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How the Special Education Service Model Can Be Changed to Support Educator\u27s Individual Strengths
Get PDFThis thesis focuses on research related to the current state of the special education model and it includes qualitative and quantitative literature, as well as current challenges that exist in the industry today. It will specifically address the following question: Can the current special education service model be structured around strengths-based skilled positions vs. the current job descriptions/roles? This thesis includes research, opinions, and a conclusion to support the above question. The research that was conducted highlights significant challenges that exist today when it comes to hiring and maintaining adequate human resources to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the current job positions that support special education students. Many organizations outside of the education industry have taken time and resources to evaluate how to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic outcomes by building cultures that create positions within their organization based on skill sets. Other industries place employees in roles based on strengths, which results in incredible increases in employee engagement, productivity, and therefore stronger growth and outcomes. What if the education industry, specifically special education, made a change to align with this philosophy of strengths-based jobs and fulfillment of roles for the teachers, ultimately to benefit the students? The following research will address this topic directly, and its findings will lead readers to discover the impact both on special education students, as well as the staff who provide services for them, which in turn can help special education students
Impacts of Social-Emotional Learning on Adolescents
Get PDFIn the last five years, schools have seen an increased need for social and emotional learning instruction geared toward adolescent students. Many teachers, staff members, and administrators have been encouraged to incorporate social and emotional learning into their daily routines and structures. The purpose of this thesis is to address the different research-based programming available for adolescents, the impacts, and where certain programming falls into the CASEL social emotional learning pillar framework. The research located for this literature review was located by limiting criteria to school-based programming that targeted the needs of adolescent learners. The results indicated that there are 25 research-based school programs that are geared toward adolescent students. Among these 25 programs: eight programs were found to be effective in fostering self-awareness and self-management, three programs were located that had impacts on social awareness and relationship skills, adolescence responsible decision-making had seven programs with outcomes in this area, and finally, there are seven programs that have impacts across multiple domains
Beyond Words: Fine Arts and Performance Art as Self-Expression for Developmentally Delayed Students
Get PDFThis thesis explores the research behind the implementation of special education curriculum in dance and music. Music education and dance have been shown to be effective means of self-expression, a necessary component of child development. Recent research in both areas has shown that including SPED students in both music and dance classes has shown a positive effect in their social emotional skills, ways to show self-expression, and ways to improve their communication both in an academic setting and a social setting. The results are most effective when the music or dance class shifts focus from skills-development and mastery, to creative, experiential encounters with music and movement. Existing work makes a case for continued and expanded inclusion of dance and music as part of the overall educational plan for SPED students. However, there is also a pervasive need to prepare the existing population of educators to accommodate these new educational aims into the existing curricula and educational landscape. In many cases, such transitions will require partnership and expertise. Successful implementation yields positive social and communicative benefits for SPED students with diverse DCD educational needs
Misidentifying English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities
Get PDFThis thesis explores the multifaceted issue of misidentifying English Language Learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities (LDs) in the educational system. The study begins by delving into the complicated reasons underlying such misidentifications, recognizing the significance of understanding the complex interplay between language acquisition challenges and learning disabilities. Utilizing empirical evidence and conducting an extensive literature review, the research uncovers the intricate factors contributing to the misidentification of ELLs, including linguistic diversity, cultural biases, and the limitations of assessment tools. Following this exploration of the problem\u27s dimensions, the thesis outlines solutions designed to prevent the misidentification of ELLs with LDs. These solutions encompass professional development for educators, culturally and linguistically responsive assessments, active involvement of parents and caregivers, individualized education plans, collaborative efforts, vigilant monitoring, and multilingual support. By embracing these solutions, educational institutions can ensure that ELLs receive the tailored support and interventions they require without the risk of being incorrectly labeled as a special education student. This research contributes to a more inclusive and equitable educational environment, acknowledging ELL students\u27 diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It underscores the imperative need for the education system to adapt and evolve, providing every student with the opportunity to thrive, regardless of linguistic or cultural differences
The Racial Discipline Gap in Education: A Master\u27s Thesis
Get PDFRacial inequities persist throughout the United States’ educational system despite the increased attention on reducing exclusionary discipline. These inequities, conceptualized as educational and disciplinary gaps between Black and White students, produce negative outcomes for students of color including decreased graduation rates and an increased risk of entering the criminal justice system. In this review, I analyzed current literature in order to identify multiple factors that impact the racial discipline gap at the familial, organizational, and individual levels. Based on the literature reviewed and analyzed here, closing the racial discipline gap requires educational stakeholders to implement a framework of principles, policies, and practices that eliminate bias, strengthen student-staff relationships, and provide teachers with coaching and support
Adaptive Leadership and Crisis Management
Get PDFMarch 2020 introduced the world to a crisis unlike any seen in modern times. This crisis was the COVID-19 pandemic with its increased morbidity and high rates of death. It disrupted all aspects of society including global economies and health care systems. COVID-19 directly impacted schools, governments, commerce, and churches. This study addressed the need for research-based best practices that would provide the most successful outcomes for pastors during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify these practices, the researcher used a qualitative research approach which incorporated a multi-case study and an online survey. To build the interview and survey questions, the researcher reviewed the biblical leadership narratives of Joseph and Moses as well as analyzed relevant academic research on leadership. Both Joseph and Moses incorporated adaptive leadership characteristics by leading individuals through difficult challenges that culminated in successful outcomes. 0The data was gathered from interviews with 5 Texas pastors who served in a church setting from March 2020 through December 2021 when the COVID-19 virus was peaking. The data was then analyzed seeking patterns and themes that would help identify the best practices that pastors need to rely on during times of crisis. These findings, aligned with an adaptive leadership style, appeared to produce the most successful outcomes. The best practices that emerged in this study as most useful during a crisis included: having personal character and integrity; having a clear vision, mission, and purpose; and, working to create and maintain relationships based on authenticity
Mentorship Program Components That Influence Beginning Teacher Retention
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between new teachers\u27 retention in the first five years of teaching and mentorship support given to teachers. The teacher shortage in the United States is a documented problem and continues to grow. The inability of the education system to attract and retain quality teachers is a significant problem in the current teacher shortage. As schools deal with unfilled teaching positions, teachers are overworked trying to fill these positions, and students receive lower quality education from teachers who have not received sufficient preparation. This study analyzed the effects that mentoring, including time spent with mentor and subject area of mentor, has on novice teachers. This research used a quantitative analysis of data obtained from the National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS). The analysis of the data showed that novice teachers\u27 intention to stay in the field of education increases as the time spent with a mentor increases. Teachers’ intention to stay in education also increased when the assigned mentor shared the same subject areas as the mentee. The data used was from 2015-2016 NTPS, which is a limitation, because the 2021-2022 data was not available. Another study using the 2021-2022 NTPS data is recommended for further research. Content-similar mentors who meet weekly with new teachers will help to reduce new teachers\u27 attrition, which in turn will reduce the current teacher shortage and improve students\u27 achievement
How inquiry based learning supports creative problem solving skills in elementary art education
Get PDFInquiry-based teaching is a fundamental method in the innovations that leads to creative problem solving. In this thesis, the research supports how asking facilitated inquiry-based questions can prompt curiosity and discussion for K-5 grade Art students to gather new perspectives and information. Based on the literature review, critical thinking skills are applied through inquiry-based teaching. Facilitating students through the engagement of inquiry-based teaching gathers vital clues to be gathered in the application of creative problem solving. As the need for creativity is highly appraised in our workforce; guiding students with skills to think curiously and critically to gather new knowledge through inquiry-based teaching is age appropriate and can be applied in primary education to lead creative problem solvers
Supporting K-12 Students With Anxiety: The Teacher\u27s Role, Interventions and Methods to Reduce Anxiety
Get PDFThis thesis is a literature review of evidence-based practices that support K-12 students with anxiety. Three areas addressing evidence-based practices for students with anxiety include the role of the teacher, interventions, and methods to reduce test anxiety. Literature revealed the significance of the teacher’s role in building positive relationships to support students with anxiety and mental health issues. Common interventions and methods for test anxiety included mindfulness, breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation techniques. Small sample sizes and few clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders caused limitations in research. Further research should focus specifically on methods that support students with a diagnosed anxiety disorder and effective targeted interventions
Parental Involvement and Middle-school Student Education
Get PDFParental involvement in education has long been recognized as a significant factor in shaping the academic success and overall development of middle school students. This thesis seeks to provide an analysis of the impact of parental involvement on middle school students\u27 educational experiences, academic achievements, and socioemotional growth. This thesis also explores the various components of parental involvement, ranging from communication and academic support to participation in school activities. The research examined in this literature review used both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the comparisons between different forms of parental involvement and students\u27 academic outcomes. Additionally, this body of reviewed research examined the factors that influence parental engagement, such as socioeconomic status (SES), cultural backgrounds, and school-community relationships