extent when teaching students with learning disabilities. The most used practices were ‘read naturally, …

General Education Teachers' Perspectives About Their Practices When Teaching Reading Skills To Students With And At Risk Of Learning Disabilities In The Primary Classrooms, Abdulnasser A. Alhusaini, Fahad Mohammed M. Alosaimi

International Journal for Research in Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives of classrooms’ teachers at the primary grade levels (first, second and third grades) in Makkah about their practices when teaching reading skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension) for classes that involved both students with learning disabilities and at risk of it. Therefore, the researchers designed a questionnaire consisting of 29 items. A total of 39 teachers responded to the questionnaire. The results showed that teachers focused on teaching reading skills in the following order: (1) fluency, (2) comprehension, (3) vocabulary, (4) phonics, and (5) and phonemic Awareness. …

Curriculum Adoption In U.S. Schools: An Exploratory, Qualitative Analysis, Sarah E. Pinkelman, Kristen R. Rolf, Trenton Landon, Ronnie Detrich, Carrie Mclaughlin, Amy Peterson, Michelle Mcknight-Lizotte

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

The process of adopting curricula and programs in U.S. schools is an understudied topic. Given the importance of selecting evidence-based and contextually relevant programs that meet the needs of the school, additional research to examine this process is critical. In this exploratory investigation, we conducted semi-structured interviews with ten building-level and ten district-level school administrators to learn (a) how they identify needs for a new program and (b) the perceived factors that influence decisions in selecting a program to adopt. Qualitative data from interview transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (3(2):77, 2006), and saturation …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Shared Lived Experiences Of Students With Disabilities In Inclusion Classrooms, Michelle Lynette Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of inclusion for students with disabilities regarding the practice of inclusion at a rural middle school in Southwest Virginia. The theories guiding this study were Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The central research question for the study was: What are the shared lived experiences of students with disabilities in an inclusion classroom? Other questions addressed social and academic experiences of students with disabilities in inclusion classrooms. The study took place in intermediate and middle schools in rural Southwest Virginia. Purposeful sampling …

Run, Hide, Or Fight?: Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Lockdown Drills, Melissa A. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Lockdown drills have become a regular practice in schools across the United States. These drills are currently carried out with little guidance and encompass a general plan with no differentiation for children with disabilities. This is concerning for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), since the skills needed to participate in a lockdown drill may be difficult for them. In the absence of evidence-based interventions, these children and the educators who support them are vulnerable in the event of a real emergency. It is important to understand what training practitioners need to design empirically sound lockdown drill interventions and …

Threats To Internal Validity In Multiple-Baseline Design Variations, Timothy A. Slocum, Sarah E. Pinkelman, P. Raymond Joslyn, Beverly Nichols

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

Multiple baseline designs—both concurrent and nonconcurrent—are the predominant experimental design in modern applied behavior analytic research and are increasingly employed in other disciplines. In the past, there was significant controversy regarding the relative vigor of concurrent and nonconcurrent multiple baseline designs. The consensus in recent textbooks and methodological papers is that nonconcurrent designs are less rigorous than concurrent designs because of their presumed limited ability to address the threat of coincidental events (i.e., history). This skepticism of nonconcurrent designs stems from an emphasis on the importance of across-tier comparisons and relatively low importance placed on replicated within-tier comparisons for addressing …

Curriculum-Based Measures In Mathematics: An Updated Review Of The Literature, Gena Nelson, Allyson J. Kiss

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this document is to provide readers with the coding protocol that authors used to code 96 studies that focused on Stages 1, 2, and/or 3 of curriculum-based measurement in mathematics (CBM-M) research. Stage 1 refers to evidence for using CBM at one point in time (i.e., static scores), such as for screening for difficulty. Stage 2 refers to evidence for using CBM repeatedly overtime, such as for progress monitoring. Stage 3 focuses on the instructional utility of CBM (i.e., instructional decisions to increase student achievement). The purpose of the systematic review was to update the Foegen et …

Autism To Higher Education: Tools For Parents, Amber L. Jordan, Shannon Emery

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Over the years, a marked increase in the number of students with High Functioning Autism (HFA) attending colleges and universities has occurred. This can be attributed to: (a) the passage of legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); (b) revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM); and (c) early intervention and treatment (Pillay, 2012). Although the increase in enrollment may be an indicator that a more welcoming climate for individuals with HFA has been created, many institutions are not adequately prepared to accommodate these students and parents have …

Flexible Facilitation: Coaching And Modelling To Support Inclusive Education, Danielle Lane, Sarah Semon, Nicholas Catania, Khalid M. Abu-Alghayth Phd

The Qualitative Report

The practices of education, such as separate and resource placements, pull-out services, scripted intervention programmes, an emphasis on diagnoses, and behaviorist discipline practices, are not conducive to the goals of inclusive education. This study demonstrates how one instructional coach worked to disrupt traditional special education practices and guide special educators towards the use of more effective research-based instructional strategies and collaborative practices to promote inclusion. Using Robert Stake’s intrinsic case study methodology, we explored the perceived roles of coaching and modelling to promote inclusion through the lens of one coach who modelled methods for the special education teachers in multiple …

A Systematic Review Of Research Syntheses For Students With Mathematics Learning Disabilities And Difficulties, Gena Nelson, Angela Crawford, Jessica Hunt

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this document is to provide readers with the coding protocol that authors used to code 36 research syntheses (including meta-analyses, evidence-based reviews, and quantitative systematic reviews) focused on mathematics interventions for students with learning disabilities (LD), mathematics learning disabilities (MLD), and mathematics difficulties (MD). The purpose of the systematic review of mathematics intervention syntheses was to identify patterns and gaps in content areas, instructional strategies, effect sizes, and definitions of LD, MLD, and MD. We searched the literature for research syntheses published between 2000 and 2020 and used rigorous inclusion criteria in our literature review process. We …

The Benefits And Challenges Of Rural Special Education Teachers: Improving Teacher Retention In Rural Districts, Olga Karadimou

College of Education & Professional Studies (Darden) Posters

Per the U.S. Census Bureau (n.d.), a rural area is “any population, housing, or territory NOT in an urban area.” Specifically, a rural area is defined as the area of 5 to 25 miles from an urban area (Geverdt, 2015). Nationally, rural school districts represent nearly 20% of the student population in the United States, but limited attention is given to the unique needs of these areas by national policymakers (Johnson et al., 2018). Rural schools face multifaceted challenges that often impede educational opportunities and post-school outcomes of students, including those who receive special education services (Erickson et al., 2012; …

Work Based Learning Experiences For High School Special Education Students: Best Practice And Student Impact, Pauline Shea

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the various types and components of work-based learning experiences (WBLE), best practices, and the special education students’ outcomes in a suburban public high school located outside of a large metropolitan area. Students with disabilities (SWD) have a difficult time transitioning postsecondary, and acquiring and maintaining employment in a competitive global working environment. Due to their diverse needs, it became quite complex to match their abilities, interests, and preferences to the appropriate job experiences. In addition, this population needed to acquire not only appropriate job and career related skills but the essential 21st …

The Impact Of Trauma On Learning And Behaviors In The Classroom And How A Trauma-Informed Classroom Helps, Susanne W. Karris

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As trauma is becoming more prevalent among our students, it is essential that districts, schools, and staff understand its impacts in the classroom. The American Psychological Association (2021) estimates that more than ⅔ of children experience a traumatic event by the age of 16. Trauma makes a neurobiological change to the brain that directly affects physical and cognitive performance. Teachers are getting frustrated with behaviors and the lack of learning that is taking place in the classroom. Research shows that evidence-based interventions and programs that are trauma-informed benefit students and show a reduction in unwanted behaviors and an increase in …

Self-Advocacy And Postsecondary Program Achievement In Students With High-Incidence Disabilities, Alyssa Nelson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines studies that investigated and evaluated the relationship between self-advocacy and college program completion in postsecondary students with disabilities. Research was reviewed that used school-aged participants with disabilities, postsecondary-aged students with disabilities, high school faculty, postsecondary faculty, parents of the students with disabilities, and two and 4-year college Disabilities Services staff. Many factors are involved in why students with disabilities tend not to self-advocate for themselves or ask for support or assistance in secondary and postsecondary educational institutions. Inversely, some motivators promote students’ self-advocacy decisions, which has sparked interest in this area of study. The studies reviewed …

Teachers' Union's Collective Bargaining Agreements And Their Impact On School Functions, Chad Jonas Borseth

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers' unions have a vital role in public education. The collective bargaining agreements negotiated between them and school districts are viewed by many as the de facto rule book for how a school is organized and how it shall operate. Despite the importance of these formal contracts, the measurable effects of the teacher's union's collective bargaining agreements on school functions remain understudied. This literature review seeks to identify how teachers' union's efforts influence school funding, productivity, and educational inputs and outputs through their collective bargaining agreements. In summary, this literature review finds that collective bargaining agreements have a tremendous influence …

Factors Affecting The Academic Self-Concept Of K-12 Students With Reading Disabilities, Jamie L. Kaihoi

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The way students perceive themselves as learners is referred to as their academic self-concept (ASC). ASC is made up of the thoughts and feelings a student has about their experience in the classroom with learning tasks and research has shown it develops through a variety of comparisons. ASC has the potential to affect learning outcomes, academic achievement, behavior, and mental health. The goal of this literature review was to discover how ASC develops for K-12 students with reading disabilities and the specific factors that influence its formation. The review included a look at the research surrounding ASC in the general …

The Influence Of Restorative Practice On School Climate, Kay E. Lister

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of restorative practices on school climate is affirmed as the fostering of teacher-student relationship impacts connection, empathy, and social skills. Bullying decreased, self-advocacy increased, and school communities became both more present and calmer comparatively. Communication increased with an acquisition of restorative language, learning outcomes increased when students were in the classroom, and authenticity was formed. The mode of restorative intervention was interchangeable to best meet the needs of the proactive or reactive approach. The impact of school climate and the longevity of restorative practice was dependent upon the process of implementation, the culture of the school, and investment …

Training And Supporting Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Brian P. Solum

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education have increased over the years. Just as special education teachers see their caseloads, paperwork, and IEP responsibilities increase, the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals have become heavily relied upon for creating and maintaining successful programming in special education. The author of this thesis reviewed 20 relevant articles that explored and researched the changing roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in special education classrooms for students with developmental and cognitive disabilities (DCD). This thesis will explore recent research in both rural and urban schools about how paraprofessionals are recruited, trained, and maintained. It …

How Does Trauma Informed Teaching Impact Student Learning?, Keith Enstad

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review will explore the impact of a trauma-informed approach on students' ability to learn. The reader will learn about key terms and definitions that are used throughout the literature. The following literature review explores studies and research done on trauma-informed programs that have been implemented in schools, foster care, and juvenile delinquent centers. The research and studies explore if trauma-informed training has had any impact on students' learning, or educators' way of teaching. The literature review concludes with any limitations of the research and data. There has not been many studies done in regards to trauma-informed education, which …

Strategies To Teach Grit And Perseverance To Students With Special Needs Through The Growth Mindset, Melissa J. Anderson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, there has been increased attention on the importance of non-cognitive skills in achieving academic success. Grit and The Growth Mindset are two of the characteristics. Research has established a positive correlation between Grit and The Growth Mindset with academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and better self-esteem. Evidence strongly suggests the benefits of developing strong cognitive skills reach beyond the school-aged years, providing individuals with the skills to be productive and successful adults. However, research on this topic is still in the early stages. There is limited qualitative information available. The studies offer quantitative information linking Grit and The Growth …

Asd Social Skills Development Using Immersive Virtual Environment Head-Mounted Display Interventions: A Review Of Feasibility And Effectiveness, Kasey Lynn

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review determined the feasibility and effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD) interventions to develop social skills for children with ASD. Data summarized 11 research studies conducted within the past five years utilizing HMD interventions. The research examined several HMD technology options across various settings such as school, home and community. Analysis of the data found that HMD interventions demonstrated promise in terms of feasibility developing social skills for children with ASD. The review noted limitations of the reviewed studies as well as suggested a need for further research in this emerging field of …

The Effects Of Mindfulness Interventions To Enhance Educational Experiences And Sense Of Well Being, Madeline Ruth Luoma

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

More recently than ever, teachers are witnessing an uptick in aggressive behaviors and emotional dysregulation and decreased academic engagement within their classroom walls. This can impact the learning environments of all students and hinder academic achievement. Currently, a push for including a social-emotional curriculum in schools that encourages mindfulness, awareness, and behavior regulation has been prevalent in education to attempt to combat the increase in behaviors and disengagement in academic content. Research has shown that different types of mindfulness interventions that include meditation and movement have been suggested to yield positive outcomes in helping students overcome dysregulation, perceived stress levels, …

Educator Burnout Prevention, Anna Sophia Stroebel

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Burnout is a universal experience that impacts many educators. Within the first five years of teaching, 40% of educators will leave the profession (Mielke, 2019). Teachers of high needs students, including special education teachers, are at an even greater risk without adequate support to meet those needs (Ansley et al., 2019). Nationally, educator burnout is becoming concerning as many schools struggle to find experienced teaching staff. The sustainability of education is dependent on understanding and preventing burnout. Burnout prevention is a rapidly expanding area of study that is highly impactful for educators. While research suggests personal prevention strategies that educators …

Trauma: How The Student Teacher Relationship Impacts Student Success, Eujeana Starr Hinkle

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High behavioral and academic expectations are exceptionally challenging for students who have experienced trauma. With increasing numbers of students who have experienced significant trauma, it is essential that teachers create trauma-responsive classrooms to nurture and support students and encourage success. This thesis defines trauma and describes characteristics of students who have experienced trauma along with effects on academic and social relationships. Finally, the research summary highlights the importance of designing classroom environments, instructing, and responding to students looking through the lens of trauma as a way to improve the school experience for all students while significantly impacting students who have …

The Female Autism Experience: A Literature Review, Megan Elizabeth Maas

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by communication challenges, difficulties in socialization, and the occurrence of restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Current data in the United States indicates that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Males are diagnosed at a ratio of four to one compared to females. Evidence suggests that females with autism present differently than males. Current diagnostic criteria based on typical male presentation of autism may account for underidentification in females with ASD. This literature review explores the experience of females with autism, including diagnosis, differences in behavior, communication, social and emotional skills, and the lived experiences …

The Effects Of Poverty On Students' Mental Well-Being, Esther P. Nyagwencha-Nyamweya

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Poverty is a global problem that has impacted the mental well-being of students. Research shows that in the US, one out of five children under the age of 18 live in poverty. This literature review sought to determine the effects of poverty on students’ mental well-being. Researchers have done in depth studies on poverty and their findings illustrated a close connection between poverty and an increase in mental health risks. Children born in poverty experience the effects of poverty early in life which affects their physical, behavioral, and developmental health. The gap between children from low economic status and those …

Increasing Oral Reading Fluency Rate Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities Through Cooperative Learning, Kristin Stuffick

Student Research Poster Presentations 2022

This study highlights the importance of focusing on student motivation and engagement to encourage an optimistic school and future education viewpoint. Student interest can be maintained by promoting student choice in their reading materials to align with individual interests and increase comprehension retention. The long-term implications of reading difficulties can affect individuals after middle school by lessening their chances of earning a high school diploma, leading to decreased annual income and increased reliance on government assistance throughout their lifetime.