Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Open-Access Publishing In Special Education And Related Fields, Esther R. Lindström, Jesse I. Fleming, Danika Pfeiffer, Tamara Kalandadze, Bryan G. Cook

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Open access to research findings, syntheses of research, and papers providing guidance on implementing research-based practices is critical for informing policy and practice in special education and related fields. Yet most published articles are behind paywalls and cannot be accessed freely by many practitioners, policymakers, individuals with disabilities and their families, and other interested parties. In this article, we describe the benefits of open-access publishing for researchers and research consumers, as well as different types of open-access publishing–with a particular focus on self-archiving or green open-access publishing. Self-archiving makes papers freely available, with little time burden and no monetary cost …

Increasing On-Task Behavior And Academic Engagement With Students With Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Using Self-Management Approaches In A Secondary General Education Classroom, Kelsi Anne Kinnunen (Burfeindt)

Dissertations and Theses

With the increased prevalence of ADHD and concerns about students’ academic performance, intervention is necessary to increase students’ success in secondary school (Fried et al., 2016; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS, n.d.). Otero and Haut (2015) discuss the correlation between on-task behavior and academic achievement. Academic achievement is a predictor of high school completion; therefore, on-task behavior positively contributes to a student’s ability to finish high school. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-management strategy to increase on-task behavior in students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a general education classroom at the secondary …

Examining The Effects Of Technology-Signaled Noncontingent Reinforcement On Disruptive Behavior During Small-Group Instruction For Elementary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey Ecklar

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study aims to expand upon existing research by examining the effects of teacher-implemented noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) through technology-signaled reinforcement breaks for elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during small-group instruction. The primary research question guiding this inquiry is: Does the implementation of a technology-signaled NCR package, which delivers breaks on a fixed-time interval schedule, effectively reduce disruptive behavior among elementary students with ASD in a small group setting? By integrating technology into the reinforcement process, this study seeks to enhance engagement and minimize disruptive behaviors, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment. The findings are expected to contribute …

Career And Technical Education: Historical Insights, Current Impacts, And Policy Implications, Meleah Ellison, David B. Naff, Phelton Moss, Jenna Lenhardt, Morgan Meadowes, Jonathan Staylor, Latonja Y. Wright, Luke Parker, Andy Bristow, Kelsey Pacer, Samantha Hope, Shelby Garofalo, Singith Nawagamuwage Perera, Georgia Youngquest, Rachel Hale, Sharrie Merritte

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) summarizes recent peer reviewed literature, publicly available trend data, and policies at the federal, state, and school division level related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. It explores the following questions:

1. What are the purposes of CTE courses?
/="/">2. What are the trends in CTE participation and how does this vary by student and school demographics?
/="/">3. What are the impacts or benefits of CTE?
/="/">4. What are evidence-based practices and innovative programs related to CTE?
/="/">5. What are policies guiding the …

The Integration Of Certified Therapy Dog Teams Into Special Education: Insights Of Volunteer Handlers, Rana Aabed

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to better understand how certified volunteer dog therapy handlers can be integrated into special education settings. Although the pet therapy discourse confirms the overall impact dog therapy has on youth’s psychological health (e.g., Groenewoud et al., 2023), research that could elucidate how volunteer handlers modify the way they have their dogs interact with special education populations is a present-day need that has otherwise not appeared in the literature. In response, this study involved a qualitative multiple-case investigation about the role of volunteer certified handlers and the dog therapy provisions they offer special education populations. …

Applying The Evidence: Taste Manipulation As A Dysphagia Management Strategy, Ross M. Westemeyer, Angela M. Dietsch, Rachel W. Mulheren

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize the evidence regarding taste manipulation as a dysphagia management strategy within the evidence-based practice framework, with a focus on clinical application for speech-language pathologists.

Method: First, we present background information on the physiology of taste and swallowing. A summary of research evidence on the effect of taste on swallowing is presented, followed by suggested methods for incorporating taste into swallowing evaluation and intervention. An overview of individual factors that can impact taste perception is provided. Finally, we discuss methods of clinical application and future directions for clinicians.

Conclusions: Although taste …

Pennsylvania K-8 General Education Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preparedness For The Inclusion Of Students With Autism: A Mixed Methods Study, Erica Tate

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This convergent mixed-methods study gathered insights from Pennsylvania kindergarten through eighth-grade general education teachers regarding their perceptions of preparedness for including students with autism. Utilizing Bandura's theory of self-efficacy (1962), which underscores the importance of continual opportunities for individuals to build confidence in their abilities, the study sought to understand teachers' viewpoints on their readiness for inclusion. To achieve educator insight, a combination of surveys and interviews was employed to understand better what preservice and in-service educators learned in their pre-professional and professional experiences. In the survey phase, (n=51) general educators responded to questions covering demographics, teacher education programming, …

Individuals Who Experienced Early Reading Difficulty: How Teacher Connections And Educational Practices Shape Motivation, Nicole Tinney

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Reading instruction is consistently controversial in education, whether it be the Reading Wars, a debate over the Science of Reading, or issues surrounding standardized reading testing. An often overlooked component in reading instruction is motivation. Why do some students struggle to learn to read while others sail seemingly effortlessly through reading benchmarks? How do some students overcome early reading difficulty while others struggle throughout their education? Students who have a difficult time reading in elementary school often lack motivation to read and continue to have low achievement on reading tests throughout schooling (Becker et al., 2010; Mcgeown et al., 2012). …

Student Support Teams In Title I Schools, Jennifer Michael

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student Support Teams (SST) are designed to be an innovative practice that supports the diverse needs of learners to help learners grow and be successful. This study will look at the impact that SSTs have on students in the Intermediate grades (3^rd-6^th Grade) at a Title I at-risk school. The research will analyze this question, does an SST positively impact student growth in reading and math in a highly diversified Title I School? The goal of the study is to analyze the impact of SST on the academic growth of students in specific focus groups. The study …

Assessing Technology Usage In Relation To The Quality Of Life In Autistic Children, Cristina Costescu, Ioana Tufar, Laura Chezan, Mălina Șogor, Alexandra Confederat

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and duration of technology use by autistic children, their primary activities when engaging with technology, and the association between technology use and quality of life. We assumed that technology serves as a means of communication with peers, and it is associated with an improved quality of life.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 61 parents of autistic children aged 5-10 years old. The Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale was used to measure children's quality of life based on parent report, and the Technology Use …

The Effectiveness Of A Visual Activity Schedule In Aquatics On Skill Acquisition In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marcus J. Romero

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study investigates the effectiveness of a Visual Activity Schedule (VAS) on the acquisition of aquatic skills (floating, front glide, and breath control) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Due to the heightened risk of drowning among people with ASD, this research aims to determine if a VAS can enhance learning and safety in aquatic environments. The study utilizes a multiple baseline design across skills, involving two male participants aged 16 and 17 years old, both diagnosed with ASD. Baseline assessments were administered and followed by intervention phases where VAS was introduced. The dependent variables were the successful completion …

Co-Teaching In Steam With Dhh Learners, Stephanie Gardiner-Walsh

Faculty Publications - College of Education

This poster series is a supplement to the chapter "Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Math (STEAM) Education of Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing" and presents unique considerations for deaf and hard of hearing learners in a STEAM classroom.

Roles And Responsibilities When Learners Have Cvi: Perspectives From Vision Professionals, Mindy Ely, Ashley Strausbaugh, Amy Yount

Faculty Publications - College of Education

Introduction: The roles and responsibilities outlined in a white paper by Mazel et al., outline a scope of practice for vision professionals when learners are diagnosed with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The goal of the current study was to identify teachers’ knowledge and skills to apply these roles and responsibilities in practice. Methods: Participants in this study had to be a certified vision teacher or orientation and mobility specialist and have at least one child with CVI on their caseload. Participants (n = 238) were surveyed and asked to rate their skills and knowledge, agreement, and current practice …

Reframing Deficit Narratives To Honor The Community Cultural Wealth Of Immigrant Families Of Children With Disabilities, Soyoung Park

All Faculty and Staff Papers and Presentations

Existing research suggests that immigrant families navigating the special education process are rarely positioned as powerful partners working alongside educators. This is a manifestation of the racism and ableism endemic to the United States schooling system that leads to educators viewing immigrant families from a deficit-based lens. Do these perceptions, however, match the ways that immigrant families view themselves? This qualitative participant-observation study addresses this question by exploring educators’ and families’ perceptions and positionings of immigrant families who are navigating special education. I unpack discrepant views among educators and families of 16 children labeled “English Learner” with or suspected of …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Postsecondary Transition For Students With Disabilities: Provider Perspectives, Haley L. Muir Knox

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Transition planning is an essential component of special education for students transitioning from high school to the adult world. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ways in which transition education is implemented and has been a catalyst for change and potential improvement in transition education practices. Research is just beginning to emerge regarding the ways in which education has changed as a result of the pandemic. Teachers and transition coordinators are key stakeholders in the transition process and serve as a link between the school and the students and their families. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with both special …

Accessibility For All: An Interdisciplinary Team's Perception Of Multisensory Community Experiences For Students With Severe Disabilities, Karrissa Ebert

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This phenomenological study sought to understand how members of a special education team account for and navigate successes and barriers faced during the planning and implementation of community experiences for students with severe disabilities. The needs and abilities of this population are vast and often difficult to accurately define, and there remain many gaps within the research. Individual interviews of six special education team members from varied professional backgrounds yielded thick, rich narratives about the successes and barriers faced while planning and implementing community experiences for their students. The dominant theme that emerged was that successful community learning experiences had …

An Evaluation Of The Process For Assigning Standardized Testing Accommodations For Students With Autism, Lisa Ober

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This dissertation evaluated the process for assigning standardized testing accommodations for students with autism on the standard course of study. The study captured current levels of teacher understanding, their perceptions regarding how testing accommodations might increase equitable access for students with autism, and how these beliefs influence the process of assigning accommodations. The study identified key themes surrounding current processes and equity through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with exceptional children and general education teachers and observation of professional learning communities and individualized education plan meetings. The findings revealed that inadequate teacher training and the lack of universal protocols for …

Reducing Emergency Department Visits For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Nurse-Led Home Interventions, Teri Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with …

The Complexities Of Disproportionality In A Large Urban School District: A Look Into District Interventions And Identification Processes, Linnie Tennile Tarrant

Dissertations of Practice

This study delves into the implementation of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and the special education identification process in a large urban school district in Illinois, with a specific focus on disproportionality in special education referrals. The district has been identified as disproportionate in categorizing African American students under the emotional disturbance (ED) category since 2014. Using a grounded theory approach, interviews were conducted with ten building-level administrators to investigate the consistency of MTSS implementation and the process of identifying students for special education services. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, and themes were analyzed using open, axial, and …

Amplifying Voices Of Postsecondary Outcomes For Physically Disabled Students A Qualitative Research Study, Jessica Keogh

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The present qualitative research study analyzed and amplified the voices of physically disabled and/or chronically ill students' perspectives of their postsecondary transition process. Previous transition research dating back to 1983, just a decade after the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, focuses on students with cognitive disabilities, Autism, and Intellectual Disabilities (Will, 1983). From my professional and lived experiences, there appears to be a gap in postsecondary transition services for youth with physical disabilities, which is further substantiated in previous bodies of research (Faggella-Luby et al., 2014; Targetta et al., 2013). This research study is important as it …

Reducing Emergency Department Visits Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Teri Nguyen

Nursing | Student Research Posters

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with …

The Critical Need For Early Language Access For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Children, Kinya D. Embry-Wright

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are referred to as the experts of communication (ASHA, n.d.) utilizing their specialized training, extensive education, and clinical expertise to work with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of different speech and language delays, disorders, and deficits. However, when working with deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children, there is often precedent given to speech and listening (M. L. Hall et al., 2019). For example, ASHA only recently updated their DHH portal to include American Sign Language (ASL), though they still list it on some webpages as an Augmentative …

Exploring Physical Activity Promotion And Implementation Within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Design, Shannon P. Zimmerman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) exhibit lower physical activity levels compared to their non-disabled counterparts, with only 23% of U.S. adults with IDD engaging in the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in the U.S. offer an opportunity to promote physical activity and address the critically low physical activity levels. Few IPSE programs have formalized physical activity courses, warranting an evaluation and development of the national curriculum in this area. This study expands on previous work by examining current physical activity promotion strategies at both the program and course levels. …

Using Touchmath® As An Intervention For Students With Disabilities At A Public Montessori School, Anne M. Cox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Students with high-incidence disabilities enrolled in public Montessori elementary schools do not always make adequate growth in mathematics using traditional Montessori materials and instruction. While direct instruction methods are not typically used in a Montessori setting, such teaching practices have been proven to be successful when teaching students with disabilities.

This study analyzed the effects of an evidence-based math intervention, TouchMath^®, on the addition fact fluency and acquisition of double-digit addition skills of elementary students with disabilities who receive small-group special education instruction in a public Montessori school. The students’ confidence levels before and after receiving the intervention …

School Leaders Creating An Inclusive School Culture For Students With Exceptionalities, Dawn Spears

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Studies indicate that principals who create an inclusive culture and champion students with exceptionalities work towards success for all students. When students with exceptionalities spend time in the general education setting, they experience academic, social, and emotional growth. This study contributes to research on inclusive school leadership for students with exceptionalities to enhance capacity for inclusion and provide strategies around initiatives that foster inclusive school cultures. The research used a sequential mixed method multiple case study. Emotional intelligence, leadership styles, and leadership practices were examined for elementary school principals in urban and rural schools. The Emotional and Social Competency Inventory …

The Special Education Placement Of An African American Male Identified As Emotionally Disturbed: A Qualitative Single-Case Study, Wernsetta Session

Dissertations

This case study examined the school-based interventions used to determine a self contained special education placement for a fourth-grade African American male student with an emotional disturbance disability. The study aimed to answer four research questions, which included the academic and behavioral school-based interventions provided to the student before a referral to special education evaluation, the perception of the student by the special education teacher and diagnostician, the role of the campus administrator in determining placement, and the parent's perception of the referral process.

The study used a single case study research methodology and included four active participants. Data collection …

An Examination Of Students Perceptions And Achievement Results In Co-Taught High School Math Courses, Joy Bacino

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined student perceptions about the impact of their math class on their learning and compared these perceptions across co-taught and single taught classrooms and IEP status of students. Student perceptions across groups indicated some differences. Of significance is students with IEPs in co-taught environments shared less favorable comments regarding their learning and reported learning more previously in their single-taught classrooms. End of course exam scores and PSAT scores were also compared and a significant difference between the ends of course assessment scores for non-IEP students within the single taught classroom and IEP students within the co-taught classroom was …

Meeting The Needs Of Diverse Esl Classrooms: A Team Approach To The Professional Development Of Educators, Alla Zareva, Silvana Watson

English Faculty Publications

The focus of this chapter is threefold: 1) To report on the effectiveness of a professional development program offered to elementary school educators to work effectively with diverse ELs; 2) to present the results from a pre-professional development survey which helped identify specific aspects of working with diverse ELs in immediate need of professional development; and 3) to discuss the wider implications of our findings and recommendations for teacher preparation programs. The chapter reports on three main areas of a year-long professional development training provided to teams of in-service elementary school teachers, school administrators, and other specialists (N=60) in the …

Effectiveness Of An Inclusive, Small-Group Adapted Aquatics Program On Increasing Vo2max In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Peggy Manuelita Scarborough

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

There is a need to examine the effectiveness of interventions, such as swimming, that are aimed at increasing physical health and developing psychomotor skills in an inclusive setting for children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an inclusive, small-group adapted aquatics program on increasing VO₂max in children with ASD. Participants included two 11-year-old children diagnosed with ASD. The study took place over eight weeks and included a six-week Small-Group Adapted Aquatics (SGAA) program. Participants were assessed for VO₂max using the 20m PACER test during week one and week eight …

Considering Personal And Professional Identities: The Collaborative Experiences Of School Speech-Language Pathologists, Imani Evans

Theses and Dissertations

My three-paper dissertation explored the interrelatedness between two critical issues in special education: interdisciplinary collaboration and sociocultural identity. I examined both through the perspectives of one discipline of specialized instructional support personnel (SISP). In the first paper, I conducted a systematic literature review examining the current empirical evidence on speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) collaboration in schools. A key takeaway from the literature review was the need for qualitative research to better understand the depth and breadth of collaborative experiences. In the second paper, I utilized an exploratory qualitative design and pilot data to discuss school-based SLPs’ shared collaborative experiences, identifying common …