Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

The Effects Of Video Self-Modeling On Elementary Students' On-Task Behavior As A Response To Intervention, Anika Kronmiller Bales

Theses and Dissertations

Effective interventions are imperative for students who are at-risk for academic failure. Response to Intervention (RTI), a service delivery framework, is gaining momentum in schools as it aims to provide effective and appropriate interventions of varying degrees. Frequently used in the form of a three-tier process, RTI addresses academic and behavioral deficits for students first at a school-wide level; next, at an individualized level; and finally, at a more intense individualized level. This study examined the effects of video self-modeling (VSM) as a Tier 2 RTI for two students in general education classrooms. Both students exhibited low rates of on-task …

The Expressed Emotion Of Mothers Of Children With Fragile X Syndrome, Jeanine M. Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A review of the literature revealed that mothers with children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) face many challenges, including managing their child's behavior which is a defining characteristic of children with FXS (Epstein, Riley, & Sobesky, 2002). Parents and professionals have become increasingly aware through research and everyday experiences that children with FXS are often overly sensitive to multiple stimuli (Hagerman, 1999; Hagerman & Hagerman, 2002; Miller et al., 1999). This overstimulation often leads to behavioral challenges that are characterized by tantrums, angry outbursts, and other forms of aggression. Additionally, mothers of children with FXS have their own personal challenges …

Elementary Electronic Kits & Interactive Web Database, Anne Racquel Bacani

Computer Engineering

The Elementary Electronic Kit and Interactive Web Database (E-Kit) project will focus on bridging the gap between Cal Poly students and local elementary schools to raise interests in engineering. Its main purpose is to expose local elementary school students to basic engineering concepts through simple interactive engineering experiments and lessons. The initial idea and proposal for this project was introduced by John Oliver, senior project advisor, whose main goal is to provide a service that would allow local elementary school teachers to bring in Cal Poly student volunteers to teach basic engineering lessons to their class. Lessons will focus on …

School Achievement For Students With Behavioral Disorders, Steven Wayne Burnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the descriptive qualitative study was to examine the successful strategies, accommodations, and interventions utilized for students with emotional behavior disorder (EBD) and the influences they have on the students' academic achievement (GPA, passage rates of courses, passage rates of state mandated assessments, student satisfaction, attendance rates, and disciplinary infractions) and glean greater understanding of instructional strategies and environmental differences alternative schools offer to students with EBD. In addition to a parent and a student with EBD, an alternative school staff was analyzed in rich detail to glean understanding of environmental influences. Data were collected using document analysis, …

Exploring Inclusive Education From The Perspective Of Preservice Teachers, Elizabeth Collett, Mary Jane Harkins Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This study investigates the nature of preservice secondary teachers’ perceptions of the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process enrolled in a two-year Bachelor of Education program in a university in Eastern Canada. Teachers’ perceptions have been a vital feature in the successful implementation of the IPP process, and inclusion in general. Therefore, it will be crucial for educational leaders and stakeholders to have a clear understanding of preservice teachers’ perceptions of the IPP process and the factors that affect those perceptions prior to entering the profession. Results suggested that secondary preservice teachers’ tended to hold generally positive perceptions of the IPP …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education and Happy New year and Happy New Decade. Our journal continues the conversation concerning inclusive education with this new edition.

Ms. Elizabeth Collett and Dr. Mary Jane Harkens explore inclusive education from the perspective of pre-service teachers. Their opening paragraph has some very powerful statements.

Mr. Charles Zascavage and Dr. Victoria Zascavage provide a compelling look at adapting and redesigning a web-mastering course with increased achievement for both students with special needs and general education students. The perspective is from a business education teacher and supervisor.

Ms. Christina DeRoche provides a qualitative …

Attitudes Of Mathematics Teachers Towards The Inclusion Of Students With Learning Disabilities And Special Needs In Mainstream Classrooms, Dorit Patkin Ph.D., Tsafi Timor Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of 36 elementary school teachers towards the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in Mathematics in mainstream classes. The research related to three aspects: teachers’ knowledge of learning disabilities, teachers’ perceptions of the physical inclusion of these students, teachers’ perceptions of their responsibility towards the curricular inclusion of students with learning disabilities and towards curricular adaptations. Findings indicate that teachers’ knowledge of the topic is partial, whereas teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion are positive with regard to the three aspects of the research. The study yielded a need to incorporate the …

Handy Manny And The Emergent Literacy Technology Toolkit, Howard P. Parette, Jack Hourcade, Nichole Boeckmann, Craig Blum

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper outlines the use of a technology toolkit to support emergent literacy curriculum and instruction in early childhood education settings. Components of the toolkit include hardware and software that can facilitate key emergent literacy skills. Implementation of the comprehensive technology toolkit enhances the development of these critical literacy skills in at-risk young learners.

Tools And Community : How Women Become Researchers In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Karen L. Mccomas

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is a female-dominated discipline in danger of losing its professional autonomy. In 2002, the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) reported that 6-7% of all faculty positions in CSD were vacant, predicted a substantial increase in vacancies through 2012, and declared the issue of faculty preparation as the "most significant threat to our [CSD] future" (p. 5). In 2008, ASHA reported that, although more people were receiving Ph.D. degrees, only half accepted positions in higher education. The purpose of this study was to extend understanding of the problem of too few researchers in CSD by increasing …

Ed/Bd Eligibility Related To Gender And Community Size In West Virginia|Ed/Bd Eligibility Related To Gender And Community Size In West Virginia, Matthew Joseph Smart

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Over-representation of males in special education is an area of concern. Research studies have confirmed West Virginia as one of the states having the highest male-to-female ratios for Emotionally Disturbed/Behavior Disorder (ED/BD) students. The current study compares the most and least populated areas in West Virginia with regard to ED/BD eligibility. Male/female student ratios of ED/BD were examined utilizing chi-square analysis. This study used the September 2009 regulations under West Virginia Policy 2419, and those regulations were in place when these data were collected. Results indicated that a statistically significant difference exists between the total number of ED/BD students made …

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 …

Kinematics Of Disease Progression In Bulbar Als, Yana Yunusova, Jordan R. Green, Mary J. Lindstrom, Laura J. Ball, Gary L. Pattee, Lorne Zinman

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

The goal of this study was to investigate the deterioration of lip and jaw movements during speech longitudinally in three individuals diagnosed with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study was motivated by the need to understand the relationship between physiologic changes in speech movements and clinical measures of speech performance such as speaking rate and speech intelligibility. Movements of the lip and jaw were quantified with respect to their size speed, and duration. The data revealed several changes in lip and jaw movement that coincided with ALS progression. In two out of three speakers, the changes in measures of …

Service Learning With Individuals With Disabilities: Emerging Themes, Angela Brickhouse, Jennifer Harris, Kelly Mcgraw, Lauren Wernli

Theses & Honors Papers

In this study, 92 students, enrolled in introductory level courses at a small liberal arts university in rural central Virginia, were asked to fulfill 15 hours of service learning with individuals with disabilities. Students were required to keep journal reflections after each hour they completed. The researchers analyzed this data qualitatively by looking at themes and changes in attitude toward individuals with disabilities across the service learning activities. Data was organized into case studies representing each service learning activity. Then, common themes across the activities were discussed to assess the impact the activities had on attitudes of the college students …

A Cross-Sectional Comparison Of The Effects Of Phonotactic Probability And Neighborhood Density On Word Learning By Preschool Children, Jill R. Hoover, Holly L. Storkel, Tiffany Hogan

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Two experiments examined the effects of phonotactic probability and neighborhood density on word learning by 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children. Nonwords orthogonally varying in probability and density were taught with learning and retention measured via picture naming. Experiment 1 used a within-story probability/across-story density exposure context. Experiment 2 used an across-story probability/within-story density exposure context. Results showed that probability and density interacted to create optimal learning conditions. Specifically, rare/sparse sound sequences appeared to facilitate triggering of word learning. In contrast, the optimal convergence for lexical configuration and engagement was dependent on exposure context. In particular, common sound sequences and dense …

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 …

Improving The Web Mastering Curriculum For The Included Classroom, Charles Zascavage, Victoria Zascavage Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Following the mandates of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Deduction Improvement Act (IDIEA) and No Child Left Behind (2001) high schools have included students with cognitive disabilities into business classes. Although some teachers believe that the inclusion of mild to moderate intellectually disabled students into the general business education classroom may increases academic achievement for the special needs student; it continues to be widely debated as to whether it benefits the typical student or not. This study examined the issues of inclusion from the perception of a business faculty member, a special education district supervisor, a high school special education …

Examining The Relationship Between Early College Credit And Higher Education Achievement Of First-Time Undergraduate Students In South Texas, Carl A. Saltarelli Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between early college credit and the success of first-time undergraduate students in South Texas. Many high school graduates are entering college with credits earned while they were enrolled in high school. Researchers have examined the value of early college credit in easing students’ transition from high school to college. Additionally, researchers have investigated the value of early college credit in enhancing students’ early college persistence rates. This researcher focused on the relationships between early college credit and college student achievement of first-time undergraduate students. In the study, student achievement was …

Parents As Change Agents In Their Schools And Communities: The Founding Of Families For Early Autism Treatment (Feat), Bethany Kristin Mickahail

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative research highlights how parent driven "communities of support" create lasting change in schools and communities, through the unique blend of the two methodologies, oral history and educational criticism and connoisseurship.

In recent years, schools and communities are unusually impacted by an escalating wave in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with Autism. In 2010, the Center for Disease Control's Report stated 1 in 110 U.S. children are diagnosed with Autism. Yet long before this official report, parents and professionals affected by Autism and other disabilities were busy during the last half of the 20th century, seeking out ways …

Social Development Of Children With Allergies & Asthma, Nicholas Mohwinkle

Graduate Research Papers

Every child needs special attention in order to develop to their fullest potential. Children struggle with problems big and small as their minds and bodies develop, whether it's a fear of reading aloud, or serious health concerns. There can be serious consequences if a child's parents and peers are not aware of their needs, including something as seemingly small as allergies and asthma. Consequences range from having a rash, to experiencing a fatal reaction if not dealt with (Maisa, 1998). In this paper, I'm discussing the importance of awareness and the issues that children with allergies and asthma face every …

A Capsule Of The International History And Philosophy Of Andragogy To 2010, John A. Henschke Edd

Adult Education Faculty Works

This capsule on the International History and Philosophy of Andragogy is mainly limited (with a few exceptions) to a chronological history and the accompanying philosophy of andragogy, in line with when the English language documents were published and personal descriptions of events were written down. Some of these documents, however, presents aspect of the events and ideas which recount the years and contexts prior to the time in which they appeared in published form. To date, more than 330 documents have been discovered, but space limitation in this chapter allowed the inclusion of only a fraction of that number. Each …

Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Changes Speech Respiratory And Laryngeal Control In Parkinson's Disease, Michael J. Hammer, Steven M. Barlow, Kelly E. Lyons, Rajesh Pahwa

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Adequate respiratory and laryngeal motor control are essential for speech, but may be impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). Bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) improves limb function in PD, but the effects on respiratory and laryngeal control remain unknown. We tested whether STN DBS would change aerodynamic measures of respiratory and laryngeal control, and whether these changes were correlated with limb function and stimulation parameters. Eighteen PD participants with bilateral STN DBS were tested within a morning session after a minimum of 12 h since their most recent dose of anti-PD medication. Testing occurred when DBS was on, …

Quality Of Sports Participation By Pupils With Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings In Masvingo Urban, Martin Musengi Ph.D., Tapiwa Mudyahoto Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The study sought to analyze the extent to which pupils with disabilities participated in sports and Physical Education in inclusive education settings. To this end, it examined how sports are adapted to suit these pupils and explored other factors which contributed to the pupils’ benefit or lack of benefit from sports. A qualitative descriptive survey design which employed questionnaires and structured interviews collected data from 30 primary school pupils with disabilities, 20 primary schoolteachers and five school heads. The study found that teachers and non-disabled peers have low expectations of pupils with disabilities as potentially competent athletes. The teachers view …

Students With Learning Disabilities: The Application Of Goffman's Stigma In The Inclusive Classroom, Christina Deroche

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This case study provides a qualitative glimpse into one inclusive classroom in Northern Ontario. It explores the nature of peer interactions of students with learning disabilities (LD) and uses Goffman's concept of stigma to analyze how students with LD react or act within the classroom. Twenty-five children were observed on a daily basis for seven weeks and participant observation was the primary method of data collection. Of these 25 children, 9 had a LD. This study found that sadness, aggression, and competence were recurring themes in student-peer interactions. This study reveals that the major themes presented reflect what studies have …

Teacher And Students' Perceptions Of A Modified Inclusion Classroom Environment, Elizabeth Kirby Fullerton Ph.D., Caroline Guardino Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this study was to examine how modifying the inclusion classroom impacts teacher and students’ perceptions of their learning environment. Prior to intervention the teacher was interviewed providing information about her preferred modifications. Following the intervention the teacher completed a rating scale and a post interview. The students completed a classroom environment student survey (CESS), to assess their perceptions of the classroom before, during, and after modifications were made. Twenty fourth grade students, as well as their teacher participated in the study. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.

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 …

Correlation Between Basc And Iep Daily Point Sheets, Ruth E. Rautio

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study investigated the correlation between the classroom based IEP driven daily behavioral point sheets and BASC (Behavioral Assessment System for Children) subset scores using linear regression analysis. Students receive behavioral point sheets as a tracking device to monitor behavior for class by class and day by day basis as well as their promotion to mainstream classrooms. The BASC is a comprehensive behavioral analysis tool used for diagnostic services (primarily Emotional Behavioral diagnosis) in schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the daily behavioral point sheets and BASC scores (if any). Results indicated weak correlations …

Factors That Influence Classroom Engagement, Tracy Lynn Wilk

Theses and Graduate Projects

In schools throughout the country, students are not engaged in classroom learning. When students not engaged in the classroom, they become disenchanted with the entire school experience, which may eventually lead them to drop out of school before their high school graduation. There are groups of students who are at higher risk for dropping out of school early. Students who receive special education services are among some of those who are at risk for dropping out of school. I had often encountered students who were not engaged in the classroom and I did not want my students to become dropout …

Youth With Disabilities: A Maine Workforce Development Review, Ahmen Cabral, Margaret Vishneau, Marty Zanghi Msw

Children, Youth, & Families

Legislation that has occurred over many years, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Workforce Investment Act, has come together with advances in educational strategies to create a climate in which young job seekers with disabilities are able to develop their skills and advocate for necessary accommodations in the workplace. It is well known in the workforce development community that early exposure to the workplace itself and to workforce development programs can improve the employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enabling youth to develop workforce skills and areas of career interest. However, even though knowledge and interest …

Project Study: An Action Plan For Implementing Response To Intervention, Leah W. Hamilton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 allows schools to utilize response to intervention (RtI) as early intervention to prevent at-risk students from becoming labeled as learning disabled. Using action research methodology and school change theory, the purpose of this project study was to determine the RtI implementation needs of a rural elementary school (LE). The guiding research question was to identify the components of an RtI framework currently being utilized during the pre-referral process at LE. This study employed a qualitative method triangulation design to analyze data from key stakeholders including questionnaires; individual interviews from six reading …