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- 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
- Organizational Factors that influence the Retention of Special Education Teachers in Osceola County.
- Creator
-
Keenum, Carla, Boote, David, Little, Mary, Vitale, Thomas, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The loss of special education teachers is a problem for all school districts. The effects of special education teacher attrition are felt in the classrooms and by all school district personnel. The impact on student achievement can be profound, especially if the teacher leaves in the middle of a school year. This study examines the organizational factors that influenced the attrition of special education teachers in one Central Florida school district.Participation in the anonymous survey was...
Show moreThe loss of special education teachers is a problem for all school districts. The effects of special education teacher attrition are felt in the classrooms and by all school district personnel. The impact on student achievement can be profound, especially if the teacher leaves in the middle of a school year. This study examines the organizational factors that influenced the attrition of special education teachers in one Central Florida school district.Participation in the anonymous survey was voluntary. Invitations to participate were sent directly to 385 special education instructional personnel and distributed to all district personnel using an e-mail forum. After removing participants who did not meet the inclusion criteria, 250 completed surveys were included in the analysis. In addition to quantitative items, the survey also included open(-)ended items at the end of the survey. While special education instructional personnel were the focus of the study, data from general education instructional personnel were also collected for comparison. The findings indicated that the major organizational causes of attrition among exceptional education teachers were in the areas of the human resources, political and structural frames. Human resource factors included the emotional, physical, and mental toll of daily classroom responsibilities and the perceived lack of district administration support. The main structural frame factor was the lack of compensation for the extra duties that special education teachers must perform. The main political factor was the lack of time needed by the special education staff to complete assigned duties during an average school day. In addition, the symbolic frame factors suggested a lack of perceived support from the general education staff; however, respondents did not indicate that this was major factor affecting in the attrition of special education teachers in this district. The school district has implemented strategies to support teachers to meet State certification requirements, Federal mandates of being highly qualified, and with monthly district level support visits. However, based on these data, the school district needs to recognize organizational factors affecting attrition. The district should pinpoint and alleviate the daily factors that cause undue stress on the special education staff. It should also reallocate resources and personnel to provide more frequent district and school level administrative support. Additional monetary or non-monetary compensation for the extra duties or reducing the workload on the special education teachers may also reduce attrition.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005816, ucf:50035
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005816
- Title
- STUDENTS WITH EITHER SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES OR WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: PERCEPTIONS OF SELF AS LEARNER IN ONLINE COURSES AT FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL AND IN THE TRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
- Creator
-
Smouse, Theresa, Everette, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The goal of this research study was to investigate the perception of self as learner for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Students who had completed at least one mathematics or science course at Florida Virtual School, an online learning environment, were surveyed concerning their perception of self as learner in the online learning environment and in the traditional learning environment in 6 basic areas: feelings of...
Show moreThe goal of this research study was to investigate the perception of self as learner for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Students who had completed at least one mathematics or science course at Florida Virtual School, an online learning environment, were surveyed concerning their perception of self as learner in the online learning environment and in the traditional learning environment in 6 basic areas: feelings of success; level of comfort; relationship with teachers; and access to, communication with and feedback from teachers; and advantages and disadvantages of each learning environment. Results of parent interviews and anecdotal evidences were also included as data informing the results of this study. The results of this study showed that 1) a greater number of students reported feeling successful in the online environment. 2) the majority of students in all groups reported feeling comfortable in the online learning environment, 98% as compared to 65% in traditional environment. Student comfort in both environments was most frequently related to some element of the environment with a high percentage of mention of disruption caused by peers. 3) Students reported having positive relationships with their online teachers to a higher degree than with their traditional teachers. 4) Students generally felt that access to, communication with, and feedback from instructors, in the online environment had the greatest impact on them and the impact was positive. 5) The most frequently mentioned advantage of the online environment were, flexibility of time, pace and place of learning. Students liked being in control of the time, place, and pace of their learning in the online environment. Students perceived issues with socialization as the greatest disadvantage of the online environment. For the traditional environment, students indicated that the presence of their peers for social interaction and academic interaction was the greatest advantage. The disadvantages in the traditional environment disadvantage in the traditional environment were issues with time, place, and pace of learning, class size, and disruptions caused by other students. 6) Overall, the majority of students indicated that they felt the online learning environment provided them, as a learner, with the greatest number of advantages.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000528, ucf:46460
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000528
- Title
- PRINCIPALS' APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE TO THE STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
- Creator
-
Bugden, Lisa, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was developed to determine middle school principals' knowledge about the structure of the special education program in their schools and the support given to the personnel who serve students with disabilities in that program. The principals' knowledge was compared to the application of their knowledge to determine if principals were applying what they knew when making decisions about structuring and supporting the special education program in the school and the teachers and...
Show moreThis study was developed to determine middle school principals' knowledge about the structure of the special education program in their schools and the support given to the personnel who serve students with disabilities in that program. The principals' knowledge was compared to the application of their knowledge to determine if principals were applying what they knew when making decisions about structuring and supporting the special education program in the school and the teachers and staff who work within the programs. In addition, various personal and school factors were analyzed to determine if any of these variables were significant in explaining any differences that were found between the principals' knowledge and application of their knowledge. Finally, the principals' innovativeness was determined, and the factors in common to the groups of principals who were most and least innovative were analyzed. When the data were analyzed, a statistically significant difference was found between reported knowledge and application of knowledge. None of the school and personal variables explained this difference. A statistically significant difference existed between the two groups of principals found to be most and least innovative. When analyzed, several school and personal variables were found to possibly explain the difference, and a profile was proposed for each group. The variables included gender, subject area taught, number of years as a professional educator, number of years since completing educational leadership training, number of years as a principal, primary source of information for structuring the special education program at their school, school size, district size, and types of classes offered to students with disabilities. Further research is needed to confirm these profiles and recommendations for future research are included.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001838, ucf:47356
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001838
- Title
- Examining Practices of Elementary School Principals: Selection of Co-teaching Teams.
- Creator
-
Tejeda, Jeannette, Martin, Suzanne, Reyes, Maria, Dieker, Lisa, Uhle, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of urban elementary school principals in relation to co-teaching and their co-teacher selection process. Three elementary school principals who exemplify characteristics of shared, ethical, and transformational leadership from a large urban school district in the southern United States were interviewed. The findings from the interviews were utilized to create a Likert-type survey to be administered to select co-teachers and select...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of urban elementary school principals in relation to co-teaching and their co-teacher selection process. Three elementary school principals who exemplify characteristics of shared, ethical, and transformational leadership from a large urban school district in the southern United States were interviewed. The findings from the interviews were utilized to create a Likert-type survey to be administered to select co-teachers and select teachers not co-teaching at each of the three schools. The interview data were examined using Hycner's guidelines for phenomenological analysis. The Likert-type surveys administered to co-teachers and teachers not co-teaching served as sources of information for triangulation. The findings of the study led to the emergence of 13 themes addressing the three research questions. The resulting themes were (a) open communication with staff, (b) team approach to decision-making, (c) teacher leadership, (d) parental involvement encouraged, (e) positive relationship with staff, (f) professional growth encouraged, (g) volunteers selected for co-teaching, (h) co-teachers select partners, (i) co-teaching option presented to entire teaching staff, (j) personal involvement in co-teaching selection process, (k) multifaceted selection criteria, (l) principals involved teachers in the pairing procedure, and (m) recruitment procedures were aligned with best practices. This study has contributed additional evidence supportive of best practices in co-teaching and leadership and suggests a link between effective leadership practices and the facilitation of co-teaching teams and co-teacher selection processes. Recommendations for future research address the areas of (a) principal experience, (b) length of co-teaching model, (c) principal personal involvement, (d) study participant size, (e) study subjects, and (f) link between leadership practices and co-teaching selection procedures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006012, ucf:51005
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006012
- Title
- The Impact of Various Characteristics of Prekindergarten Services for Students with Disabilities on Later School Performance.
- Creator
-
Shores, Tanya, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Wright, Teresa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study addressed the problem of limited data for determining the effectiveness of prekindergarten programs for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in ESE services during prekindergarten and long term outcomes for students who received these services. Outcome measures included third grade academic performance and needs for exceptional student education (ESE) services.Regression analysis and correlational analysis were...
Show moreThis study addressed the problem of limited data for determining the effectiveness of prekindergarten programs for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in ESE services during prekindergarten and long term outcomes for students who received these services. Outcome measures included third grade academic performance and needs for exceptional student education (ESE) services.Regression analysis and correlational analysis were conducted for each of two research questions as appropriate. The findings of this research indicated inconsistent statistically significant relationships between the characteristics of ESE services students with disabilities received during prekindergarten and the academic outcomes of these students during third grade. Academic outcome data was collected using state-mandated standardized testing instruments for reading and math including the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0 and the Florida Alternate Assessment. Students who received ESE services during prekindergarten consistently displayed statistically significant increased performance on FCAT 2.0 Reading. There was a statistically significant relationship between the prekindergarten ESE services provided to students and the third grade intensity of ESE services required to provide students with a free and appropriate public education; students who received ESE services during kindergarten required less intensive ESE services during third grade.Recommendations for future research resulting from this study include replicating this study with multiple measures of academic performance and other areas of functioning important to school success, completion of longitudinal data collection for students who receive ESE prekindergarten services in conjunction with exposure to typical peers, as well as measurement of outcomes based on specific and personal characteristics of teachers who provide prekindergarten ESE services.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006394, ucf:51493
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006394
- Title
- The Experiences of School Leaders who Promote Achievement Among Students with Disabilities.
- Creator
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Wells, Eric, Martin, Suzanne, Boote, David, Little, Mary, Steinke, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Stagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school...
Show moreStagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school performance (Waters, Marzano, (&) McNulty, 2003). Very few researchers have investigated that experience as it relates to high achievement for students with disabilities. Yet, policy in the field has shifted to emphasize outcomes for students with disabilities (Hehir, 2014). As such, it has become critical to examine the experience of those who have successfully helped their schools produce high levels of achievement among students with disabilities. The purpose of the study was to document the lived experiences of school leaders who were helping their population of students with disabilities achieve high outcomes on state required testing. The researcher interviewed principals who had led their schools to achieve exemplary results with students with disabilities according to the AMO data maintained by the FLDOE. Results and discussion are included for each of the research questions along with implications of the findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006417, ucf:51475
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006417
- Title
- COMPARING MIDDLE SCHOOL GENERAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATORS' USE OF RESEARCH-BASED INSTRUCTION IN MATHEMATICS FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.
- Creator
-
Robertson, Shelby, Little, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between general and special educators regarding the implementation of research-based strategies that target the needs of students with LD in mathematics, as well as general and special educators' perceptions of their preparedness to use instructional strategies in mathematics. A sample of general and special educators who taught mathematics to students with learning disabilities (LD) at the middle school level responded to an online...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between general and special educators regarding the implementation of research-based strategies that target the needs of students with LD in mathematics, as well as general and special educators' perceptions of their preparedness to use instructional strategies in mathematics. A sample of general and special educators who taught mathematics to students with learning disabilities (LD) at the middle school level responded to an online survey. The survey examined teacher self-reported classroom use of instructional practices specifically aligned with NCTM standards, direct instruction, graduated instruction, grouping practices, and self-monitoring. Additionally, educators responded to perceptions of their preparedness to use the aforementioned instructional practices. From the survey results, several strategies exhibited statistically significant differences between general and special educators. Special educators showed significantly greater use of two instructional strategies, as well as significantly greater perceptions of preparedness to use two instructional strategies. Overall, significantly more special educators reported using the research-based strategies aligned with all instructional practices. Additional results, limitations, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002256, ucf:47857
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002256
- Title
- INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
- Creator
-
Amayo, Jeanette, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the inclusion of students worldwide. Because the language barrier would impede the gathering of the necessary research, this study was delimited to only those English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The researcher examined many aspects of the education of students with disabilities in each country and how that attributed to the extent in which students with disabilities were being...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the inclusion of students worldwide. Because the language barrier would impede the gathering of the necessary research, this study was delimited to only those English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The researcher examined many aspects of the education of students with disabilities in each country and how that attributed to the extent in which students with disabilities were being educated in the regular classroom. First, the researcher analyzed the legislation regarding students with disabilities, especially those directives that called for the Inclusion of them. Second, the researcher investigated the educational models used in each country to ascertain the placements available for the disabled, making special note of those that were more inclusive. Next, the researcher gathered data that examined the categorical system used to label, group, and educate the Special Education population. Finally, the researcher compared the extent to which the students with disabilities were educated in the regular classroom in each country by looking at the total proportion included as well as the percentage included in each disability category. To make a comparison of the educational attainments of each country, the researcher utilized a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development that incorporated the students with disabilities in their international assessments. Results revealed that the United States has a much more extensive legislation dedicated to the education of individuals with disabilities than does the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a result, the United States' placement models and categorical systems are just as complex. Data also confirmed that other countries are including their disabled population in a regular education classroom at a much higher rate than that of the United States. Finally, the international study found that the United States performed worse than all the other countries in the subject areas assessed: Reading, Math, and Science. Recommendations for further research included the examination of teacher education programs world wide, comparison of provincial and territorial regions in Canada and Australia, and a comparison of graduation rates for those students with disabilities in inclusive settings and those in segregated settings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000761, ucf:46578
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000761
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFICACY OF THE TEXT TALK STRATEGY ON PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS' VOCABULARY ACQUISITION.
- Creator
-
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
- An Analysis of the Legal Issues of School Voucher Programs for Students with Disabilities and Its Impact on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Creator
-
Fontan, Patricia, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the current case law on school voucher programs for students with disabilities and legal protections under IDEA. The idea of school vouchers can be traced back to the 1950s but have taken a new form in the past 13 years. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of school voucher programs with mixed results which will lead to court challenges in the future on a state by state basis based on the state's constitution. School vouchers have been...
Show moreThis study examined the current case law on school voucher programs for students with disabilities and legal protections under IDEA. The idea of school vouchers can be traced back to the 1950s but have taken a new form in the past 13 years. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of school voucher programs with mixed results which will lead to court challenges in the future on a state by state basis based on the state's constitution. School vouchers have been developed to target specific populations of students including students with disabilities. But with very little accountability for the private schools accepting the school vouchers, parents are left to make choices about their child's education with the limited information provided to them. Parents of student with disabilities who participate in school voucher programs in order to attend a private school may lose many protections under IDEA, if not all of them. The focus of the study was on the five states with school voucher programs for students with disabilities: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Utah. The review of case law in regards to school voucher programs for students with disabilities demonstrated difference and similarities depending on the state's constitution. This will lead to future case law for school voucher programs for disabilities to be determined on a case by case basis. The legislators developing new school voucher programs for student with disabilities will need to analyze the state's constitution in order to determine if any legal challenges would occur. Federal legislators need to revisit the protections under IDEA for parentally placed private school students with the mindset that more and more school voucher programs for students with disabilities will be developed in years to come. In the reauthorization of IDEA, federal legislators need to determine if more protections need to be provided to parentally placed private school students attending a private school on a school voucher program. Without more protections for students with disabilities, parents may have limited options when participating in a school voucher program and the students may not receive the appropriate special education and related services.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004537, ucf:49229
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004537
- Title
- EXAMINING THE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LEADERS AS THEY RELATE TO SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.
- Creator
-
Steinke, Kimberly, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ"person in chargeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life....
Show moreAs academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ"person in chargeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life. Educational leaders today face a significant amount of pressure to improve the quality of education at all levels and across all disciplines. While school leaders face the pressures of No Child Left Behind in terms of increased student performance, they must also be concerned about serving students with disabilities appropriately. The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and practices that effective school leaders in a large urban school district revealed in the specific area of serving students with disabilities. An examination of the school leaderÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ's beliefs and knowledge in relation to the leadership practices put in place at their schools when serving students with disabilities was completed. Identification of a relationship between the leaderÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ's beliefs and practices as associated with the leaderÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ's prior education and leadership experience was possible. Finally, through a grounded theory perspective, the researcher discovered specific practices put in place by these effective school leaders that can be generalized to other school settings under fellow school leaders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003038, ucf:48340
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003038
- Title
- INCLUSIONARY PRACTICES: IMPACT OF ADMINISTRATORSÃÂ' BELIEFS ON PLACEMENT DECISIONS.
- Creator
-
Vazquez, Maria, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
School leaders are charged with responding to the challenges presented by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The idea of least restrictive environment moves schools from educating students with disabilities in special education to regular education classrooms, from special education schools to neighborhood schools. Providing inclusive settings poses many obstacles and challenges to school based...
Show moreSchool leaders are charged with responding to the challenges presented by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The idea of least restrictive environment moves schools from educating students with disabilities in special education to regular education classrooms, from special education schools to neighborhood schools. Providing inclusive settings poses many obstacles and challenges to school based administrators and in their capacity school leaders can either alleviate or generate barriers for the process; they can inhibit or inspire school personnel to accept the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Furthermore, their attitudes are critical in the design and implementation of programs and practices in their schools. PrincipalsÃÂ' attitudes can either promote or discourage the inclusion practices in their schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors related to school based administratorsÃÂ' attitudes toward inclusive education and the relationship of these attitudes on the placement of students with disabilities. The Principals and Inclusion Survey (PIS) developed by Praisner (2000) was used to collect data from 175 school based principals in a large urban district in the southeastern part of the United States. The results of the study indicate a relationship does exist between principalÃÂ's attitude toward inclusion and decisions pertaining to student placement. The study also found that those principals with positive experiences with students with disabilities also demonstrated beliefs of serving students with disabilities in less restrictive settings than those principals with negative experiences with students with disabilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003139, ucf:48629
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003139
- Title
- Urban School Principal Rated as Highly Effective: Support and Culture for Co-teaching Teams.
- Creator
-
San, Michelle, Martin, Suzanne, Dieker, Lisa, Lue, Martha, Uhle, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The recent revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) promoted a movement toward meaningful inclusion, which has led to an increase in interest in co-teaching (Friend, Cook, Hurley-Chamberlain, (&) Shamberger, 2010; Nichols, Dowdy, (&) Nichols, 2010). When co-teaching is effectively executed both students with and without disabilities benefit academically and socially (Friend (&) Cook, 2007)....
Show moreThe recent revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) promoted a movement toward meaningful inclusion, which has led to an increase in interest in co-teaching (Friend, Cook, Hurley-Chamberlain, (&) Shamberger, 2010; Nichols, Dowdy, (&) Nichols, 2010). When co-teaching is effectively executed both students with and without disabilities benefit academically and socially (Friend (&) Cook, 2007). Researchers indicate that a key factor in effective co-teaching is administrative support (Friend et al.; Dieker (&) Murawski, 2003; Murawski (&) Dieker, 2008; Murawski (&) Dieker, 2004; Scruggs et al., 2007). The purpose of this study was to identify the policies and practices used by effective principals who have led the implementation of co-teaching in their schools. The researcher interviewed three middle school principals in a large urban school district to ascertain the essence of their experiences. The principals were identified as highly effective by their most recent principal evaluation system. The interview data were examined using Hycner's guidelines for phenomenological analysis. Triangulation occurred through a survey and review of documents. The co-teaching teams from the participating principals' schools completed a Likert-type survey. The researcher reviewed the schools' master schedules, School Improvement Plan, and Action Plan.Analysis of the participating principals' interview data has identified themes. These themes included: (a) preparing the setting, (b) preparing co-teaching teams, (c) necessary co-teacher skill sets, (d) utilizing the leadership team, (e) purposeful selection of co-teaching staff, (f) addressing barriers, (g) culture supporting knowledgeable co-teachers, (h) traits of effective co-teachers, (i) expectations of co-teachers, (j) motivating co-teachers, and (k) attaining buy-in through support and culture.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005994, ucf:50785
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005994
- Title
- Exploring Leadership Experiences Of School Psychologists In Supporting Schools: A Phenomenological Study.
- Creator
-
Joseph, Julie, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Boote, David, Thomson, Arlene, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004 have placed increased demands on all educators and administrators. School psychologists find themselves charged with addressing a broad range of issues today, and there is an emphasis on leadership in the effective provision of services. Although the literature is replete with examples of the centrality of leadership in regards to the educational experience of...
Show moreThe passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004 have placed increased demands on all educators and administrators. School psychologists find themselves charged with addressing a broad range of issues today, and there is an emphasis on leadership in the effective provision of services. Although the literature is replete with examples of the centrality of leadership in regards to the educational experience of students, there have not been sufficient studies that have studied this topic in school psychology. The purpose of this study was to discover, understand, and describe in rich detail the lived experience of school psychologists exercising leadership. The researcher interviewed school psychologists within a mid-size school district in Central Florida who were nominated by district administrators that supervise of them. Additionally, this study sought to identify the contexts, domains of practice, universal structures, and opportunities utilized in their experiences. School psychologists demonstrated leadership through collaboration and consultation, professional expertise, student-oriented needs, expert-problem solvers, and communication skills. The contexts of their leadership experiences varied due to the diverse roles taken on by the individual, however they were all demonstrated at the district level, school level, and with their peers. The leadership experiences identified by the study participants correspond to most of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) domains of practice and also correspond to transformational leadership. The results are particularly salient to school psychologist, as the information comes from the perspective of school psychologists who were noted to be (")effective(") and displays (")leadership(") and are now exercising leadership. Future research is encourage to examine leadership experiences across multiple school districts to identify experiences of other leaders across various settings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005814, ucf:50033
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005814
- Title
- THE IMPACTS OF CO-TEACHING ON THE GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT.
- Creator
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Parker, Alicia, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) were gathered on these students. The state of Florida calculates and reports developmental scale scores (DSS) for students taking the FCAT. These scores are calculated to track student progress over time in relationship to the FCAT at each grade level. This study compared the difference in DSS from 9th-grade to 10th-grade of general education students in co-taught classes. It was determined in this study that there was no statistically significant difference for general education students in co-taught language arts classes but there was a significant difference for those in mathematics classes as compared to their peers not in co-taught classes. When below proficient general education students were compared there was a significant difference for students in mathematics co-taught classes compared to those not in co-taught classes, but not for those in language arts classes. Additional analyses were conducted to determine if co-teaching was a factor in the overall learning gain calculation used by the state of Florida. It was determined that there was no significant difference in learning gains of general education co-taught students as compared to peers not in co-taught classes. Information for school and district leaders was provided to guide decision making regarding the use of co-teaching as an inclusion model. Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of co-teaching on general education students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003005, ucf:48355
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003005
- Title
- A VIEW FROM THE FIELD: URBAN SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTORS' PERCEPTIONS OF ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES FOR NEWLY APPOINTED SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS.
- Creator
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Pratt Marrett, Caroline, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of experience as a director of special education and these underlying factors. A factor analysis revealed that there were three underlying factors reported to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the relationship between the years of experience as a director of special education and the underlying factors (Management, Instruction and Change; Supervision of Faculty; and Team Building Skills) was not statistically significant. A post hoc test was conducted to further detect differences in years of experience as an urban director of special education and the underlying factors. The results were sufficient to reject the null hypotheses in both cases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002120, ucf:47545
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002120
- Title
- TEACHER ATTRITION AND RETENTION IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION: AN EVALUATION OF THE SKILLS, TIPS, AND ROUTINES FOR TEACHER SUCCESS (STARTS) INITIATIVE OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA SCHOOLS.
- Creator
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Speidel, Mary, Magann, Douglas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Teacher attrition affects the quality of services for students in K-12 education and poses an ongoing challenge for educational leaders, especially in the area of special education. Special educators leave the profession at higher rates than general educators. As a growing state, Florida has identified special education as a critical teacher shortage area. This study evaluated the Skills, Tips, and Routines for Teacher Success (STARTS) initiative of Volusia County Schools, a large district in...
Show moreTeacher attrition affects the quality of services for students in K-12 education and poses an ongoing challenge for educational leaders, especially in the area of special education. Special educators leave the profession at higher rates than general educators. As a growing state, Florida has identified special education as a critical teacher shortage area. This study evaluated the Skills, Tips, and Routines for Teacher Success (STARTS) initiative of Volusia County Schools, a large district in east central Florida. Implemented in 2001 for new ESE teachers, STARTS offered four days of training in policies and procedures, curriculum, and classroom management. Research questions addressed whether STARTS influenced retention of new ESE teachers. Because the literature cited age, ethnicity, special education program area, and grade level assignment as factors in attrition, these were assessed as well. Incorporating employment histories from school year (SY) 1998-1999 through SY 2003-2004, the study evaluated 771 new ESE teachers. Of these, 422 teachers did not participate in STARTS; 349 teachers participated in STARTS. The study reported whether they returned the following year to an ESE position, a general education position, or exited the school system. Contingency table analysis with crosstabulation was used to evaluate statistical relationships among variables. Effect size was assessed with Cramer's V and the contingency coefficient. All analyses were conducted with an alpha of .05. A significant difference existed between the retention rates of new ESE teachers hired before STARTS and during STARTS. In 2000-2001, the school year preceding STARTS, 54.3% of new ESE teachers returned to an ESE position whereas in the first year of STARTS, 71.1% of new ESE teachers returned to an ESE position, an increase of 51%. By SY 2003-2004, 89.7% of new ESE teachers returned to an ESE position, an increase of 65% from the SY 2000-2001 baseline.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000412, ucf:46409
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000412
- Title
- USING CELL PHONE TECHNOLOGY FOR SELF-MONITORING PROCEDURES IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS.
- Creator
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Bedesem, Pena, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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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
- ENHANCING THE KNOWLEDGE AND INVOLVEMENT OF HISPANIC FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FAMILY WORKSHOPS.
- Creator
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Camacho, Mayra, Platt, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In 2005, the nation's minority groups totaled 98 million, or 33% of the country's total population. According to the U.S Census Bureau News (2007), Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the country with 14.8% of the total population and 44% of the minority population. The same report indicated that the Hispanic population accounted for almost half (48%) of the national population growth between 2005 and 2006, yet, students from minority backgrounds, including...
Show moreIn 2005, the nation's minority groups totaled 98 million, or 33% of the country's total population. According to the U.S Census Bureau News (2007), Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the country with 14.8% of the total population and 44% of the minority population. The same report indicated that the Hispanic population accounted for almost half (48%) of the national population growth between 2005 and 2006, yet, students from minority backgrounds, including ethnically diverse students for whom English is their second language, exhibit lower academic achievement when compared to the majority group (Lyon et al., 2001). Low academic achievement among students from minority backgrounds can influence their school placement. Approximately 37% of all students receiving special education services in 2002 were ethnically diverse (National Center of Educational Statistics, 2002). Concerned with the significant gap between the achievement of children from minority backgrounds and students from the majority group, Congress amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act in 2001. NCLB requires public schools to demonstrate acceptable progress for all students, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse and those with disabilities. NCLB also promotes and supports greater parent involvement (Wright, Wright, & Heath, 2004) and requires schools to report on students' progress by subgroup (i.e., ethnicity, disability, English language learners, and low-income). Because the majority of students from diverse ethnic backgrounds are Hispanic (Capps, Fix, Murray, Ost, Passel, & Herwantoro, 2005), a high percentage of students with disabilities are from minority groups (Hosp & Reschly, 2004), about 77% of English language learners are from Hispanic descent (Klingner, Artiles, & Barletta, 2006), and approximately half of school-age children of immigrants are from low-income homes (Hernandez, 2004), it is important for schools to take a closer look at the specific needs of Hispanic families of children with disabilities in order to promote their participation in the education of their children. The purpose of this study was to research the influence of components incorporated into a series of workshops specifically designed for Hispanic families of children with disabilities and to study the effect that participating in the workshops would have on parents' knowledge about their children's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and on their level of involvement in their children's education. TENFEE: Talleres en Español para las Necesidades de Familias en Educacion Especial (Spanish Workshops for the Needs of Families in Special Education) delivered five workshops where a series of components were provided to counteract the most frequently identified barriers in the involvement of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) parents in the education of their children with special needs: (a) complexity of disability, (b) language barriers, (c) cultural differences, and (d) socioeconomic status (Fix & Passel, 2003; Kalyanpur & Harry, 2004; Quezada, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2003). Thirty-seven parents or primary caregivers of students receiving special education services in three school districts in central Florida participated in the study. Before and after the workshops, participants completed a three-part survey in which they gave demographic information, responded to 50 multiple choice test questions related to the IEP process, and answered 10 open-ended questions related to their involvement in their children's education. Participants also completed an evaluation at each of the workshops indicating which of the workshop's components influenced their decision to participate. Finally, participants' children's teachers completed the Parent/Family Involvement Index (P/FII) before and after participating in the workshops. The P/FII is a measure of parent involvement in their children's special education services as perceived by their children's teachers. Following data collection, quantitative statistical analysis was completed using descriptive statistics to examine if TENFEE's components supported the participation of the targeted population to the workshops. A Paired Sample t-test was calculated to evaluate any differences in participants' IEP knowledge survey test scores before and after the workshops as well as differences in teachers' P/FII scores before and after the workshops. Multiple Regressions were conducted to determine if participants' demographic characteristics influenced IEP knowledge survey test scores and/or P/FII scores.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001789, ucf:47251
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001789