Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Concussion's Impact On Learning: The Need For Return-To-Learn Protocols For Hospital And School Collaboration, Anne E. Crylen

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Over half million children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) pass through United States emergency departments each year. While there is Return-to-Play legislation in all 50 states, in response to sports-related concussion, there are very few Return-to-Learn protocols in place in the nation’s public schools. Concussion is a mild form of TBI; the vast spectrum of TBI makes it a complex disability, which may involve intensive physical rehabilitation and cognitive therapy. The primary purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the collaboration between educational and medical providers at one high school in Michigan to illuminate the process of school …

Differentiation Of Patients With Balance Insufficiency (Vestibular Hypofunction) Versus Normal Subjects Using A Low-Cost Small Wireless Wearable Gait Sensor, Tam Q. Nguyen, Jonathan H. Young, Amanda Rodriquez, Steven Zupancic, Donald Y. C. Lie

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Balance disorders present a significant healthcare burden due to the potential for hospitalization or complications for the patient, especially among the elderly population when considering intangible losses such as quality of life, morbidities, and mortalities. This work is a continuation of our earlier works where we now examine feature extraction methodology on Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) tests and machine learning classifiers to differentiate patients with balance problems versus normal subjects on an expanded cohort of 60 patients. All data was obtained using our custom designed low-cost wireless gait analysis sensor (WGAS) containing a basic inertial measurement unit (IMU) worn by …

The Effects Of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder On The Family, Kimberly M. Becker

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ADHD affects not only the individual diagnosed with the disorder, but the individual’s family and surrounding community. The focus of this research was to gain an understanding of the way ADHD affects the individual and the various family members as well as to offer coping strategies and interventions. This effort to understand ADHD and its effects on the family enables educators to offer strategies to counteract negative impact on future family functioning and mental health.

The Connection Between Teacher-Student Relationships For Behavior And Academic Outcomes, Lance William Edminster

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The National Center of Educational Statistics (NCES, n.d.) reports the “2016–17 ACGR (adjusted cohort graduation rate) for all students was 84.6 percent.” Emotional/Behavioral Disorder (E/BD) students are the lowest to graduate that has a disability. As of right now, 40% of the students labeled with E/BD graduate from school which is far below the national average (University of New Hampshire, 2014). Suicide is the number two killer of individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 which is a preventable death (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.) Harvard University (2019) reports that one caring and supportive adult can …

Student Perception Of Levels Of Assistance Compared To Their Education Coaches In A College Setting, Carly Markos

The Graduate Review

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Hispanic English Language Learners In Special Education, Gail I. Becker, Aaron R. Deris

Special Education Department Publications

Overrepresentation of English language learners (ELLs) in special education is a current problem. Urban school professionals indicated that inappropriate placement is linked to a multiplicity of factors. Scarce data exist regarding the relationship between school professional efficacy beliefs, the availability of bilingual programs and personnel for ELLs, and successful academic outcomes. School employees are still confused about the proper placement of English language learners (ELLs). What is enough time to acquire a second language and learn with success? Without other substantial program choices, children are referred to special education. Furthermore, many students in need of special education may be overlooked …

Indiana Social-Emotional Learning Competencies, Brandie Oliver, Lori Desautels

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

No abstract provided.

Practical Strategies For Conducting And Documenting Classroom Observations In Sld Evaluation, Mariya T. Davis, Julie Southward

Special Education Faculty Publications (Archived)

Nearly half of all students receiving special education services are identified as students with a specific learning disability (SLD; National Center for Learning Disabilities [NCLD], 2014). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires evaluation teams to analyze multiple data to determine if a student qualifies for special education services. In accordance with the federal law, a student must be observed in the regular classroom setting, and a description of the relationship between the behavior and academic functioning must be noted in a written Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) report. Discussed in this article are recommendations and practical strategies related …

Strategies To Address Challenging Behaviors In Children With Down Syndrome, Emily Sproat, Ciera M. Lorio, Kimberly Adelman Ms Ccc-Slp

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

As a future speech-language pathologist, it is imperative to develop knowledge and skills regarding how to provide therapy while managing challenging behaviors. Challenging behaviors could have long and short-term effects on the individual themselves and multiple entities in the child’s environment including caregivers, teachers, peers and other professionals. The presence of challenging behaviors can significantly impact learning as well as impede social interaction with peers. The purpose of this literature review is to inform speech-language pathologists about behavioral aspects of individuals with Down syndrome, with a focus on challenging behavior, and the best application of strategies and interventions for success. …

Typical Peers’ Perceived Self-Efficacy Towards Including Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Elizabeth A. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

One in 59 children is identified as having an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that students with disabilities be educated in the general education setting with typical peers to the maximum extent possible. This practice of inclusion has led to increased social-isolation and peer rejection among students with ASD. Research suggests inclusion alone without implementing peer intervention training is ineffective in fostering positive interactions between students with ASD and their typical peers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature by evaluating a peer educational intervention designed to promote …

Deaffa: An Exploration Of Agricultural Education In Schools For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing, Sarah Danielle Warren

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

The Kentucky School for the Deaf agriculture program and FFA chapter is the second Deaf FFA chapter in the nation and has proven itself to be unique, successful, and worthy of investigation. This exploratory, collective/intrinsic Case Study examines the historical evidence of agriculture on the school’s campus, collects observations and interviews regarding agricultural education at the school, and provides insight to advise other educational institutions and organizations on the nature of agricultural education in a school for deaf and hard of hearing students.

The Demon Of Hope: Race, Disability And The White Researcher’S Complicity With Injustice, Gene Fellner

Publications and Research

My ethical stance demands that my research mutually benefit all research

participants and that it should serve to reverse systemic policies of anti-blackness that

permeate the educational system in the United States. Through publications and similar

academic activities, however, my research advances my own career, but it is doubtful

that it significantly advances the trajectories of the students with whom I work. Indeed, it

could be argued that this imbalance in benefits advances the very system of white

dominance that I claim to contest. In this arts-based, auto-ethnographic study, I

document how, through the creation of pastel drawings and digital …

Understanding The Experiences Of Saudi Arabian Mothers Of Children With Autism In The United States, Basmah M. Alotaibi

Wayne State University Dissertations

This narrative research examines the experiences of five Saudi Arabian mothers of children with ASD who are living in the United States. Multiple interviews were used in qualitative research to learn more about the different experiences of these mothers. The purpose of the study was to learn about the participants’ experiences, including their stressors, beliefs, and thoughts about raising their children with ASD in a culture that is different from the one where they were raised.

Culture can shape mothers' attitudes and beliefs about raising children with disabilities. Saudi Arabian mothers living abroad are likely to observe different ways of …

Characteristics, Services, And Outcomes Of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers Who Are Deaf-Blind, Jennifer L. Cmar, Michele C. Mcdonnall

JADARA

Limited research has been conducted regarding the characteristics, services, and outcomes of consumers served by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies in the United States who are deaf-blind. This article provides descriptive information about this population based on Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) data from fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015. The article also includes a discussion of inconsistencies in use of disability category codes to classify VR consumers who are deaf-blind, emphasizing the need for agencies to utilize a consistent classification system that reflects the diverse characteristics of this population.

Boredom Proneness And Character Strengths Related To Academic Achievement In Adolescence, Bonnie Iannaccone

Ed.D. Dissertations

Abstract

Susceptibility to boredom can interfere with students’ ability to achieve their academic potential, with enduring negative consequences. In the present study, the researcher investigated differences in boredom proneness and character strengths in adolescent high school students and the ability of boredom proneness scores and character strengths to predict academic achievement. Results indicated that 9 of 10 students were moderately or highly prone to boredom. Students’ whose top character strength was humility were more highly prone to boredom than students’ whose top-ranked character strengths were bravery, prudence, or curiosity. From boredom proneness and character strengths data the researcher concluded that …

Developing A Comprehension Instruction Observation Rubric, Evelyn S. Johnson, Laura A. Moylan, Angela Crawford, Yuzhu Zheng

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, we developed a Reading for Meaning special education teacher observation rubric that details the elements of evidence-based comprehension instruction and tested its psychometric properties using many-faceted Rasch measurement (MFRM). Video observations of classroom instruction from 10 special education teachers across three states during the 2015- 16 school year were collected. External raters (n=4) were trained to observe and evaluate instruction using the rubric, and assign scores of ‘implemented’, ‘partially implemented’ or ‘not implemented’ for each of the items. Analyses showed that the item, teacher, lesson and rater facets achieved high psychometric quality for the instrument. Teacher performance …

Inclusion In International Schools: Achieving Academic Excellence And Education For All, Marla Starr Hall

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inclusion of students with diverse learning profiles is a rapidly growing trend, yet no research exists on the implementation of inclusive programming in international schools. As diversity becomes more important in the globalized world and it becomes more important to equip all students with job skills for the modern age, international schools will need to provide effective and efficient programming for a wide variety of learning profiles. At the same time, international schools must provide students with a high-quality academic education that yields top measurable results in order to ensure that their students remain competitive in an ever more competitive …

The Development Of Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy For Classroom And Behavior Management Across Multiple Field Experiences, Maria B. Sciuchetti, Nina Yssel

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Classroom and behaviour management difficulties are consistently reported among the top reasons given by both novice and experienced teachers for leaving the profession. In order to successfully prepare and retain teachers, it is imperative that we understand the factors related to issues of classroom and behaviour management that may influence their decision to remain in the field. This study explored the development of preservice special education teachers’ self-efficacy for classroom and behaviour management as they progressed through a four-semester professional development sequence. Findings indicated that although self-efficacy levels were variable across semesters, statistically significant changes in group self-efficacy levels were …

Current Issues And Future Directions In Australian Special And Inclusive Education, Kerry A. Dally, Michelle M. Ralston, Iva Strnadová, Ian Dempsey, Dianne Chambers, Judith Foggett, David Paterson, Umesh Sharma, Jill Duncan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In this article we review the medical, human rights, social and social interactionist models of disability, and consider how these differing perspectives have influenced the provision of educational services to students with disability in Australia. We contend that the shift in educational policy and provision, from supporting to including students with disability, has engendered a need for targeted professional development for both general and special education teachers. A model illustrating the unique skills of special educators and the common skills, knowledge and attitudes required by all teachers to implement effective inclusive education is presented and priorities for future research discussed.

Barriers To Change For Augmentative And Alternative Communication, Lauren E. Brown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of counseling training on speech language pathologists’ (SLPs) perceived competency to address Attitude Barriers within the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment process as presented by Beukelman and Mirenda (2005). Counseling techniques, such as the use of the Readiness to Change© tool, are within the scope of practice for SLPs. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on how to apply these tools and techniques with individuals who use AAC .

A training seminar was conducted to educate participants in the use of the Readiness to Change© tool. Data was …

A Concurrent Validity Study Of The Missouri Adaptive Ability Scale And The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition—Teacher Form, Lindsey Hansen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study utilizes correlational data to demonstrate the construct validity of the Missouri Adaptive Ability Scale (MAAS) by comparing it to Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) Teacher Form, a thoroughly researched and validated measure of independent living and adaptive functioning. The purpose was designed to extend research conducted to achieve construct validity of the MAAS. Twenty-six high school students with low incidence handicapping conditions (M = 17 years old) were included in this study. The ABAS-3 Teacher Form was obtained from archives and the MAAS was administered directly to the participants by the author. Pearson correlations revealed strong …

Predicting Academic Achievement With The Kaufman Assessment Battery For Children—Second Edition, Amy Cherry

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Intelligence progresses in measurable and predictable stages and IQ tests are used to test basic intellectual functioning, such as conceptual thinking, language, and problem solving. The IQ test is used to diagnose developmental disabilities as well as learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities in schools. School aged children may be given an IQ test to determine eligibility and placement for special education services and to pinpoint specific deficits and/or strengths. Part of the strength of using IQ tests is their ability to predict specific attributes, such as academic skills and adaptive skills. However, these correlations change with the child’s age. …

The Effects Of Motivational Climate On Skill Acquisition And Motivation For Physical Activity In Children With Intellectual Disabilities, Lucas Henry Govan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Increasing physical activity participation among children with disabilities is critical for developing healthy lifestyles. Motivation can influence the amount of physical activity a person participates in. Establishing motivational climates that emphasize individual progress and outcomes can result in improvements of affective responses of engaging in an activity which, in turn, can increase the likelihood of continued participation. While the relationship between motivational climate and mood has been researched in children without disabilities, little research has been done on the impact of motivational climates for children with disabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect that a …

Effects Of Think-Aloud Protocol On The Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills Of Seventh- And Eighth- Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Nasa Lesley Cole

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a cognitive- and metacognitive-strategy instruction on the mathematical problem-solving performance and metacognitive experience of 22 seventh- and eighth-grade students with learning disabilities. When solving mathematical word problems, students with learning disabilities typically lack self-regulation processes (Larson & Gerber, 2002) tend to respond impulsively, to use trial and error, and fail to evaluate or verify their solutions (Bryant, Bryant, & Hammermill, 2000). This study used the Metacognitive Experience Survey (MES), two sets of three mathematical-word-problem probes of varying complexity levels, and think-aloud protocols to measure intervention effect. The first research …

Impacts Of Inclusion On The Academic And Social-Emotional Skills Of Students With Special Education Needs, Tara L. Wood

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examined studies focusing on how students with disabilities are benefited by receiving services in the general education classroom, or least restrictive environment. It also aims to determine the negative impacts of students with special education needs (SEN) receiving instruction alongside their nondisabled peers, regarding both academic and social-emotional outcomes. As the trend for inclusive practices continues to rise nationally, it is critical that educators have access to and are knowledgeable of the successfully implemented inclusional classroom, where students of all academic abilities are integrated into the classroom community. Inclusion is relevant to all educators who teach students …

Critical Elements Of Effective Co-Teaching In The K-12 Classroom, Julie M. Gaffney

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching is a common and significant practice that pairs a special education teacher with a general education teacher for the purpose of enhancing the education of all students. In addition to giving students with special needs access to the content of general education classes, all students get the social benefits of being closer to their peers. Since the introduction of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) (1997), methods of inclusion for special education students have taken center stage. Teachers and administrators are experiencing the benefits and challenges of this relatively new but successful concept. Research is plentiful but there is …

A Comparison Of The Rey Complex Figure And The Wechsler Scales, Amanda M. Brantley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine the correlation among the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and the Rey Complex Figure Test, a measure of visual memory, in a clinical sample. The purpose was to determine the point at which a difference between cognitive ability scores (at the overall ability level or at the index level) and visual memory scores would be statistically meaningful. Participants in this study were selected from clinical client folders with completed variables of interest. The mean age of the 64 participants was 21 years (SD = 12.6). Statistically significant correlations were found among three of the four …

The Role Of Animal-Assisted Interventions In Communication Skills Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Ann Friedrich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social communication and prosocial behaviors. Due to a lack of social communication and social interaction skills among children with ASD, special education teachers are tasked with providing meaningful social opportunities to them to facilitate their learning of these skills. Special education literature lacks research studies about how dog-based animal-assisted interventions (AAI) can improve social communication outcomes for children in a school setting. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study, guided by Bowlby's theory of attachment and the human-animal bond concept, was to explore, describe, and improve the understanding of …

The Effects Of Common Core State Standards In Mathematics On Inclusive Environments, Byron S. Jordan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) require students with learning disabilities in mathematics to use a range of cognitive, skills, and foundational numerical competencies to learn and understand complex standards. Students with learning disabilities in mathematics experience deficits in cognitive processes skills and foundational numerical competencies which have emerged as underlying barriers associated with mastering CCSSM. Examining the impact of high-stakes assessments on readiness for college and careers and student achievement may provide evidence that deficits in cognitive processing skills and numerical competencies can impact achievement levels. Using the cognitive theoretical frameworks of Bandura and Gagné, along with …

Lebanese Elementary Teachers' Perceptions About Metacognitive Skills For Students With Learning Disabilities, Tassoula Semaan Bassous

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers in Lebanese schools are still using outdated traditional strategies for instructing students with learning disabilities (LD). The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to understand Lebanese elementary teachers' perceived barriers to providing effective metacognition skills instruction and increase the understanding of how teachers are supporting students with LD to use metacognitive strategies to enhance their own learning. The conceptual framework used to ground the study was Flavell's metacognitive theory. The purposeful sample included 12 elementary special and regular education teachers selected from 6 different Lebanese schools in 5 areas in Lebanon. Each teacher participated in a semistructed …