<p> The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to explore the practices of speech-language pathologists in conducting bilingual assessments with interpreters. Data were obtained regarding the assessment tools and practices used by speech-language pathologists, the frequency with which they work with interpreters, and the procedures they employ prior to, during, and at the conclusion of assessments of English language learners (ELLs). Also explored were the skills and proficiencies that speech-language pathologists believe interpreters need in order to be effective in interpreting for assessments. </p><p> Data for the study were obtained from surveys completed by a sample of speech-language pathologists working in a large, diverse public school district in the mid-Atlantic region. The survey consisted of rating scales, forced choice questions, and open ended questions. Results were reported via descriptive statistics and through description of participants' responses to open-ended questions. </p><p> Results of the study indicated that the participants engaged in best practices in bilingual assessment as defined by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (2004a, 1999) to a greater extent than has been previously reported in the literature. However, considerable variation existed among participants regarding adherence to best practices, including the decision regarding whether or not to work with an interpreter when assessing ELLs. Study results indicated that participants continue to rely heavily on the use of formal measures standardized on monolingual, English-speaking children when assessing ELLs. Participants were also found to employ identical assessment procedures (assessing first in English without an interpreter, and then bringing in an interpreter for a subsequent testing session) regardless of the English language proficiency of the child. Participants in large measure valued the skills and proficiencies cited in the literature as desirable for interpreters to have, yet they did not express confidence that their interpreters possess these skills. </p><p> The implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations are offered for clinical practice, the school districts, graduate schools, and professional development training aimed at improving bilingual assessment practices. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research on bilingual assessment.</p>

<p> Learning to read in a foreign language can be a difficult task for some students. For at-risk students, for example, students with learning disabilities, the process can be arduous and painstaking. This study explored and compared the reading strategies, preferred foreign language learning styles, perceived foreign language strategy use, actual strategy use and metacognitive awareness of at-risk students in a Modified Foreign Language Program (MFLP) of postsecondary Spanish with those of non at-risk students in a non-MFLP. </p><p> This study followed a mixed-method design consisting of two parts. In the first part, preferred learning style and perceived strategy use data were collected via the Learning Style Survey and Survey of Reading Strategies. The second part of the study consisted of 11 case studies based on semi-structured interviews and think-aloud protocols in which the participants completed a reading task in the target language. </p><p> The major findings for part one are: MFLP and non-MFLP students did not differ in terms of their preferences for sensory/perceptual stimuli. Both groups had a significant preference for Visual over Auditory and Tactile/Kinesthetic stimuli. MFLP and non-MFLP students did not differ significantly in their perceived use of foreign language reading strategies. Both groups indicated a statistically significant preference for the use of cognitive (PROB) strategies, then metacognitive (GLOB) strategies followed by support (SUP) strategies. The relationship between preferred learning style and perceived GLOB strategy use was significant only for the MFLP group. </p><p> The second part of the study consisted of a think-aloud protocol. The major findings are: Both groups used strategies that were in line with their preferred learning style. The MFLP participants, however, relied much more heavily on the use of visual input to help extract meaning from unknown context. While both groups reported a high use of PROB, only the non-MFLP students used them with any regularity during the reading task. The MFLP group relied heavily on the use of support strategies (e.g. dictionary) to extract unknown meaning during the reading task. Non-MFLP students combined metacognitive strategies with cognitive strategies far more frequently than MFLP students. </p>

<p> Students with emotional behavioral disorders (EBD) are educated in restrictive placements at higher rates than students in other disability categories due to their challenging behavior and inability to function in the general educational environment (Bullock &amp; Gable, 2006). The increasing utilization of alternative programming to educate students with EBD has prompted scholars to more closely examine and identify critical intervention components of these programs (Simpson et al., 2011). Although outcomes associated with restrictive placements have been investigated, there has not been any systematic investigation of whether the recommended elements of comprehensive programming are in place in these settings, whether they are being implemented with integrity and whether they, in turn, lead to improved outcomes. Therefore, a review of the literature aimed at examining studies of restrictive settings for the existence of the eight critical elements for effective EBD programs (Simpson et al., 2011) and the associated academic, behavioral, and social outcomes was conducted. The review revealed that none of the studies described the existence of supports in all eight areas. Examination of the outcomes across the studies indicated that students with EBD made some progress academically, behaviorally, and socially, but the extent and practical significance of that progress varied. A descriptive study was also conducted. Administrators and teachers from Board of Cooperative Educations Services (BOCES) specialized programs and approved day treatment programs in New York State were surveyed about the intensity and fidelity of implementation of evidence-based academic practices, effective behavior management and treatment plans, and social skills instruction. Means and standard deviations were used to summarize the levels of intensity and implementation fidelity across the sample. Two-way multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were conducted to determine the effect of type of program and the respondents' professional position on the three elements. Overall, the results suggest that the three critical elements are present in some capacity and implemented with at least medium fidelity across the two restrictive settings. Significant differences were found between programs and positions in regards to the perceived levels of intensity and fidelity of implementation of the practices. Implications for future research, practice, and limitations are discussed.</p>

<p> The purpose of this research was to examine the patterns and themes of litigation in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) disability discrimination cases charged under the theory of disparate impact. Specifically, this study used Computer Assisted Legal Research (CALR) to identify and review all U.S. Appellate Court ADA disparate impact cases as reported by Westlaw, a commercial electronic case law reporting system owned by Thomson Reuters. </p><p> This study used a two-step, mixed methods approach to analyze the data relevant to the research questions and sub-questions. First, the researcher employed content analysis (Hall &amp; Wright, 2008) to identify and characterize patterns and trends of litigation in all reported U.S. Appellate Court ADA cases charged under the theory of disparate impact from 1992 through 2012. Cases were analyzed chronologically, and variables included number of published and unpublished cases, distribution of jurisdiction, distribution of ADA titles, EEOC involvement, case fact patterns, and characteristics of charging and opposing parties. Frequency analyses were conducted on these data. Second, the researcher identified a subset of the ADA disparate impact cases analyzed in the first step: Title I, or employment discrimination cases. Qualitative analysis employing the constant comparative method (Strauss &amp; Corbin, 1990) was used to identify and characterize patterns and themes of the judicial opinions in the Title I disparate impact cases. The researcher developed a framework for analysis based on a review of the literature of the sociopolitical perspective of disability to guide the analysis of the judicial opinions in the subset of disparate impact cases. The results of the frequency analyses conducted on these data revealed four trends: (a) Precedent, (b) Circuit and Judge Effects, (c) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Successes, and (d) Sutton Case Effect. The results of the qualitative analysis of the text of the judicial opinions produced four themes and three relationships among the themes. The four themes were accommodation(s); workplace culture, norms, and policies; judicial process; and policy space. The three relationships were gap-filling, weighing and balancing, and maintaining status quo versus effecting social change. The themes and relationships are depicted in a concept map that visually displays the conceptual framework revealed in the study. </p><p> The findings in this study may inform disability and rehabilitation scholars about ADA disparate impact cases, a body of law about which little is known. The patterns and trends identified in ADA Title I disparate impact cases may provide information about the types of policies and practices that are most frequently litigated. Rehabilitation practitioners may be able to use the results of this research to develop education and outreach strategies for employers on best practices for hiring, accommodating, and promoting employees with disabilities. Because the workplace policies and procedures identified in the cases that comprise this study are neutral on their face rather than intentionally discriminatory, employers may benefit from information that assists them in evaluating their policies and procedures proactively, which may avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Finally, workplace policies and procedures that fairly represent the essential functions of the job and are applied uniformly to workers with and without disabilities will contribute to a more diverse workforce.</p>

<p> Regular education teachers' self-efficacy may be negatively impacted due to a lack of professional development and experience teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research links teacher self-efficacy with increased student academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to examine to what degree training on ASD during and following teacher certification and experience had on overall teacher self-efficacy. This one-shot case study was based upon Bandura's theoretical construct of self-efficacy and secondarily on Tschannen-Moran, Woolfolk Hoy, and Hoy's theory of self-efficacy. The Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scales (TSES) was used to collect data from regular education teachers with experience teaching students with ASD in 1st through 3rd grades in a Southern California school district. After the data were assessed for accuracy, missing data, and outliers, the analysis was conducted on 36 cases. MANOVAs were conducted to assess differences on overall self-efficacy. Separate ANOVAs were used since the overall self-efficacy and the subscores were highly correlated. Though the sample in this study was small (n = 36) for data analysis, the effect size showed that training experience and grade levels had a moderate to large effect on teacher self-efficacy (.16, .13, .13 respectively). Therefore teacher self-efficacy has a positive impact on student achievement. Implications for positive social change are self-efficacious teachers increase the academic achievement of students with ASD. In this way, such students can become self-sustaining, dynamic members of the work force and community.</p>

<p> <b>Background:</b> Children with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder struggle daily and are at-risk for poor long-term outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that WM may improve by adaptive computerized working memory training, but what is unclear is its effectiveness and transference to untrained tasks. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-three (11 females) school-aged children with co-occurring math difficulties and ADHD participated in a quasi-experimental, repeated-measures study in school to investigate transfer effects of working memory training (Cogmed RM) on math achievement, fluid reasoning and memory and learning tasks. As part of a pilot, the Cogmed Progress Indicator (CPI) was used to measure transfer effects on working memory, following directions, and math challenge throughout the training. Standardized instruments were administered at baseline and at 4-weeks and 4-months post-intervention. Teachers and students completed the Conners-3 to assess ADHD. Teachers completed the BRIEF to measure executive functioning. <b>Results:</b> Significant improvement on the CPI was found on the following directions tasks. Statistically significant improvement was found on indices measuring verbal memory, visual memory, verbal working memory, symbolic working memory, attention/concentration, working memory, general memory, and fluid reasoning 4-weeks post-intervention. Statistically significant differences were also found at the 4-month follow-up period with the exception of verbal working memory index. Math fluency improved significantly 4-weeks after the assessment, but was not maintained at the 4-month post-test. The Applied Problems subtest was found to be significantly different at both post-test assessments. No statistically significant improvement was found on the math calculation subtest; however, the math calculation composite was found to improve statistically by the 4-month post-test. Working memory, inhibit, organization, and the Behavior Rating Index scales of the BRIEF were found to be statistically significant at the 4-month post-test. No statistically significant improvement was found on the Conners-3. The results on the DSM-IV-TR checklists on ADHD did show significant improvement at the 4-month post-test. <b> Conclusion:</b> Although the results of this study are promising, additional research is recommended to address the limitations of this study. </p>

<p> The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the attitudes of Pennsylvania public middle school principals toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in the regular education classroom. This study focused on factors that may affect the attitudes of middle school principals toward inclusion and on the relationship between these attitudes and the recommended appropriate placement of students with disabilities. A total of 135 middle school principals completed a modified version of Praisner's <i>Principals Inclusion Survey. </i> That data was analyzed using various descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients. Results showed that the majority of middle school principals in the state of Pennsylvania have positive attitudes toward inclusion. Although no statistically significant relationships were found between principals' attitudes toward inclusion and demographics, training, and credits (<i>p</i> > .05), the results suggested that middle school principals with special education teaching experience and special education credits are more likely to have favorable attitudes toward inclusion. A significant relationship was discovered between middle school principals' attitudes and their experience with students with disabilities (<i>r</i> = .195, <i> p</i> = .023). Similarly, a positive correlation was identified between the principals' experience with students with disabilities and their recommendation for the most appropriate placement (<i>r</i> = .438, <i>p</i> = &lt;.0001). As a result, a recommendation from this study is for school district and higher education officials to ensure principals are equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and attitudes to successfully lead inclusive schools.</p>

<p> It is estimated that there are 1 million paraeducators working directly with children in public and private schools in the U.S. Other titles for paraeducators include teacher aide, teaching assistant, paraprofessional, 1:1, aide, and educational assistant. Responsibilities include instructional support, personal hygiene, motor development, self-help skill development, behavior management, and clerical support. Despite this group's critical presence within schools, little research has been conducted to determine the extent that paraeducators experience job satisfaction, role conflict and role ambiguity. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding about role conflict from 419 paraeducators working in 12 private special education schools in New York State. Data was collected using Rizzo, House and Lirtzman's Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scale, demographic questions, and an open-ended, narrative item. Multiple regression analysis determined if role ambiguity and/or demographics of age, gender, education, relevant experience, length of time in the position, plans to become a teacher, and status as a certified teacher or teaching assistant were statistically significant predictors of role conflict. Findings include five statistically significant predictor variables: role ambiguity, gender, age range of 50 years and older, experience of 5-9 years working with children who have disabilities, and seniority in one's current position. Qualitative data from 100 of the respondents yielded strong negative sentiment toward remuneration, coupled with strong expressions of commitment, concern, and deep affection for the students. The study concludes with recommendations to decrease role conflict and role ambiguity among paraeducators in private special education schools.</p><p> Keywords: paraeducator, role ambiguity, role conflict, job satisfaction. </p>

<p> This qualitative dissertation explored how high school students with significant cognitive disabilities in the moderate to severe category may receive an appropriate, standards-based education according to federal and state legislation given that they require fundamental living skills as well. It examined the ways their academic and functional learning requirements may be fulfilled through the development and implementation of a comprehensive curriculum consisting of adapted Common Core State Standards, life skills, and community-based instruction. It discussed the concept that students with cognitive disabilities require learning opportunities across a variety of settings, consistent with ecological development theory.</p><p> The study posed two key questions: How can high school students with significant cognitive disabilities access the Common Core State Standards in ELA, math, and science through a life-skills oriented, community-based curriculum? How do special education teachers perceive a curriculum emphasizing the integration of life skills and Common Core standards in ELA, math, and science? A research-based thematic curriculum was generated and field-tested on 7 educators of high school and middle school students with moderate to severe disabilities to obtain their perceptions of its feasibility and utility. The educators completed an initial background survey and then examined a voice-over PowerPoint curriculum sample using a curriculum evaluation form to guide their review. Educators were subsequently interviewed to determine their perceptions and check for alignment with previous responses.</p><p> Participants generally believed that students with significant cognitive disabilities could meaningfully access adapted versions of the Common Core based on students' level of ability and the provision of necessary supports. Key implications were derived from the findings. Teachers may need to engage in additional training and collaboration to generate customized curricula or modify existing programs to bring about student success. Special education teachers require the support of general education colleagues and local administration to enable the development or implementation of a comprehensively appropriate curriculum for the target population. More research is necessary to determine other ways the Common Core can be adapted for a greater range of ability levels to ensure success for all.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, School of Education, 2008. / Title from home page (viewed on May 11, 2009). Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-08, Section: A, page: 3106. Adviser: Gretchen Butera.