Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Help! I Want My Child To Succeed! : Understanding The Referral Process Of Special Education For Children Of Color In New York City Public And Charter Schools, Jacob A. Dixon

Graduate Student Independent Studies

It is imperative for families and schools to create effective partnerships in Special Education, specifically since the referral process serves arguably as the primary crucial step that determines the likelihood of a child's educational path. Sociocultural and sociopolitical factors have impeded the opportunity for linking fan1ilies and schools together for success, including, but not limited to the following: lack of understanding of today's family structure and their rights, social capital and cultural deficits, subjective and/or discriminatory evaluations and barrier of language ­understanding within Special Education. This thesis serves a two-fold purpose of offering extensive research on family involvement in education …

The Impact Of Inclusion On The Academic Achievement Of High School Special Education Students, Harold Smith Dawkins

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examined the impact of inclusion on the academic achievement outcome of high school special education students as measured by English 1, biology, and algebra 1 as a function of gender, ethnicity, and years of inclusion. The study also examined the generalizations with confidence that could be made about the use of inclusion methodology in high schools within an urban North Carolina school district as measured by end-of-course test scale scores. Data from three traditional high schools within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District were used in this study. High school special education students lagged behind several other subgroups on end-of-course …

Intersecting & Intertwining Processes: Student-Directed Service Learning And The Demystification Of Special Education, Michael T. Farrell

Graduate Student Independent Studies

High school graduation rates depend in part on successful transitions from middle school to high school. For Special Education students in particular, programs are needed to address their academic, social, and personals needs in preparation for this important developmental shift. Service Learning and the Demystification of Special Education process are two approaches that have proven helpful. The purpose of this paper is to identify the intersecting and intertwining ways that these two approaches can be combined for student success. After reviewing the history and research related to service learning and programs designed to demystify the concept of Special Education, the …

Differences And Commonalities In Adult Expectations Regarding Adhd Referral, Nate Christopherson

Theses and Graduate Projects

During the process of ADHD referral and intervention, there are often problematic and divisive differences of opinion within the adult team on how best to address the symptoms of ADHD. This study is an action research project interested in identifying areas of agreement and dischord between parents and teachers related to how best to support a child with ADHD. Data was collected through interviews and observations with parents and teachers from a suburban elementary school community. The findings from this study suggest that: 1. Parents tend to view their child as able to make change and, but that they do …

Traditional, Online, And Blended Instruction : An Investigation Of Outcomes In A Graduate Special Education Course Taught In Three Different Learning Environments, Mary C. Gozza-Cohen

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Nationally and regionally there are insufficient numbers of qualified special education teachers to meet current demand. Online course delivery has been proposed as one way to reach more students and increase the number of special education teachers. A recent meta-analysis conducted by the U.S. Department of Education (2009) reviewed the research on online learning and reported that on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those in traditional classes. However, among other issues noted in the meta-analysis, it was specified that many of the included studies did not control for curriculum materials and various aspects of pedagogy. This …

Necessary Supports For Effective High School Inclusion Classrooms: Perceptions Of Administration, General Education Teachers, And Special Education Teachers, Andrea Daunarummo

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Preservice Teacher Attitudes And Intentions Toward An Inclusive Educational Environment: An Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Julie Jones

All Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to identify preservice teacher beliefs, attitudes, and intentions toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in a predominately general education environment. A survey instrument was created based on Ajzen and Fishbein's theory of planned behavior and disseminated to three universities in South Carolina. This study improves upon existing studies of preservice teacher attitudes because it takes place at more than one institution and is grounded in a theory that explores the many- layered aspects of attitude.
Preservice teacher attitudes were moderately positive on all measures: behavioral beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. …

Portrayal Of Characters With Disabilities In Newbery Books, Melissa Leininger

Theses and Dissertations

Newbery books represent quality literature that is likely to be used for bibliotherapy, yet these books have not been systematically evaluated for their portrayal of characters with disabilities. Thirty Newbery Award and Honor books from 1975–2008 were identified that contained 40 characters with disabilities. These books were evaluated using a rating scale that combines literary standards and standards relating to individuals with disabilities. The types of disabilities and personal characteristics such as gender, age, and race were documented and the personal portrayal of characters with disabilities and exemplary practices in these books were evaluated. This information was compared to the …

Best Practices For Inclusive Science Instruction, Lucinda S. Spaulding, Jenny Sue Flannagan

Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of evidence based best practices for inclusive science instruction and to equip teachers with applicable strategies for scaffolding instruction and responding to learner needs based on research in special education and science instruction. As a result of this session, participants will learn strategies and methods for helping students learn to independently design experiments, use the scientific process, and develop critical thinking skills. There will also be an emphasis on effective co-teaching practices and employing instructional strategies for reinforcing skills and content knowledge across the curriculum, providing more time for instruction …

Factors Of Effective Teaming Of Special Education Paraprofessionals And Special Education Teachers., Heidi Zisla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that lead to effective teaming of special education teachers and special education paraprofessionals. These teams face many challenges in teaming effectively. Teachers and paraprofessionals were surveyed and interviewed to gather their perspectives. Communication, clear roles and expectations, demonstrating appreciation and respect emerged as some of the main factors leading to effective special education teaming.

Cultural Responsiveness In The Special Education/Esl Department: Faculty Perceptions At Brigham Young University, Temma Jo Devereaux

Theses and Dissertations

Faculty members from Brigham Young University's special education/ESL program participated in professional development centered on increasing multicultural competence. The primary investigator interviewed faculty members regarding their perceptions of professional development. After conducting the interviews, faculty members' feedback was coded to determine whether or not the professional development aided them in infusing more culturally sensitive practices into the curriculum and created a more sensitive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Researchers also coded the faculty members' feedback to determine if faculty members felt they have changed at an individual/personal level in terms of how they view their own cultural background …

Examining Teachers' Knowledge And Perceptions Of Response To Intervention, Ashley Elizabeth Moore Swigart

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-step approach to providing interventions to students within general and special education. This study investigated the relationship between elementary, middle, and high school teachers’ perceptions of RTI and (a) whether they taught general versus special education, (b) grade level taught, (c) knowledge level of RTI, and (d) presence in a school implementing RTI and participation in the process. Understanding teachers’ perceptions is of particular importance to school psychologists and can be used to ensure that teachers participate fully in the RTI process. Participants were given a questionnaire to complete that assessed their perceptions and …

Institute Brief: Advancing Parent-Professional Leadership: Effective Strategies For Building The Capacity Of Parent Advisory Councils In Special Education, Heike Boeltzig, Matthew Kusminsky, Susan M. Foley, Richard Robison, Barbara Popper, Marilyn Gutierrez-Wilson

The Institute Brief Series, Institute for Community Inclusion

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, last amended in 2004 (IDEA 2004), encourages parents and educators to work collaboratively, emphasizing that as a team they are uniquely suited to make decisions that help improve the educational experiences and outcomes of children with disabilities. The Advancing Parent-Professional Leadership in Education (APPLE) Project was funded to develop the leadership skills of parents individually and within their communities. The project took place in Massachusetts, where school districts are required to have a special education parent advisory council (SEPAC).

Online Learning And Mentors: Addressing The Shortage Of Rural Special Educators Through Technology And Collaboration, Evelyn S. Johnson, Michael J. Humphrey, Keith W. Allred

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article describes a promising model in comprehensive special education personnel preparation to support the recruitment and retention of special education teachers in rural areas. The approach draws on several bodies of research to include best practices for teacher education, online service delivery, collaboration among key stakeholders, and the development of strong mentoring and induction programs. The implementation plan, based on evidence-based practice in special education and online learning, is presented. A key element of this plan is developing and maintaining strong relationships among rural districts, the state department of education, and higher education.

Virtual Coaching For Novice Teachers, Marcia L. Rock, Madeleine Gregg, Robert A. Gable, Naomi P. Zigmond

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Virtual bug-in-the-ear technology presents one tool that allows practitioners and university educators can use to attract, prepare, and retain high-quality teachers. The experience of Project TEEACH based at the University of Alabama suggests that simple technology tools could be used effectively to support teachers through their most challenging instructional situations. Such coaching provides the kind of at-the-elbow support that can be most beneficial to young teachers.

Factors Of Effective Co-Teaching Between Special And General Educators, Jake Zisla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that lead to effective co-teaching relationships between special and general educators. With an increasing focus on inclusion of students with special needs into the general curriculum, co-teaching provides special education teachers an opportunity to provide services within that general curriculum, while giving general educators necessary support. The sfudy was conducted in the form of an initial survey with seven participants, as well as four in-depth case studies of special and general educators currently in co-teaching relationships. The results were analyzed along three major theme areas: collaboration, roles and outcomes. Compatibility, …

A New Vision: An Integrated Unit Of Study For Ells And Children With Special Needs, Sophy Aponte

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This thesis presents a curriculum that integrates science and bilingual education based on the principles of Understanding by Design (Ubd), Carol Tomlinson's thirds approach to differentiated instruction and Mel Levine's theories for children with special needs.

Exploring The Effects Of Online Instruction On Reading Comprehension Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Nancy Shuman Fitzgerald

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Two major pieces of legislation, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (2001) mandate that students with disabilities be placed in the Least Restrictive Environment and have access to the general education curriculum. To provide access to the general education curriculum, inclusion in general education classes for students with disabilities has become the accepted practice. Many students with specific learning disabilities experience difficulties with the general education curriculum because their reading ability falls significantly below the school curriculum and textbook instructional levels (Deshler & Schumaker, 1993). The Word Identification Strategy (Lenz, Schumaker, Deshler, & …

Increasing Student Participation At Iep Meetings: A Case Study, Jerrilyn K. Henderson

Theses and Graduate Projects

At age 14, students in special education are expected to participate and contribute to decisions concerning their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) yet most do not understand the IEP. Nor do they understand how the IEP process works. This study is an effort to see if student participation in the IEP can be influenced by the direct teaching of the IEP process to the student before the IEP meeting. The study follows one student from the beginning of the IEP instruction through his IEP meeting and ends with his transition meeting into high school. The findings show that the student increased …

Principals' Knowledge Of Idea And Their Implementation Of Special Education Services, Karen Smith Collins

Dissertations

This correlational study was designed to determine the relationship between the principals' knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and their implementation of special education services, as well as to determine if there was a relationship between principals' knowledge of IDEA and their beliefs and practices; experience, training, and demographic characteristics. The respondents, principals in New Orleans area schools, were divided into three groups: charter, city/district, and state operated. Their knowledge of IDEA was measured using a survey instrument developed by Wakeman (2005) and Copenhagen (2005). It also included a small section on specific characteristics of the principals assigned …

The Evaluation Of Synchronous Online Tutoring For Students At-Risk Of Reading Failure, Eleazar Vasquez Iii

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Both legislative mandates such as those of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and developments in the provision of reading instruction such as Response to Intervention (RTI), increase the demand for high quality tutoring services. However, the U.S. Department of Education and state officials report that access to intensive supplemental tutoring may be limited in rural and urban areas due to limited availability of qualified providers. Online tutoring may be one way to provide supplemental reading instruction to students identified as at-risk of reading failure.

Researchers have focused on distance education since the 1920s. The authors of recent meta-analyses report near …

Gifted Education Exposure In Introductory Special Education Texts: Quantitative Text Content Analysis, Sandra Kay Hansen Wentworth

Dissertations

This present study was designed to examine and compare 10 introductory special education textbooks used in mandatory introductory special education courses. The percentage of text devoted to gifted education chapters in comparison to specific learning disabilities, behavior disorders, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, and speech/language/communication disorders was explored for statistically significant differences. Paired samples t tests were conducted to analyze the data. A statistically significant difference was found between the coverage of gifted education and autism spectrum disorders among the 10 examined texts. No other significant statistical findings were found between various exceptionalities among the 10 examined texts. The prevalence …

Maintaining Hope/ Encouraging Perspective In Special Education, Donna Smith

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Having a child with moderate to severe disabilities is a life-altering experience for many families. This study is an exploration of the relationship that exists between the parents of children with moderate to severe disabilities and special education professionals. It is an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the parental perspective on the complexities of that relationship, and to investigate how that relationship is negotiated through stories told by eight parents about their experiences with the professionals in the schools their children attend. This study is also focused on how parents, school systems, and societal understandings of disability and …

The Evolution Of Special Education, Kelli J. Esteves, Shaila Rao

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

The events that have driven the gradual and progressive evolution of special education serve as a backdrop to understanding the foundation of the field and its ever-changing nature. Knowledge of this history is critical if we intend to make further progress.

Special Education, L. L. Mason, Nancy K. Glomb, J. Sebastian

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Embedded Strategies In Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Sharon Sanders

All Dissertations

Recent accountability requirements increase the emphasis on mathematics achievement for all students, including low-performing students and students with learning disabilities. However, these students progress very slowly, with weaknesses evident in computation and problem solving. These limitations affect their success in mathematics at lower grades and make earning a high school diploma difficult. It is imperative to isolate components of mathematics comprehension and identify methods to teach them in order to help these lower performing students be successful. Research indicates a strong relationship between vocabulary and mathematical comprehension, identifying vocabulary understanding as a key component in understanding the subject. Vocabulary instruction …

Special Education Around The World, Lisa Battaglino

Bridgewater Review

No abstract provided.

Building Quality And Capacity In Rural Areas, Nedra Atwell, Janice Ferguson, Judy Pierce

Kentucky Teacher Educator

This article will provide readers an overview of the program Western Kentucky University is using to promote quality training and promote professionalism in special education teachers. This program incorporates collaboration with local school districts, a cohort approach, field-based practitioners, online delivery of a research-based curriculum and demonstrated pedagogical knowledge with practical skills relevant to the targeted student population. The intent is to meet the demand for highly qualified special education teachers, not merely to decrease the shortage of teachers.

Audio-Assisted Reading With Digital Audiobooks For Upper Elementary Students With Reading Disabilities, Kelli J. Esteves

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

Audio-assisted reading has been used as an effective instructional intervention for students with learning disabilities (Carbo, 1978; Gilbert, Williams, & McLaughlin, 1996) and with struggling readers (Chomsky, 1976; Hollingsworth, 1978; Hoskisson & Krohm, 1974; Koskinen, Blum, Bisson, Phillips, Creamer, & Baker, 2000; Rasinski, 1990). The strategy involves reading along while listening to an audio recording of a fluent model (Evans, 1997).

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy o f audio-assisted reading with digital audiobooks against the traditional practice of sustained silent reading in terms of reading fluency rates and reading attitude scores with upper elementary students …

Comparison Of Perceptions Of Inclusion Between University Instructors And Students With Disabilities In Ukraine, Sharon A. Raver, Kateryna Kolchenko

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Ukraine is currently involved in a heated debate about inclusion at all levels of education. This debate has become part of the country's efforts to improve human rights. Prior to independence in 1991, students with disabilities in Ukraine who desired higher education were not permitted to attend universities. How instructors and students with disabilities perceive the process of integration is important for Ukraine's continued movement toward becoming an egalitarian society. This study examined the differences in attitude regarding inclusion and university life between university instructors and students with special needs attending Open International University of Human Development “UKRAINE,” the only …