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- Title
- TEACHING CHARACTERISTICS AND PRACTICES WHICH AFFECT LANGUAGE AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH COMPLEX COMMUNICATION NEEDS.
- Creator
-
King, Laura, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined teacher characteristics and practices identified as effective through current research for teaching students with complex communication needs. For this population, communication issues are more complex than those typically encountered in other settings. Specifically, the researcher asked: what are the desired characteristics and practices for this population, and are the desired characteristics and practices present in current settings? Working with six teachers in a large...
Show moreThis study examined teacher characteristics and practices identified as effective through current research for teaching students with complex communication needs. For this population, communication issues are more complex than those typically encountered in other settings. Specifically, the researcher asked: what are the desired characteristics and practices for this population, and are the desired characteristics and practices present in current settings? Working with six teachers in a large urban school district, this study utilized a multiple case study design. Criteria for participation included the teacher as the primary reading/language arts instructor for a student who used an augmentative and alternative communication system (AAC). This study builds on prior research and fills a gap in current research through a focus on the teacher. This study was conducted through three phases: a survey of teacher characteristics, observations of teacher practices, and a semi-structured interview. Four instruments were utilized to ensure validity. Results suggest that teachers for this population require knowledge on language and literacy specific to the non-verbal child. AAC training is critical in regard to programming and navigation. The use of other technology supports which offer auditory, visual, and access options are essential. Strong collaborative teams (school and district) are also important. However, one of the most significant findings documents that success may lie with the teacher's 'choice' to embrace challenges with this population. This issue of 'choice' questions the teacher's willingness (personally or professionally) to accept this commitment. This finding also questions the degree to which teachers are willing to pursue opportunities. Recommendations include the need for: training (teachers and paraprofessionals), pursuit of opportunities for supports, addressing parent issues, a district-based liaison between home and school, and to examine issues which prevent the recommended instructional time (90 minutes of reading instruction plus 45 minutes of supplemental instruction). Conclusions indicated that participants ranged from effective to ineffective. The identification of 'highly qualified' teachers through level of education and amount of experience did not correlate with participants' level of effectiveness. Given the limited research available, this study addresses a need in the field and lays the foundation for future research with this population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001257, ucf:46921
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001257
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF THE ATTAINMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT SKILLS BY PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS ON STUDENTS' CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR.
- Creator
-
Wagner, Karen, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and each teacher prior to the onset of baseline data collection, over an approximate nine-week period. The video was taken in twelve-minute segments every day. Later, the video was coded for specific behaviors. Although there were gains in appropriate intervention strategies from teachers and assistants during the intervention phase, the interventions generally peaked a week or two after the classes ended and gradually declined. Teacher skills were retained however, as most ratios of appropriate interventions maintained at higher rates than baseline. Relationships between student behavior and correct teacher interventions were established and maintained. The intervention resulted in changes in staff behavior, but results did not sustain at high levels over time. The realization that escape maintained some student behavior, and teaching skills to "test" for function, were likely the most important concepts for many of the participants. Further research should include adding a behavior coach to assist in shaping the teaching staffs' emerging skills and to provide a sounding board when developing specific student interventions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002088, ucf:47575
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002088
- Title
- THE PREPAREDNESS OF ELEMENTARY MUSIC TEACHERS TO INCLUDE STUDENTS WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR IN THEIR CLASSROOMS.
- Creator
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Shirk, Christine, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Students with disabilities, some with emotional and behavior disorders, are included in almost all elementary music classes. Students with emotional behavior disorders are one of the greatest challenges for teachers. To be effective, teachers must develop strategies and inclusive practices specifically geared towards intervention. With the quantity of students served and only limited class time with students, the music teacher is often unaware of the unique needs of specific special learners....
Show moreStudents with disabilities, some with emotional and behavior disorders, are included in almost all elementary music classes. Students with emotional behavior disorders are one of the greatest challenges for teachers. To be effective, teachers must develop strategies and inclusive practices specifically geared towards intervention. With the quantity of students served and only limited class time with students, the music teacher is often unaware of the unique needs of specific special learners. Music teacher preparation has been inadequate in training teachers for inclusion. Elementary music educators rarely have outside support to deal with classroom challenges as they serve students with disabilities and at-risk students. Music teacher training is focused on content, not behavior management. This study examined the perceptions of randomly selected elementary music educators who were members of MENC: The National Association for Music Education regarding their preparedness to effectively manage five areas of severe behavior often exhibited by students with emotional behavior disorders: withdrawal, impulsivity, argumentative behavior, aggression towards peers, and aggression towards the teacher. The researcher devised a 39 item online survey instrument based on supporting literature. The survey was given to randomly selected participants. Two hundred sixty-nine elementary music educators from across the United States completed the survey providing information on incidence frequency, preparedness, training in behavior management, and the amount of behavior support available. Elementary music teachers felt prepared to handle impulsivity (58.2%), and argumentative behavior (55.7%). They were not prepared for withdrawal (50.8%), aggression towards peers (50.9%), and least prepared to handle aggression towards the teacher (58.1%).Over 94% of the music teachers had adult assistance less than 25% of the time and 45.9% never had adult assistance with included classes. More than 74% of the teachers indicated that they have adult assistance with self-contained special education classes less than 25% of the time and 35.7% never having adult assistance with those classes. Forty-six point two percent of the music teachers had no behavior specialist available or were unaware if one was available. Only 3.7% of the respondents felt they had all the support they needed. Thirty-six point one percent of the music teachers had no crisis plan in case of an eruption of severe behavior in their classes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002065, ucf:47597
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002065
- Title
- DOES SUCCESS FOR ALL IMPACT READING ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES?.
- Creator
-
Smith-Davis, Stacey, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation seeks an answer to the question: "Will students with learning disabilities who were provided reading instruction through the Success For All reading program demonstrate higher reading achievement on selected reading assessments (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and the Qualitative Reading Inventory-3) than the students with learning disabilities who were provided reading instruction through other reading programs?" Determining the impact of the Success For All reading...
Show moreThis dissertation seeks an answer to the question: "Will students with learning disabilities who were provided reading instruction through the Success For All reading program demonstrate higher reading achievement on selected reading assessments (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and the Qualitative Reading Inventory-3) than the students with learning disabilities who were provided reading instruction through other reading programs?" Determining the impact of the Success For All reading program on reading assessment scores will add to the research about effective reading instruction methods for use with students with learning disabilities. The target population of this study was third grade students with learning disabilities in one central Florida school district. Seventeen total participants were included in the final data analysis. Because of the small number of participants, the researcher is reluctant to make generalizations based on the results of this study. However, the results of a logical analysis of the data indicated that the students with learning disabilities who received reading instruction through the Success For All program did not consistently perform better on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test or the Qualitative Reading Inventory-3 reading assessments than the students with learning disabilities who were provided reading instruction through other evidenced-based reading programs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001813, ucf:47367
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001813
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED BIOFEEDBACK FOR STUDENTS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED BIOFEEDBACK AND ON-TASK BEHAVIOR.
- Creator
-
Aguinaga, Nancy, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Using a single-subject multiple baseline design across participants, this study examined the impact of computer-assisted biofeedback to promote engagement of students diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. The study was conducted in a public school classroom setting. Specifically the on-task behavior during an individualized academic activity was investigated. Three 9-10 year old children participated in the study. In the baseline phase, data was collected on speed to engagement and...
Show moreUsing a single-subject multiple baseline design across participants, this study examined the impact of computer-assisted biofeedback to promote engagement of students diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. The study was conducted in a public school classroom setting. Specifically the on-task behavior during an individualized academic activity was investigated. Three 9-10 year old children participated in the study. In the baseline phase, data was collected on speed to engagement and percentage of time on-task during an academic activity. A 15-second momentary time sampling procedure was used for a 5 minute session each day of the week for a five week period to measure the participant's engagement. In the intervention phase, the participants completed a three to four minute computer-assisted biofeedback session prior to the academic activity and collection of data on engagement. In addition, data were collected on performance level of the academic activity. Data were also collected on educator and parent perception of generalization of self-regulation of behavior. The data suggest: (a) speed to engagement increased when using a computer-assisted biofeedback program for all participants; (b) time on-task improved over baseline conditions for all participants; (c) academic achievement was impacted by computer-assisted biofeedback for one participant; and (d) educators perceived a generalization of self-regulation of behavior, while parents did not indicate any generalization of self-regulation of behavior occurred in the home environment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001260, ucf:46888
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001260
- Title
- UCANFNSH: A VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CREATED TO ENGAGE AND INSPIRE SELF-DETERMINATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.
- Creator
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Rosenblatt, Kara, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explored the efficacy of using a virtual college campus to teach self-determination skills to middle school students with learning disabilities. Teaching self-determination skills is considered best practice for students with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. Three measures, a self-determination knowledge measurement scale, a behavior rubric, and 15 multiple choice questions measured self-determination knowledge and skill application ability with 71 middle school...
Show moreThis study explored the efficacy of using a virtual college campus to teach self-determination skills to middle school students with learning disabilities. Teaching self-determination skills is considered best practice for students with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. Three measures, a self-determination knowledge measurement scale, a behavior rubric, and 15 multiple choice questions measured self-determination knowledge and skill application ability with 71 middle school students with learning disabilities. The measures were used to determine whether the students who learned about self-determination skills in the virtual college setting during one training session displayed more knowledge and application of these skills than students who learned about and applied these skills in the natural setting. Empirical data revealed that overall, students made significant gains in their capacity to be self-determined in both natural and virtual settings. Students who participated in self-determination skills training in the virtual college setting displayed significantly more self-determination skills knowledge than the two control groups. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the students who learned in the virtual learning environment were also able to generalize these skills to both home and school settings after only one training session. Recommendations were made for future studies utilizing virtual learning environments to teach students with disabilities self-determination skills and increasing the use of digital media in teacher preparation programs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002829, ucf:48083
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002829
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFICACY OF THE TEXT TALK STRATEGY ON PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS' VOCABULARY ACQUISITION.
- Creator
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Batchelder, Heather, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT Using a single subject Multiple Baseline design, this study examined the efficacy of the Text Talk vocabulary acquisition strategy with regard to the use of new vocabulary by pre-kindergarten students in an inclusive classroom within a public charter school. Five pre-school students participated in the study. Students with varying exceptionalities as well as students with typical development were included in the study. Three classroom teachers implemented the Text Talk strategy...
Show moreABSTRACT Using a single subject Multiple Baseline design, this study examined the efficacy of the Text Talk vocabulary acquisition strategy with regard to the use of new vocabulary by pre-kindergarten students in an inclusive classroom within a public charter school. Five pre-school students participated in the study. Students with varying exceptionalities as well as students with typical development were included in the study. Three classroom teachers implemented the Text Talk strategy utilizing eight books and vocabulary scenario models during an interactive story time that included the direct instruction of vocabulary in the study. During the baseline and intervention phases data collection occurred during story time and during a word chart activity. Data were collected as to whether the participants used the new vocabulary when prompted and demonstrated the meaning of new vocabulary during activities embedded in the direct instruction of vocabulary within the context of story time. A pre and post assessment was utilized during baseline and following the intervention. The data suggest that all participants exhibited an increase in the use of new vocabulary and demonstration of meaning of new words during story time. The increase in scores from the pre assessment to the post assessment may indicate that immersion in activities with new vocabulary and opportunities to represent the new words phonologically may have led to the acquisition of new vocabulary by all student participants. The teachers perceived the implementation to be effective and manageable within the classroom setting.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002345, ucf:47780
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002345
- Title
- EXAMINING THE GENERAL QUALITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND STRUCTURAL VARIABLES IN SUPPORT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD INCLUSION IN BEIJING, CHINA.
- Creator
-
Hu, Bi Ying, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The primary purpose of this study was to (a) explore the global quality of early childhood programs within the Chinese socio-cultural context, and (b) examine the effects of teachers' years of experience, degree, major, and class size on teachers' perceptions of developmentally appropriate practices, inclusion, and training needs in order to provide services for children with disabilities in regular classrooms. The researcher completed observations in 40 early childhood classrooms...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study was to (a) explore the global quality of early childhood programs within the Chinese socio-cultural context, and (b) examine the effects of teachers' years of experience, degree, major, and class size on teachers' perceptions of developmentally appropriate practices, inclusion, and training needs in order to provide services for children with disabilities in regular classrooms. The researcher completed observations in 40 early childhood classrooms using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R). Results from classroom observations revealed that the global quality of the early childhood learning environment was between minimum and good. Areas that were in need of improvement included materials, time for free play, and provisions for children with disabilities. In addition, 276 teachers from 12 inclusion pilot kindergartens in Beijing completed 3 surveys. Teachers' responses to the developmentally appropriate practices survey revealed a gap between teachers' self-reported developmentally appropriate beliefs and activities. Further, MANOVA results indicated that both class size and years of teaching experience contributed to the differences between teachers. In surveying teachers' inclusion perceptions, MANOVA results suggested that only class size contributed to the differences between teachers. A discriminant function analysis was performed as a follow-up procedure to determine which of the independent variables contributed most to group differences. Moreover, the researcher found that no variables made a difference to teachers' perceived training needs for inclusion. Implications of current study findings for teacher preparation, future research, and policy formation will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002699, ucf:48216
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002699
- Title
- SUPPORTING HISPANIC MOTHERS WITH PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SPEECH AND/ OR LANGUAGE DELAYS VIA DIALOGIC READING AND COACHING WITHIN THE HOME.
- Creator
-
Dopson, Natalie, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Young children who are Hispanic, from low-income homes and have developmental delays are at a disadvantage for not having the basic early literacy foundation to become successful readers later in school (Ballantyne, Sanderman, D'Emilio, & McLaughlin, 2008; Hammer, Farkas, & Maczuga, 2010; Ezell & Justice 2005; McCardle, Scarborough, & Catts, 2001). These challenges can be addressed in several ways. Early intervention including parent education and collaboration along with shared book reading...
Show moreYoung children who are Hispanic, from low-income homes and have developmental delays are at a disadvantage for not having the basic early literacy foundation to become successful readers later in school (Ballantyne, Sanderman, D'Emilio, & McLaughlin, 2008; Hammer, Farkas, & Maczuga, 2010; Ezell & Justice 2005; McCardle, Scarborough, & Catts, 2001). These challenges can be addressed in several ways. Early intervention including parent education and collaboration along with shared book reading are considered best practices and critical to improving child outcomes (NELP, 2008). In addition, children who have a solid foundation in early literacy skills including vocabulary development in their native language will later transfer to the development of vocabulary in English (Ballantyne et al., 2008). Yet, research on shared book reading practices within the home of Hispanics is minimal (Hammer and Miccio, 2006). It is necessary to expand the literature on how to adapt best practices to meet the needs of Hispanic families who are economically disadvantaged. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of parent training and coaching of dialogic reading strategies in Spanish on mothers' implementation of the strategies and total vocabulary expressed by the child during shared book reading within the home environment. In addition, the researcher explored parent receptiveness towards shared book reading strategies. The research design for the study was a single-subject multiple baseline across three mother-child dyad participants. The independent variable was the intervention which consisted of parent training video on dialogic reading, parent handouts, and researcher coaching. The dependent variables were the mother's implementation of dialogic reading strategies and the children's total expressed words during shared book reading. The mother-child dyads, originally from Mexico, lived in settled migrant community in central Florida. The three children regularly attended a local federally funded preschool and received services for speech and/or language. The results indicated that the mothers' implementation of dialogic reading increased after training and coaching and the children's expressed total vocabulary words also increased. Dyad's interests in the selected books, mother responsiveness during shared book reading, and duration of shared book reading may have impacted some of the variability in the results. Furthermore, mothers were unaware of the dialogic reading strategies prior to the intervention and reported positive feedback and a desire to learn more ways to help their children at home. Implications for research and practice include the need for parent education to support caretakers of young children with speech and/or language delays, involvement of parents in the intervention planning process including coaching options, adaptation of intervention to expand upon parent's funds of knowledge, complexity of code-switching and language differences, and greater collaboration between school and home.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003961, ucf:48713
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003961
- Title
- USING CELL PHONE TECHNOLOGY FOR SELF-MONITORING PROCEDURES IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS.
- Creator
-
Bedesem, Pena, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and social validity of an innovative method for middle school students with high incidence disabilities to self-monitor their behavior in inclusive settings. Traditional self-monitoring procedures were updated by incorporating cell phone technology. The updated self-monitoring procedure, called CellF-Monitoring, used a cell phone to replace traditional cueing and recording procedures. The study took place in an inclusive middle school...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects and social validity of an innovative method for middle school students with high incidence disabilities to self-monitor their behavior in inclusive settings. Traditional self-monitoring procedures were updated by incorporating cell phone technology. The updated self-monitoring procedure, called CellF-Monitoring, used a cell phone to replace traditional cueing and recording procedures. The study took place in an inclusive middle school classroom in central Florida with two students with high incidence disabilities. A multiple-baseline-across-participants single subject design was employed. Results indicate that the CellF-Monitoring procedure is an effective and socially valid intervention. Although results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of the CellF-Monitoring procedure, there are several limitations that should be discussed, including the number of replications, the sample size, teacher implementation, and use of personal cell phones. The limitations of the study provide several opportunities for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003317, ucf:48504
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003317
- Title
- INCREASING NOVICE TEACHER SUPPORT IN 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOMS: INDUCTION AND MENTORING FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS THROUGH BUG-IN-EAR TECHNOLOGY.
- Creator
-
Wade, Wanda, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Novice teachers in todayÃÂ's classroom are in need of support during the initial years of teaching. Providing beginning teachers in special education classroom settings with coaching and immediate feedback through Bug-In-Ear, Bluetooth technology has been identified as a effective strategy for supporting beginning teachers while simultaneously improving generalization and maintenance of instructional strategies in diverse classrooms (Anagnostopoulous, Smith & Basmadjian...
Show moreNovice teachers in todayÃÂ's classroom are in need of support during the initial years of teaching. Providing beginning teachers in special education classroom settings with coaching and immediate feedback through Bug-In-Ear, Bluetooth technology has been identified as a effective strategy for supporting beginning teachers while simultaneously improving generalization and maintenance of instructional strategies in diverse classrooms (Anagnostopoulous, Smith & Basmadjian, 2007; Darling-Hammond and Baratz-Snowden, 2007; Brownell, Ross, Colon & McCallum, 2005). The present study was designed to examine the effects of using BIE, Bluetooth technology with novice teachers in inclusionary settings at a PK-5 charter school. As it has been demonstrated, Bug-In-Ear Bluetooth technology has allowed supervisors and mentors to increase desired teacher behaviors by providing immediate feedback, coaching and prompting during instructional delivery (Scheeler, McAfee, Ruhl and Lee (2006), Scheeler, Ruhl & McAfee, 2004; & Rock, et al., (2009). Specifically, this study looked to increase the average rate per minute of specific feedback statements made to students during reading instruction. Additionally, maintenance of increased rates of specific feedback once BIE coaching and prompting were withdrawn was also of interest. A multiple-baseline design across participants was used. Data were collected during baseline, intervention, and withdrawal phases. The independent variable was identified as prompts delivered by the coach through BIE Bluetooth technology. The dependent variable for this study was the average rate per minute of specific feedback statements made during reading instruction. Overall, the average rate per minute of specific feedback provided to students during reading instruction increased substantially with the use of Bug-In-Ear Bluetooth technology. Further, participants sustained higher than baseline averages of specific feedback provided to students. This study extended Scheeler (2004, 2006), and RockÃÂ's (2009) research on the use of immediate feedback through BIE technology, and demonstrated the effectiveness of this observation method with various participants, groups of students, and classroom diversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003368, ucf:48447
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003368
- Title
- EFFECT OF COLLABORATIVE PLANNING FOR AN ACTIVITY-BASED APPROACH TO EARLY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ACROSS SCHOOL AND HOME ENVIRONMENTS.
- Creator
-
Salazar, Marisa, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, families and educators are challenged with providing intensive, evidence-based practices in the least restrictive environment. Evidence exists for a variety of effective intervention approaches. Selection of appropriate interventions requires consideration of the individual needs of the child and family. An activity-based approach to early intervention combines strategies from a variety of evidence-based practices and...
Show moreAs the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, families and educators are challenged with providing intensive, evidence-based practices in the least restrictive environment. Evidence exists for a variety of effective intervention approaches. Selection of appropriate interventions requires consideration of the individual needs of the child and family. An activity-based approach to early intervention combines strategies from a variety of evidence-based practices and allows for intensity of instruction through distributed opportunities for practice. Brief teaching interactions are elicited within the context of typical routines and activities throughout the day. Thus, intervention can be provided in inclusive classroom settings as well as at home, without disrupting the ongoing activities and routines. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of collaborative planning for an activity- based approach to early intervention for children with ASD across school and home settings. Dependent measures included the combined rate of learning opportunities delivered by the teacher and parent across settings as well as the combined rate of the child's correct demonstrations for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal. Teacher and parent perceptions of the value and effectiveness of collaborative planning for an activity-based approach to early intervention were also assessed using pre- and post-survey responses as well as information from a final interview. Participants were a preschool-aged boy with ASD, his mother, and his preschool teacher. A single subject, multiple-probe design was selected to analyze the effect of collaborative planning for an activity-based approach to intervention for a young child with ASD across school and home settings. The teacher and parent selected three matched routines that typically occur both at school and at home as the context for embedding activity-based learning opportunities to iii address a selected IEP goal. Results indicated that following collaborative planning meetings for each of the routines, there was both an increase in the collective learning opportunities delivered at school and at home, as well as a simultaneous increase in child outcomes for the targeted IEP objective in both settings. Responses from the teacher and parent pre- and post-surveys and final interviews provided social validation for the ease and practicality of collaborative planning for activity-based intervention. Both the teacher and parent felt confident in supporting the child's IEP goal within the context of typical daily routines. The teacher also expressed that the collaborative planning helped her to really focus on the child's individualized goal. Furthermore, both the teacher and the parent affirmed the intervention's potential for generalization. Collaborative planning to embed children's goals within the context of typical routines both at school and at home allowed for a collective increase in learning opportunities and related child performance on an individualized goal that may not have otherwise been possible. By including the parent as an active an equal decision maker in the educational planning process, intervention at school was enhanced and carried over into the home. The use of collaborative planning for activity-based intervention with both the teacher and the parent strengthened the power of instruction for an IEP goal by providing multiple and varied learning opportunities throughout the day and across settings, ultimately increasing child outcomes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003892, ucf:48717
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003892
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF THE PROFICIENCY LEVEL OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND MENTAL RETARDATION WITHIN COMMUNITY-BASED JOB SETTINGS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF A HAND-HELD COMPUTER COMPARED TO STAFF MODELING FOR ACCURATE NOVEL JOB SKILL ACQUISITION AND STUDENT LEARNING.
- Creator
-
Spence-Cochran, Kimberly Genevieve, Ezell and Lee Cross, Dan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the effects and efficacy of two vocational instructional interventions - a Hand-Held Computer intervention versus a Staff Model intervention - as vocational instructional tools for high school students with autism and mental retardation. Specifically, the study analyzed the effects of these two treatments on the completion of authentic novel job tasks within a local department store. This research indicated the provision of specific technology as an instructional model...
Show moreThis study examined the effects and efficacy of two vocational instructional interventions - a Hand-Held Computer intervention versus a Staff Model intervention - as vocational instructional tools for high school students with autism and mental retardation. Specifically, the study analyzed the effects of these two treatments on the completion of authentic novel job tasks within a local department store. This research indicated the provision of specific technology as an instructional model positively influenced participants' ability to: accurately complete tasks, exercise increased independence during task completion, reduce problematic behavior during task completion, and lower necessary staff prompts during task completion.The use of technology to support individuals with severe disabilities has the potential to increase their level of independence and accuracy of job completion within community-based settings. Five high school students with autism and mental retardation participated in this study, which compared the use of a palm-top computer with a traditional staff model during the completion of eighteen novel job tasks within various departments of a large department store. Five of eight variables subjected to ANOVA and independent t-test analyses demonstrated significance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000104, ucf:46180
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000104
- Title
- Enriching Students With Developmental Delays in an Early Childhood Classroom Using iPads With Mathematics Applications.
- Creator
-
Powell, Selma, Dieker, Lisa, Little, Mary, Cross, Lee, Culp, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Laws and legislation related to early childhood and special education have shaped the field and impacted the need for early intervention services, but the outcomes of those services both academically and socially at the forefront. Children with developmental delays today are eligible for school services beginning at birth across the country, the new challenging is determining the impact of services on the social and academic outcomes. Many children with developmental delays are served in...
Show moreLaws and legislation related to early childhood and special education have shaped the field and impacted the need for early intervention services, but the outcomes of those services both academically and socially at the forefront. Children with developmental delays today are eligible for school services beginning at birth across the country, the new challenging is determining the impact of services on the social and academic outcomes. Many children with developmental delays are served in inclusive early intervention classrooms. A need for developmentally appropriate quality mathematics instruction exists to prepare students to meet the demands of a global economy; students must demonstrate mastery of core subjects, such as mathematics, along with skills in information and communication technology (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009). To promote mathematics achievement technology should be infused in instruction. Data were collected through a variety of sources including: student records review, TEMA-3 test scores, researcher's observation field notes, transcripts from student exit interviews, teacher interviews pre and post data collection, and parent questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Atlas-ti and was triangulated from the various data sources. Inter-observer agreement was obtained for all the results. Researcher observations occurred for 19 days in a pre-kindergarten inclusive classroom. The data were analyzed to identify themes for the four individual cases as well as two overarching themes as it related to the investigation of utilizing handheld technology for mathematics instruction in an early childhood education setting.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004584, ucf:49197
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004584
- Title
- An Examination of the Impact of Student Characteristics and Teacher Experience and Preparation Program Attended on Student Achievement in a Small School District.
- Creator
-
Oneal, Michael, Hines, Rebecca, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Cross, Lee, Reyes-Macpherson, Maria, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Demonstrating a direct link between teacher education programs and student growth is, to say the least, complex. Yet, using value-added systems as a means of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates is a growing trend. However, few quantitative studies linking TPPs with the effectiveness of their graduates exist. The availability of student test scores linked to specific teachers in administrative databases makes it possible to use value-added...
Show moreDemonstrating a direct link between teacher education programs and student growth is, to say the least, complex. Yet, using value-added systems as a means of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates is a growing trend. However, few quantitative studies linking TPPs with the effectiveness of their graduates exist. The availability of student test scores linked to specific teachers in administrative databases makes it possible to use value-added modeling to obtain estimates of teacher effects. Only recently have researchers tapped into this expanding volume of data in an attempt to examine Teacher Preparation Programs as variables of student achievement. This study uses methodologies developed in the early stages of the Value-Added Teacher Preparation Program Assessment Model developed in Louisiana in 2006 as a guide. Using the HLM 7.0 software package, a statistical model was developed to determine if it were feasible to conduct an analysis using data from a single small school district and whether the results of such an analysis showed an impact of student characteristics and teacher experience and preparation program on student outcomes in mathematics.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004904, ucf:49678
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004904