Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Empowering All Students To Participate: Utilizing Aac To Respond During Lessons, Robbie Cromwell

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

Previous research indicates that frequent and active participation of all students (including diverse student groups) improves student outcomes, as does using a variety of methods to respond during classroom instruction. Current research is limited in examining two key areas: 1) Increasing active participation of AAC users by encouraging engagement through frequent response opportunities during instruction and 2) Utilizing a variety of response methods to enable participation during instruction. Given the gaps that exist in the research, the purpose of this study is to examine whether incorporating a variety of opportunities to respond has an impact on AAC user’s engagement and …

Early Career Special Education Teacher Lived Experiences During Covid-19, Sydney Parks

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The stories and lived experiences of Early Career Special Education Teachers must be shared. This study provides more information on the beginning lived experiences of Special Education Teachers during COVID-19. The researcher conducted a qualitative narrative design to further investigate burnout and self-efficacy among Early Career Special Education Teachers. The researcher conducted an open-ended question interview that allowed participants to relive their experience teaching during COVID-19. The conclusion of this study is that Special Education Teachers love their job but seek more financial security, administrative support and guidance, recognition.

Services Provided To Aging Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Survey Of Speech Language Pathologists, Claire H. Gatewood

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

Purpose: The present study explored current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States, including areas and domains of services, factors restricting service provision, and reported knowledge and confidence of individuals within the field of speech-language pathology in providing services, to identify possible gaps of service and needed improvement.

Methods: Participants (n = 272) from across the United States completed an online survey to gather descriptive information about current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through state speech-language hearing associations and universities with speech-language pathology clinics …

Teachers’ Relationship Ratings Of Adolescents With And Without The “Emotional Disturbance” Label, Ashley Colson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The importance of student-teacher relationships is well established. However, research suggests that students in special education tend to experience lower quality student-teacher relationships than their peers in general education. Of particular importance is the developing research indicating that students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs), and especially females, are at the highest risk of poor relationships with teachers. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the presence of an emotional disturbance (ED) label may impact teachers’ perceptions of relationships with adolescents who exhibit behavior that meets ED criteria. A correlational research design with a between-subjects analysis of the …

Teaching Contextually Appropriate Play Commenting Without The Use Of Visual Cues, Beverly Nichols

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Deficits in communication and play can affect the quality of life of autistic children and individuals, which is why it is important that we help them acquire these skills as early as possible. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) and script training and fading procedures are evidence-based practices that can successfully teach communication during play. However, script fading can be difficult, and scripts may not be able to be completely faded out of the environment. The findings from a recent study suggested that specific phrases can become associated with small pictures rather than written scripts Perhaps, these specific phrases can be tied …

Special Education Fiscal Effort And Juvenile Adjudication: A Financial Relationship Exploration, Sarah E. Finley

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Educational leaders stretch pennies, often in futile attempts, to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students. An educated populous, or lack thereof, heavily impacts not only students, but also local, state, and national economies, job markets, and public safety. Knowing where to exert public school fiscal effort to reduce juvenile crime is an issue with implications that reach far beyond the field of education. By employing a quantitative approach and analyses examining slopes of fiscal effort for special education and juvenile adjudications, this study explores the relationship between the two factors. The research points out several connections between special education …

A Phenomenological Study On Special Education Teachers' Experience With General Education Teachers Not In A Co-Teaching Model Of Inclusion In North Carolina High Schools, Desmond Denard Coble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of special education teachers with general education teachers who are not in a co-teaching model of inclusion in North Carolina high schools. The study examined how inclusion is implemented at the school level and how special education teachers and general education teachers collaborate for students with disabilities. Special education teachers working at the high school level in North Carolina are the participants in this study. The setting for the study is high schools within the state of North Carolina. The central question for this study asks how special …

Examining The Predictive Relationship Between Map Reading Scores And Instructional Setting Among Students With Disabilities, Erika Renee' Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine if the English instructional setting and special education disability predict the reading achievement of middle school students with disabilities. The findings of this study are useful in determining the effectiveness of inclusion in the English general education classroom for students with specific learning disability (SLD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and speech and language impairment (SLI). The 116 participants of this study are middle school students enrolled in a public middle school in Georgia. All participants received special education services through the implementation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Archival data …

Special Education Personnels' Self-Efficacy Of Behavior Reduction Strategies: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Erin Renee Rubendall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe behavior reduction strategy efficacy for special education personnel in southeastern Philadelphia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, as it explains the relationship between self-efficacy and special education personnel's influences on utilizing behavior reduction strategies. A hermeneutical phenomenology approach guided the examination of this study, as it focused on the experiences of individuals and groups while exploring the description of their personal stories. A purposeful sampling of 12 special education personnel, including teachers and aides, were recruited from southeastern Philadelphia to participate in semi-structured interviews, a focus group, …

A Phenomenological Study Of Females With Adhd Who Experienced Non-Cognitive Academic Difficulty In High School, Monika M. Woods

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experience of women with ADHD who encountered non-cognitive difficulties in the academic environment while attending a U.S. public high school. At this stage in the research, non-cognitive difficulties in the academic environment will be generally defined as academic difficulties not related to academic ability. Non-cognitive characteristics are described as soft skills such as learning strategies, motivation, and personality traits that cannot be identified in scholastic aptitude tests. The application of the hermeneutic phenomenological method was guided using Maslow’s theory of hierarchal needs. Maslow’s theory provided a framework of reflective …

The Lived Experience Of Secondary Career And Technical Education Teachers Collaborating With Special Education Teachers: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Padro L. Gould

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aims to describe the lived experiences of secondary career and technical education (CTE) teachers in a Michigan public school district who collaborate with special education teachers to meet the instructional needs of students with special needs. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as it is used to assess CTE teacher confidence levels, and how those levels directly and indirectly affect their capacity to offer adequate instruction to CTE students with special needs through collaborative efforts. This research intended to answer this central research question: What are the experiences of CTE teachers who collaborate …

Leveraging Results-Driven Accountability To Improve Academic And Behavioral Outcomes For Students With Disabilities, Lori R. Anderson

Education Theses and Dissertations

The Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP’s) vision for Results-Driven Accountability (RDA) is that OSEP will target its work and investments to best support States in improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. State Education Agencies (SEAs) are accountable to OSEP regarding Results Driven Accountability reporting and supporting school districts in the process of improving outcomes for students in special populations. RDA is an accountability system to report data to district and campus leaders related to academic achievement, postsecondary readiness, and disproportionate analysis of students who are Bilingual Emergent/English as a Second Language Learners (BE/ESL), experiencing homelessness, …

Reading-Racetracks And Self-Graphing On Literacy Performance Of Struggling Students With Behavioral Problems, Anne Barwasser, Kerstin Nobel, Matthias Grünke

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Literacy influences all aspects of life. Unfortunately, a rising number of students struggle with reading and spelling, which can result in enormous educational barriers. Difficulties in literacy accompanied by learning-related problem behavior can create additional risk factors. Effective interventions for these students should consider individual needs and focus on multiple components of learning simultaneously. The present single-case study focused on the effects of motivational reading racetracks, with and without self-graphing, on the word-reading and spelling performance of three third graders with severe literacy and behavior problems. Our intervention was carried out three times a week over a 5-week period. The …

Universal Design For Learning (Udl) In Inclusive Preschool Science Classrooms, Marla J. Lohmann, Katrina A. Hovey, Ariane N. Gauvreau

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Science instruction is a critical aspect of early learning. Teachers can support young children’s learning about scientific concepts through the use of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which is a proactive approach to instructional planning that helps ensure success for all learners. This teaching techniques article offers preschool teachers practical solutions for implementing in the UDL framework for science instruction in their classrooms.

Using Smart Phone Technology To Improve Daily Living Skills For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Jordan Stierle, Joseph B. Ryan, Antonis Katsiyannis, Pamela Mims, Alex Carson, Abigail Allen

ETSU Faculty Works

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities need continued supports in completing daily living tasks to increase the likelihood of achieving independence. Fortunately, research has shown that assistive technology, and particularly video prompting helps support independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Aims

This study investigated the efficacy of a highly customizable task analysis smartphone application in assisting three young adults with intellectual disabilities learn how to cook three different multistep recipes.

Materials & Methods

Three young adults with intellectual disabilities enrolled in a four-year postsecondary education program (PSE) participated in a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effect of …

Detect Misconceptions, Construct Competence-Aligned Pedagogical Practices, And Use Instructional Strategies That Decenter Speech As A Means To Include Autistic Students, Chelsea P. Tracy-Bronson, Sara Scribner

Taboo: The Journal of Culture and Education

In this practice-based article, we use data and research to establish the need to examine inclusive-oriented pedagogical strategies to support autistic individuals. We believe that educators who use critical reflection can detect many of the common misconceptions about autism, learn how to re-frame these understandings, and consider different ways to support these students within inclusive classrooms. This article provides innovative pedagogical approaches for competence-aligned instruction, cultivating a web of communication access, bolstering social interaction, and supporting changes in the environment and with sensory experiences. We also describe ways to de-center speech to create a classroom that values dynamic engagement, divergent …

Describing The Lived Experiences Of K-12 Teachers Addressing The Unique Needs Of Black And Marginalized Twice-Exceptional Students: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Toyka-Eve Whitley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of K-12 teachers addressing the unique needs of Black and marginalized twice-exceptional students in the United States. At this stage in the research, Black and marginalized twice-exceptional (2e) students are minority students that are gifted students that have a disability. The theory guiding this study was the teacher expectancy theory. This study was a transcendental phenomenological study. The study took place in the United States. Pseudonyms were used to protect the identities of the participants. The central research question asked, what are the lived experiences of teachers addressing …

General Education Preschool Teachers' Preparedness To Teach Students With Disabilities Within A General Education Preschool Setting, Mary-Margaret Satterfield

Ed.D. Dissertations

Since Congress passed amendments in 1997 to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), there has been an emphasis on instruction to students with disabilities in the general education classroom, especially with preschool students. The significant increase of students with disabilities in general education classrooms precipitated the need for general education teachers to have knowledge and skills about special education to support and provide instruction to students with disabilities. The purpose of this basic, interpretive qualitative study was to investigate how general education preschool teachers in a large school district in Tennessee felt prepared by their preservice, in-service, and continuing education …

Improving Outcomes For Older Struggling Readers In Special Education Resource, Kathryn Stone

Education Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed to increase the reading achievement of sixth-grade special education students receiving interventions in a resource setting. This problem of practice was created in response to the theory of change made by a Network Improvement Community (NIC) rooted in the lack of professional development offered by the school district for special education teachers in teaching students foundational reading skills. The research questions used for this study this evaluation were 1) What percent of students made progress in each reporting category (word study, grammar, and comprehension) in the Lexia PowerUp literacy program? 2) To what extent did the teachers …

Improving Reading Interventions: A School Improvement Plan, Rachel Harmelink

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper examines the use of reading instruction interventions in an elementary school in Northwest Iowa. Whereas the school excels at providing regular assessments, including universal screeners, educators there have struggled to adequately meet the reading needs of their students as reflected on FAST, MAP, and Panorama data. This school improvement plan provides professional development training in response to intervention (RTI) procedures along with continual support and collaboration throughout the school year to assist teachers in confidently serving all learners and helping them reach their fullest potential as readers.

Multi-Tiered System Of Supports For Homeschool Families In A Home School Assistance Progra, Stacy Picard

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Systematic, explicit reading instruction including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension has been shown to be effective at teaching nearly all children to read. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is used in schools for identifying students who need supplemental instruction and ascertaining their areas of weakness. It is also used for monitoring the progress of students and facilitating ongoing instructional decisions. Homeschool families typically do not have access to scholarly research about effective reading instruction or to tools for determining if their children are making adequate progress or if a change in instruction is needed. The Knoxville …

Implementing Social Emotional Learning With Fidelity: A School Improvement Plan, Courtney Reuter

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research findings indicate social emotional learning can have a positive impact on both teachers and students. Social emotional learning not only improves the social emotional well-being and competence in teachers and students, it can also benefit students academically. When students do not have access to social emotional learning instruction consistently, it can have a poor impact on both their behavior and academics. With research findings in mind, a school improvement plan was created to research, purchase, and implement a new social emotional learning curriculum with fidelity. The goal of this plan is to increase the fidelity in social emotional learning …

Low-Incidence Special Education Teachers Lived Experience Teaching During Covid-19, Christina Samone Hatcher

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This study's purpose is to identify how the shift has impacted low-incidence special education teachers to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is minimal research regarding the lived experiences of how low-incidence special education teachers teach remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will consist of evaluating how prepared low-incidence special education teachers felt they were for the demands of remote learning, how they mitigated the demands, what resources and support were received that were helpful, as well as what resources and support low-incidence special education teachers feel they still need to continue to teach remotely, and how their …

Goal Setting And Self Monitoring Among High School Students With Exceptionalities, Madison Worms

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Many students with learning difficulties struggle to maintain focus which leads to off-task behavior and missing assignments. This occurs with students of all ages but is most prevalent with students in middle school and high school. This project investigated the effects of goal setting and self monitoring among high school students with exceptionalities. It also includes research, evidence, and summaries of other studies conducted related to goal setting and self monitoring. These case studies include strategies used to increase student productivity in the classroom. All published literature used in this text have been published within the last nine years and …

Increasing Student Achievement In English Language Arts At The Secondary Level, Melissa Randall

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement paper aims to explore a comprehensive approach to enhancing English Language Arts (ELA) standardized test scores at the secondary level through the implementation of a literacy program. The research focuses on four essential components: differentiated instruction, co-teaching, and on-going assessments. The central question guiding this school improvement plan is: "How does the integration of a literacy program, encompassing differentiated instruction, co-teaching, and on-going assessments, and lead to improved ELA standardized test scores at the secondary level?" The proposed school improvement plan looks to provide educators with strategies and tools to effectively engage students in English Language Arts …

The Benefits Of Using Phoneme Segmentation & Oral Reading Fluency Cbm On 1st Grade, Jessica Pavlenko

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research was driven by the researcher's interest in using curriculum-based measurement as an assessment tool and the effects they can have on student growth throughout the school year. The researcher utilized the STAR CBM phoneme segmentation tool quarterly, beginning in the first quarter, as well as the STAR CBM oral reading fluency passages quarterly, beginning in the second quarter. The research was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of using CBM, specifically phoneme segmentation and oral reading fluency, as a progress monitoring tool with 1st Grade students. The researcher is a first grade teacher in her eighth year of …

Implmplementing Meaningful Integration For Students With Significant Disabilities, Julianne Scheer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan was developed based on the researcher’s interest of integrating students with significant disabilities into the least restrictive learning environment, the general education classroom, to access core learning in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way using the instructional strategies of Universal Design for Learning, also known as UDL. The researcher is in her fifth year of teaching and in their third year teaching students with significant disabilities who are primarily impacted by autism spectrum disorder. The implementation plan provides opportunities for teachers to create learning opportunities for all students to access core learning areas. This requires both …

Severe Special Need Student Inclusion In The Classroom, Samantha Thompson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan focuses on enhancing student inclusion within the general education environment. With inclusion being a pivotal topic in educational settings, this study aims to explore and elucidate its significance. The project encompasses a comprehensive investigation of the issue, examining aspects such as leadership support, differentiated instruction, and the practical implementation of inclusion in the general education setting. Emphasizing the vital role of inclusion in fostering student success, particularly within the inclusive environment, this research advocates for the integration of students with diverse abilities in the general education setting to sustain their social and academic growth. The findings …

Considering Time: Practical Applications For Supporting Students With Disabilities In Hispanic Serving Institutions, Eric J. Lopez, Gavin W. Watts, Mariya T. Davis

Special Education Faculty Publications (Archived)

Time is a concept often spoken and written about, but rarely identified as an asset for individuals with disabilities, particularly in Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). The following discusses how systems and processes are impacted by time. The article further focuses on practical applications associated with time in supporting students with disabilities transitioning and acculturating to HSIs.

Ecpse 711: Advanced Seminar In Childhood Special Education, Suna Kim

Open Educational Resources

In this course, candidates learn teaching and learning strategies within the context of the general education curriculum to individualize instruction and maximize grade-level content mastery for all learners. Candidates adapt and teach a curriculum unit grounded in the New York State Learning Standards designed to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities or struggling by modifying instruction, employing metacognitive, task-specific learning strategies, and utilizing instructional technology.