This study examined the effectiveness of using a technology-based self-monitoring intervention called Monitoring Behavior on the Go (MoBeGo). On-task behavior for students with behavioral issues was the primary dependent variable in the study. The researcher employed a single-subject withdrawal design (ABAB) with two generalization phases (C-D) to investigate the ability of MoBeGo to generalize the results to a different setting. Visual analysis of graphs revealed the participants had a clear functional relationship between MoBeGo and percentage of on-task behavior. The finding illustrated on-task behaviors in a different setting did not increase without using MoBeGo and therefore no automatic generalization occurred in different settings. A replicated phase (D) was conducted to confirm the finding, and the results showed the percentage of on-task behavior increased in math and science classes which used MoBeGo and did not increase in reading/writing which did not use MoBeGo. Also, the outcomes showed MoBeGo has a high level of acceptability among teachers who participated in the study. The researcher evaluated this single-subject withdrawal design (ABABCD) by using the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence standards. In addition, the researcher utilized the Single-Case Analysis and Review Framework (SCARF) to evaluate the study outcomes. The evaluation results of using WWC and SCARF are discussed in Chapter 4. The researcher discussed major lessons learned and some limitations of using technology based self-monitoring (TBSM). In addition, implications for practitioners, researchers, and application developers were included as future directions for using TBSM. Moreover, the researcher discussed the potential role of self-monitoring-based artificial intelligence (SMBAI) in education, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), or machine learning (ML) with self-monitoring apps. Finally, some important questions were raised about protecting privacy and minimizing the risk of data breaches for individuals, and how to ensure the security of individuals' data.

This research study identifies the digital technology skills important for entry-level employees in the 21st-century workforce and assesses the digital technology preparation currently provided in Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Digital technology skills were evaluated using the Digital Competence Conceptual Reference Model (2016). A survey was distributed to 100 U.S. employers to assess the digital technology skills in demand in the workforce. Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs were then evaluated to assess the digital technology skill preparation offered at 83 programs across the U.S. The results were analyzed to determine whether Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs are preparing individuals with intellectual disabilities with the digital technology skills necessary for job market competitiveness. Results indicated a misalignment in type of digital technology preparation offered at Inclusive postsecondary education programs and the digital technology skills perceived important in the workforce. The findings and implications of this study will provide a platform for further research and discussion about preparing individuals with disabilities for the 21st-century job market.

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The AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) provision of NCLB requires schools to close the achievement gap so that students with disabilities perform at the same proficiency level as students without disabilities in mathematics and reading. This stringent requirement challenges school leaders to examine traditional exclusionary delivery practices and their outcomes and replace them with inclusive practices that hold promise for improving the academic performance of students with disabilities. This study examined the relationship between inclusive education in Virginia elementary schools and the attainment of No Child Left Behind's AYP performance targets in mathematics and reading for students with disabilities.;A quantitative research design was used to investigate this important issue using data from the Virginia Department of Education and results of an inclusion scale completed by selected elementary school principals representing schools that met AYP targets in mathematics and reading for students with disabilities and elementary principals representing schools that did not meet the targets. Although a significant correlation was not found between the inclusive practices and mathematics and reading achievement for students with disabilities in elementary schools, there are clear and important differences between schools that met the AYP targets and schools that did not meet the targets. These differences include the number of students with disabilities served in inclusive mathematics and reading classes as well as important distinctions in the attitudes of teachers and administrators, time allotted for co-planning, the expectations of included students with disabilities, parental participation in the IEP process and the availability of inclusion across grade levels.

Social Stories have gained wide acceptance and popularity as an intervention for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders, yet it is unclear whether this intervention method meets the standards of an evidence-based intervention. With a push in educational and mental health fields to use only evidence-based interventions, there is a need to determine whether or not this popular method meets this standard. The research literature on Social Stories has been reviewed for this project. An analysis of each article was conducted to evaluate clinical utility and treatment efficacy. Using the clinical utility and treatment efficacy information, as well as additional criteria, each article was evaluated to determine if it met the criteria deemed necessary by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) for evidence-based research. Based on the findings gathered from the analysis of the studies, only three of the 18 studies (16.7%) meet all NCLB criteria for evidence-based research. Because such a small percentage of the studies reviewed met all criteria, Social Stories cannot yet be considered an evidence-based intervention for children with autism.

Loneliness in children has been associated with internalizing symptoms such as shyness, depression, and low self-esteem (Brage, Meredith, & Woodward, 1993; Renshaw & Brown, 1993; Rubin, LeMare, & Lollis, 1990) and externalizing symptoms such as aggression (Coie, Dodge, & Coppotelli, 1982; Cassidy & Asher, 1992; Dobson, Campbell, & Dobson, 1987). The later outcomes of both of these kinds of internalizing and externalizing symptoms include school withdrawal, criminality, and victimization (Rubin, 1985; Parker & Asher, 1987). We know that children who rate themselves lonely tend to be rejected by peer groups. We also know that children who are rejected by peer groups lack social skills. Thus, one might speculate that there is a relationship between perceived loneliness and level of social skills. Given the evidence for the implications of loneliness, this study compared self-reports of loneliness and social skills between learning disabled students. A sample of 31 learning disabled students was matched with 31 regular education students on gender, age, grade, and ethnicity. The participants were enrolled in six schools in two small rural Kentucky counties in the United States. As predicted, the learning disabled group showed a higher mean than the regular education group, with a one-tailed independent samples t-test indicating significance between mean group differences on the Illinois Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Scale (ILSDS). The second hypothesis explored mean group differences on the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) and the learning disabled group showed a statistically lower mean on their self-ratings of social skills than the regular education group. Neither group showed a significant correlation between loneliness and social skills. Results were discussed in terms of methodological limitations and the need for additional research.

One hundred seventy-nine occupational therapists (OTs) responded to a survey regarding their interests and attitudes toward animal assisted therapy as a treatment modality. It was found that most of the practitioners would be interested in learning more about animal assisted therapy and most felt it is a valid treatment modality to be used by occupational therapists. Furthermore, the most common answer to the question "why would you not be interested in participating in an AAT program," was "I feel I don't know enough about it". It was also found that therapists' most commonly selected patient goals for AAT were in the realm of mental health, whereas the least mentioned goals were more physically based goals. Further, a recommendation was made to educate OTs regarding the uses and benefits of AAT through more research, continuing education programs on AAT, publications in professional journals, and media awareness.

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