Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

A Model Inclusion Program For Primary Level Students, Greg S. Brown

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a model inclusion program for primary level students. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research related to integration of special education students into a "regular" classroom was conducted. Additionally, information from selected schools and districts related to primary inclusion programs was obtained and analyzed.

The Availability Of Inferences In Children And Young Adults, Gerilyn A. Katz

Student Work

Much of the research on age-related differences in the ability to inhibit irrelevant information in a given task has been on the study of younger and older adults. Only a minimal amount of research has focused on the developmental differences in children and young adults. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether age-related differences exist between children and young adults in processes consistent with inhibition.

Third-, sixth-grade children, and college undergraduates listened to twenty-four garden path passages containing either expected or unexpected, but acceptable, conclusions. The twenty-four passages were divided into four subsets, with each subset containing …

Case Studies Of High-Ability Students With Learning Disabilities Who Have Achieved, Sally M. Reis, Terry W. Neu, Joan M. Mcguire

Education Faculty Publications

We used qualitative methods to study 12 young people with learning disabilities who were successful at the college level. The participants reported negative school experiences, verified by their parents and school records, such as social problems, difficulty with teachers, and frustration with certain academic areas. The interaction of their high abilities and their learning disabilities produced a number of negative consequences since their talents were not usually addressed by the school system they attended. However, despite these experiences, participants were able to integrate specific personal traits and special compensation strategies and environmental modifications to succeed in a challenging university setting. …

Assessing Professional Development Needs Of Elementary Teachers Implementing Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities In General Education Classrooms, Patricia D. Burgess

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A descriptive study was conducted to identify authentic professional development needs of elementary teachers preparing, implementing, and maintaining inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classrooms in Northeast Tennessee. The purpose of this study was to contribute information of identified professional development needs of elementary teachers to current research on responsible inclusive education. Data were collected from 325 elementary teachers randomly assigned to the sample using a 65-item survey designed for this study. Three subsections of the survey, Assessing Professional Development Needs of Teachers Implementing Inclusion in Grades PreK-8, assessed the perceived needs of conditions, areas, and foundations …

A Study Of A Special Education School For Students With Mild Mental Retardation In Bandung, Indonesia, Susanti Soebianta

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to present information about education that is provided for children from Indonesia who have been placed into special education programs. It will provide background information that will help teachers in the United States understand students who come into this country and into American classrooms.

Selected Stragegies For Treating The Autistic Child In Elementary Schools In Taiwan, Yueh-Yun Chu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to identify selected strategies for treating the autistic child in elementary schools in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding autism and treatment of the autistic child was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected authorities on the treatment of autism was obtained and analyzed.

A Handbook Of Strategies For Serving Students With Special Needs In A General Classroom Setting, Susan E. Carthum

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a handbook of strategies for serving students with special needs in a general classroom setting at Green Mountain Elementary School. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research related to special education and related instructional and behavioral strategies for elementary level students was conducted. Additionally, information and materials related to instructional and behavioral strategies used in the Central Kitsap School district was integrated into the project.

A Secondary Student Instructional Support Team (Assist): Teachers Face The Challenge Of Student Diversity, Robert A. Gable, M. Lee Manning, Jo M. Hendrickson, Joseph P. Rogan

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

The writers discuss the challenges related to instructing a diverse secondary-level student population. Many elementary and middle school teachers are benefiting from working collaboratively toward common instructional goals. Through collaboration, general and special education teachers can better address the content area needs of the individual students, foster a greater sense of shared responsibility for educating a heterogeneous population of students, increase communication across professional disciplines, enlarge the knowledge base and teaching repertoire of participants, and establish rewarding and long-lasting professional relationships. The concept of A Secondary Student Instructional Support Team (ASSIST) provides a realistic means for implementing the “class within …

Functional Assessment As Strategy Assessment For Teaching Academics, Jo Mary Hendrickson, Robert A. Gable, Christy Novak, Stephanie Peck

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Functional assessment of aggressive, aberrant, and challenging behavior has dominated the literature with relatively little attention given to the potential utility of functional assessment in academics. The purpose of this article is to advocate functional strategy assessment as a procedure for acquiring data to support the formulation of intervention hypotheses by school-based personnel with the aim of improving the academic performance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. A functional strategy assessment model is presented, and two case illustrations are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of this assessment model for use by practitioners. Examples of both an individual and small …

Providing Positive Programming For Students In Special Education Identified As Being Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, Derrick Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Special Recreation: A Manual For Theraputic Riding Programs, Robin R. Ryan

All Graduate Projects

Recreational opportunities are limited to individuals with disabilities. Recreation and learning how to utilize leisure time can be more important to individuals with disabilities than to others. Therapeutic riding was studied as a means to meet this perceived need. A manual was developed describing a professionally directed service designed to meet the recreational needs of individuals with disabilities in a therapeutic riding program.

Kuwait Special Educators Program, William R. Nelson, Linda Friedman, James L. Narduzzi

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

The United States has long been recognized as a world leader in responding to the developmental needs of individuals with mental retar­dation (Rowitz, 1989). Particular strengths exist in the educational arena, both in traditional settings as well as in the vocational area (Glidden & Zetlin, 1992; Clark & Kolstoe, 1990; Wehmen, 1990; Schlack, McGaughey, & Kiernan, 1989). Because of these strengths, an increasing number of inter­national groups are seeking training opportunities to study these practices. In July 1992, the Cultural Attache at the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, D.C. issued a request for proposals directed at special education practices in …

The Adaptation Of Regular Elementary Classrooms For Children With Moderate And Severe Disabilities: Inclusion Practices From The Principal's Perspective, Jerry R. Herman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions of elementary school principals in Tennessee regarding the desirability and feasibility of adapting regular elementary classrooms and programs for the inclusion of children with moderate and severe disabilities. The purpose of the study was to add an administrative dimension to current research on inclusive educational programming for children typically educated in special (CDC) class settings. Data collection for the descriptive design of the study was accomplished by use of a 40 item survey instrument with a 7-point Likert-type scale for each construct (i.e., desirability and feasibility). Four ten item subscales addressed the areas of Staff …

The Adaptation Of Regular Elementary Classrooms For Children With Moderate And Severe Disabilities: Inclusion Practices From The Principal's Perspective, Jerry R. Herman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions of elementary school principals in Tennessee regarding the desirability and feasibility of adapting regular elementary classrooms and programs for the inclusion of children with moderate and severe disabilities. The purpose of the study was to add an administrative dimension to current research on inclusive educational programming for children typically educated in special (CDC) class settings. Data collection for the descriptive design of the study was accomplished by use of a 40 item survey instrument with a 7-point Likert-type scale for each construct (i.e., desirability and feasibility). Four ten item subscales addressed the areas of Staff …

Establishing A Positive School Climate On The Playground For Students With Serious Behavioral Disabilities: A Collaborative Effort, Mildred Carol Fletcher Garcia

All Graduate Projects

Social skills deficits of students with serious behavior disabilities are often an obstacle to integration into the regular education system. Many of the most troublesome problems occur outside the classroom on the playground due to the lessened structure constraints of the playground environment. As a result, the students are labeled "bad kids" by the teachers and paraprofessionals, are socially rejected by nondisabled peers, and the downward spiral of a negative social "trap" is begun.

The purpose of this study was to create an inservice training packet promoting collaboration between teachers and paraprofessionals providing students with serious behavior disabilities a positive …

Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis: A Handbook For Teachers Who Are Dealing With Developmentally Delayed Children, Cleresse Sprague

All Graduate Projects

The author's perception is that a need exists for a classroom behavior management handbook targeting developmentally delayed children ages three years through first grade. Several occurrences have prompted this perception: 1. Approach by other teachers asking how to handle certain behaviors 2. Author's own experiences and frustrations 3. Participation in group discussions regarding behaviors The author has chosen to do this study and develop a handbook to meet this perceived need.

Inclusion: A Case Study At Coe Elementray School, Loretta L. Kimball

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of inclusion on the achievement of special needs students and to use this information to increase effectiveness in inclusion programs through the design and implementation of specific teaching strategies. To accomplish this purpose, current literature and research related to inclusion was reviewed. The writer examined how special needs and regular education students are affected and analyzed the variables, strategies and programs which increase effectiveness. The project that follows is a case study of what has been done in the past, what attitudes and perceptions exist and …

Attitudes And Perceived Needs Of Northeast Tennessee Educators Toward Effecting The Practice Of Inclusion, David A. Cox

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the attitudes and perceived needs of Northeast Tennessee educators toward effecting the practice of inclusion in the public schools. The purpose of this study is to determine from the perspective of principals, regular education teachers, and special education teachers their current perceptions of inclusion, and what preparations or changes are needed to help educators succeed in inclusionary practices. The approach of this study is descriptive and utilizes data that was generated by the means of a survey instrument that was developed for use in this study. Areas of data presentation include: examination of demographic information; analysis of …

Staff Development Model For A Special Education Inclusion Program In The Northshore School District, John E. Deforest

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a staff development model for a special education inclusion program for the Northshore School District, Bothell, Washington. The inclusion model developed was intended for use by regular and special education teachers at the secondary level. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding the special education inclusion concept was conducted and selected education inclusion models were studied.

Applied Science: Integrating Science And Vocational Education For Students With Mild Disabilities And Students Without Disabilities, Maurene R. Fink

All Graduate Projects

The study addresses the educational needs of students with disabilities and students without disabilities in the vocational and scientific fields while meeting the business community's needs for skilled employees. The project allows students to receive the advanced science credit as well as prepare students transitioning directly from school to work. Interviews of employers indicated that current educational systems do not adequately address the needs of the business community. Bellingham businesses are eager to participate with Bellingham High School in cooperative education programs.

The Development Of The Parent Effectiveness Test (Pet), Sharon S. Morrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Not Available.

Nova University Graduate Education Module (Gem) Master's And Educational Specialist Degrees: Pre-Kindergarten Handicapped 1993, Nova University

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice College Archive

No abstract provided.

Self-Concepts Of Career Level Ii And Iii Teachers And Career Ladder Eligible Teachers In The Public Schools Of Tennessee, Lois C. Myers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in the self concept of Career Level II and III teachers and teachers who are eligible to apply but have not elected to participate in the Career Ladder Program in the public schools of Tennessee. The technique of causal-comparative research was used in this study. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS), developed by William Fitts, was selected as the appropriate instrument for use in this study. The TSCS is a versatile instrument that measures ten dimensions related to self concept: total level of self esteem, self …

A Guide For The Implementation Of A Commnity-Based Instructional Model To Teach Students With Severe Handicaps, Kenneth L. Skaley

All Graduate Projects

The need for and implementation of a community-based model for teaching language and communication skills to students with severe disabilities was studied. A guide was presented that includes a list of critical issues and solutions for a school district to consider prior to the implementation of a community-based instructional model. Suggestions and resources were included to be used by teachers to help make decisions about selecting appropriate instructional materials and strategies for teaching students with severe disabilities.

The Relationship Between The Attitudes Of Directors And Instructors And Student Ratings In Remedial And Developmental Studies In Tennessee's Community Colleges, Carolyn H. Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between the attitudes of remedial and developmental directors and instructors and student ratings. A population of 230 full-time directors and instructors and 3,269 remedial students were surveyed in the Fall of 1990. The return rate was 95% for the directors and instructors with the student rate dependent upon instructors administering the instruments. Two instruments were developed--one to measure the attitudes of directors and instructors and one for student ratings of instructors. Seven null hypotheses were formulated; 5 were retained and 2 rejected, at the.05 level of significance. Factor …

Increasing Reading Fluency In Students With Reading Difficulty, Kathryn Balabanis Peabody

All Graduate Projects

Four methods designed to increase reading fluency were employed in a primary level Special Education resource room. The methods were implemented in accordance with the theory and research regarding reading fluency. Each of the four methods effectively increased the students' ability to read fluently. However, the implementation of these methods varied in cost and time.

Supplimental Functional Reading Materials For Secondary Moderately Retarded Students, Kimberlie Ann Baglau

All Graduate Projects

Reading materials were compiled that would help secondary moderately retarded students develop reading skills needed to function at a more independent level than in the past. Materials were developed in the form of worksheets. These worksheets were designed to be supplemental materials to be used to reinforce the learning of functional sight words. Materials were produced for two types of functional reading: reading labels on medicine bottles and reading bus schedules.

Tennessee's Administrators' And Supervisors' Level Of Concern Toward Mainstreaming The Classes For Severely Mentally Retarded And The Classes For Multi-Handicapped Into The Regular School, Leah P. Hurst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was to determine the level of concern of supervisors and administrators in the state of Tennessee toward mainstreaming classes for the severely mentally retarded and the classes for the multi-handicapped into the regular schools. The Change Facilitators Stages of Concern Questionnaire (CFSoCQ) was the instrument selected as appropriate for the study. Permission was obtained from Dr. Gene Hall at the University of Florida to reproduce and administer the CFSoCQ. A stratified random sample was conducted as representative of the total population of superintendents, special education supervisors, special day school principals, high school principals, middle school …

The Development Of Teacher Training Principles From Identified Teacher Concerns Related To Mainstreaming In A Day Care Center, Susanna M. Floyd

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was to identify teacher training principles which would aid day care teachers in integrating handicapped children into their classrooms. This was a descriptive study which utilized a questionnaire methodology. The questionnaire was administered to teachers of randomly selected day care centers in Tennessee. The sample size was 347. The questionnaire identified from the literature review was the Stages of Concern Questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to identify concerns of individuals toward an innovation. The instrument was modified to be used in identifying the concerns of day care teachers toward mainstreaming young handicapped children into day …

The Use Of Goal Setting By A Mentally Retarded Woman To Increase Productivity And Reduce Errors In A Competitive Job Training Site, Rita J. Yasson

Student Work

What students who have mental retardation do upon graduation has become a major concern of the 80?s. Over fifteen years ago parents of moderately retarded adults expressed concerns about the quality of life their children experienced after graduation (Stanfield, 1973). Data from 120 parent interviews showed that 40% of their children worked in a sheltered work setting, 2% worked for a family business, 11% attended an activity center and a large portion of them, 44% were not employed or were in a habitation program. Over ten years later, another follow-up study indicated unemployment at a rate of 67% in the …