Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Title: Music Therapists and Feelings of Clinical Inadequacy
Abstract: Abstract In this narrative analysis, semi-structured interviews occurred with six music therapists to examine their experiences of feelings of clinical inadequacy in music therapy. Five themes with twenty-one subthemes emerged in the data: professional development (i...
Show moreAbstract In this narrative analysis, semi-structured interviews occurred with six music therapists to examine their experiences of feelings of clinical inadequacy in music therapy. Five themes with twenty-one subthemes emerged in the data: professional development (insufficient knowledge, lack of training, lack of experience in field/setting, lack of professional support), workspace issues (lack of knowledge of music therapy by others, feeling like an outsider, unrealistic expectations, unfair comparisons, pressure from unrealistic parental expectations), intrapersonal issues (historical wounds, personal vulnerabilities, personal traits), felt experiences (emotional, psychological, visceral, social, physiological, physical), and coping strategies (honest internal observation, professional vulnerability/humility, and compassion). The findings of this study hold implications for education, supervision, and further music therapy research.
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Year Issued: 2022

Author: Dalessandro, Susan
Sub-title: A Narrative Analysis

Title: Music therapists' experiences working in a setting that values censorship
Abstract: This qualitative study examined the experiences of music therapists that work in an environment that promotes censorship practices. There are several studies that discuss censorship practices across helping professions but few studies within music therapy literature....
Show moreThis qualitative study examined the experiences of music therapists that work in an environment that promotes censorship practices. There are several studies that discuss censorship practices across helping professions but few studies within music therapy literature. Music therapy code of ethics and education stress the importance of self-reflection and recognizing biases for the therapist, however there is minimal information on biases when applying censorship practices. As a helping profession nonmaleficence is emphasized, however there is a paucity of research that includes the relationship between harm and censorship. Additionally, music therapy research and education identifies the need for culturally responsive practices, however have not included censorship and its effects on the therapist and participants in this movement. In this study seven participants engaged in one semi-structured interview to describe their experiences and relationships with self, clients, coworkers and larger institutions when experiencing censorship practices. Results demonstrate three overarching themes of values and beliefs, responses and navigating power in relationships. Each theme had at least three levels which described the experience of the client, therapist, co-workers and institution. These narratives and results suggest the need for continued research and discussion in the music therapy community on harm that may occur through censoring songs and experiences and ethical implications.
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Year Issued: 2023

Author: Boyce, Emily
Sub-title: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Title: Music therapists' perceptions of the effects of tele-music therapy on client access
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: This qualitative focus group study explored how music therapists are understanding and responding to changes in client access since the move toward tele-music therapy spurred by the recent COVID-19 virus outbreak. Coming from a recognition of histories of health acce...
Show moreThis qualitative focus group study explored how music therapists are understanding and responding to changes in client access since the move toward tele-music therapy spurred by the recent COVID-19 virus outbreak. Coming from a recognition of histories of health access disparity for underserved populations, this study also sought music therapists’ perspectives on how specific cultural groups and identities may have been unequally affected in terms of access to tele-music therapy. In this study, a synchronous online focus group discussion was facilitated with six music therapists to explore their perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of tele-music therapy, particularly in terms of client access, and to explore ways these therapists found to respond to any challenges or disparities in access they encountered. Results suggest that music therapists are finding a complex set of both benefits and challenges in terms of their clients accessing tele-music therapy. Four themes with 18 sub-themes were found: challenges/barriers to access (technology challenges, inequities in access, facility- or population-related barriers, safety concerns, challenges of in-home sessions, and hard choices), bridging the barriers (benefits to specific populations, in-home session benefits, bridging distance, and finding solutions), making music in tele-music therapy (music-making challenges, singing, musical instruments and technology, and musical solutions), and the future role of tele-music therapy (hopes and concerns, preparing for the future, and possibilities.) These findings offer recommendations for the continued use of tele-music therapy even beyond the current pandemic. Keywords: telehealth access, barriers to access, underserved populations, COVID-19
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Author: Landes, David

Title: The Music Therapist’s Experience of Conflicting Approaches in the Workplace
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This thesis aimed to explore the lived experiences of music therapists who practice from a different approach than the behavioral setting in which they work. I was interested in whether other music therapists experienced a dissonance that stemmed from conflicting app...
Show moreThis thesis aimed to explore the lived experiences of music therapists who practice from a different approach than the behavioral setting in which they work. I was interested in whether other music therapists experienced a dissonance that stemmed from conflicting approaches in their workplace, as I experienced this dissonance as a new music therapist. After completing an initial interest and demographic survey, nine participants were selected to participate in interviews, where they were asked predetermined questions about their approach to treatment, their facility's approach to treatment, and how they experienced and navigated this conflict. After coding, themes were organized using ATLAS.ti. Five themes emerged: 1) relationships, 2) power dynamics, 3) perceptions, 4) feelings, and 5) bridging approaches. Interpretations of the findings were provided, as well as recommendations for future research and implications for music therapy practice.
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Author: Goodenough, Haylee

Title: Neurologic music therapists' perspectives on neurologic music therapy
Abstract: Limited literature exists providing a critical analysis of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) as a model of music therapy. This qualitative research study, therefore, sought to explore the strengths and weaknesses of NMT, particularly in its approach to disability, throu...
Show moreLimited literature exists providing a critical analysis of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) as a model of music therapy. This qualitative research study, therefore, sought to explore the strengths and weaknesses of NMT, particularly in its approach to disability, through the perspectives of practicing Neurologic Music Therapists. Participants were recruited from the Directory of Current NMT Affiliates, from relevant social media groups, and by referral. Five board-certified music therapists who currently practice NMT or have practiced NMT within the last five years were participants in this research. Data was collected through interviews between the researcher and each participant, in which six discussion prompts were asked. These interviews were recorded and transcribed, after which the researcher utilized inductive coding techniques to uncover prominent themes in the interviews. Six themes emerged in the data. Three themes reflected Neurologic Music Therapists’ perceived areas of strength for NMT as a model: 1) Supported by Empirical Evidence; 2) Client and Caregiver Agency; and 3) Helpful in Addressing Specific Goals. Three themes reflected perceived areas for potential improvement for NMT as a model: 1) Issues with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy and the NMT Training; 2) Ableism in Practice; and 3) Narrow Goal Areas. This study adds information to gaps in the literature and could act as a starting point for further studies exploring the strengths and limitations of NMT. Due to limited representation in the participant group, this researcher would recommend repeating this study with a larger group of participants representing a wider range of identities.
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Year Issued: 2024

Author: Watson, Amanda
Sub-title: areas of strength and areas for potential growth

Title: New elementary school teachers' perceptions of classroom management
Year Issued: 2022

Abstract: New teachers leave their profession at an alarmingly high rate. Though many factors can be contributing to these high attrition rates, new teachers identify classroom management as one of their biggest challenges (Thompson, 2010). Considering this commonly reported c...
Show moreNew teachers leave their profession at an alarmingly high rate. Though many factors can be contributing to these high attrition rates, new teachers identify classroom management as one of their biggest challenges (Thompson, 2010). Considering this commonly reported challenge, this research study sets forth to understand how disruptive behavior in classrooms can impact job satisfaction for new teachers. Furthermore, this research study identifies the perspectives of new elementary school teachers relative to their classroom management, and gain insight into how professional development or training opportunities may impact new elementary school teachers’ perceptions on classroom management. The methodologies used in this study include quantitative and qualitative methods. An online questionnaire with both open-ended and closed-ended questions were completed by participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from the closed-ended responses in the questionnaire, and qualitative data was gathered and grouped into codes, which were then supported by themes. The three major themes that were supported by the data in this study include (a) behavior disruptions that occur in the classroom have a direct impact on new elementary school teachers job satisfaction, (b) the 7 research-based classroom interventions and supports are not all found to be effective for most new elementary school teachers, and (c) training and professional development opportunities to support classroom management are lacking. Results of the data suggest that new elementary school teachers experience behavior disruptions in the classroom that impact overall job satisfaction, and minimal training opportunities are being reported to help support classroom management. Additionally, the 7 research-based classroom management interventions were not all effective for participants. Recommendations for future research include larger sample size. Implications for positive change include increased job satisfaction and higher retention rates among new elementary school teachers.
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Author: Hoffmann, Emily

Title: Overcoming childhood adversity
Abstract: In order to fully realize student-focused trauma-informed care, educational settings must become trauma-informed environments wherein all who are served and all who are employed are supported through trauma-informed care. The purpose of the study was to identify the ...
Show moreIn order to fully realize student-focused trauma-informed care, educational settings must become trauma-informed environments wherein all who are served and all who are employed are supported through trauma-informed care. The purpose of the study was to identify the ways in which adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influenced the work of special education teachers, how they overcame their ACEs, and describe the supports that are necessary to create a trauma-informed environment for them. The literature review revealed the significant toll ACEs have on physical and mental health, as well the social and emotional tone of a classroom. A holistic collective case-study design and narrative analysis was used to evaluate three semi-structured interviews with special education teachers employed in the 2020-2021 school year in southern Pennsylvania. Semi-structured interview transcripts were combined into one composite interview transcript, which served as the data set for analysis. Analysis revealed the following salient themes: special education teachers are called to their work, ACEs created an adulthood awareness childhood struggles, ACEs encouraged connections with students and their families, personal relationships were the key to overcoming ACEs, trauma-informed care is for students only, resilience in the real world, and the division that exists between general education and special education teachers.
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Year Issued: 2021

Author: Whisman, Kristyn
Sub-title: a collective case study of the influence of ACEs on the work of special education teachers

Title: Perceived levels of burnout in public school SLPs
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experience high caseloads and increasing demands on their time. Simultaneously, levels of burnout are increasing across many fields, including education. As burnout rates are increasing, so are the numbers of workers l...
Show moreSchool-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experience high caseloads and increasing demands on their time. Simultaneously, levels of burnout are increasing across many fields, including education. As burnout rates are increasing, so are the numbers of workers leaving specific fields. As of now, there are no studies that explore the level of burnout that school SLPs are facing. Therefore, the aim of this study was do determine these levels, identify the factors contributing to these feelings, and how they impact the potential for SLPs to leave the field. A qualitative study was completed via surveys sent to eligible school-based SLPs. The SLPs were asked to complete an open-ended survey, which would provide a snapshot of the lived experiences of the participants. The results showed that the SLPs that participated are experiencing similar situations, with similar constraints put on their time during work hours. All of the participants report experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, with many experiencing these feelings multiple times per week. The SLPs identified similar factors contributing to their feelings, as well as specific ways administrators could work to fix these problems. The results showed that, while SLPs are experiencing burnout, most are unlikely to leave the school-based sector at this time.
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Author: DeCarlo, Christy Olexa

Title: Perceptions and pragmatics of therapy dog implementation in schools
Year Issued: 2022

Abstract: The benefits of the application of therapy dogs have been well documented. Studies related to therapy dogs have shown success in reducing stress and anxiety, improving behavior and self-esteem, increasing reading scores, promoting socialization and motivation, increa...
Show moreThe benefits of the application of therapy dogs have been well documented. Studies related to therapy dogs have shown success in reducing stress and anxiety, improving behavior and self-esteem, increasing reading scores, promoting socialization and motivation, increasing rates of de-escalation, and helping younger children develop empathy. Common concerns related to the use of therapy dogs have previously been documented. These concerns include child and animal welfare, animal hygiene, zoonotic disease, and fear or cultural differences. Concerns such as these may cause schools to deny the use of therapy dogs in their facilities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine what problems have manifested in schools and how they compare to concerns documented by previous studies. Staff in Pennsylvania schools were surveyed to identify what, if any, problems arose during the implementation of therapy dog programs within their districts, and whether staff perceptions changed after implementation. Results from this study can assist school stakeholders in decision-making and policy development related to therapy dog implementation. Despite problems that have manifested, including those specific to K-12 schools, staff perspectives of therapy dogs became more favorable after implementation.
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Author: Garchinsky, Janet

Title: Perspectives of Music Therapists Working with Sibling Pairs with at Least One who is Neurodivergent
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: This thesis explored music therapists’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working within a sibling structure, with at least one sibling identifying as neurodivergent. This research adds to the literature by contributing the perspectives of music therapists...
Show moreThis thesis explored music therapists’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working within a sibling structure, with at least one sibling identifying as neurodivergent. This research adds to the literature by contributing the perspectives of music therapists that work within this framework. Data was analyzed from two participants who completed a semi-structured interview focused on their experiences engaging in this work. Five primary themes emerged in the data: 1) training, 2) goal work, 3) session space, 4) therapist role, and 5) family. Overall, both participants shared similar experiences with their clients. The findings showed that music therapy is beneficial when working with siblings. However, due to the lack of research and minimal research participants, more research needs to be conducted in order to fully support these findings.
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Author: Auty, Rebecca

Title: Perspectives of special education teachers on students with disabilities in an inclusive setting
Abstract: In this study, the educational discussion focused on inclusion, methods for teaching in inclusive classrooms, and positive aspects of inclusion for academic growth. Also studied were the perspectives of special education teachers on students with disabilities in an i...
Show moreIn this study, the educational discussion focused on inclusion, methods for teaching in inclusive classrooms, and positive aspects of inclusion for academic growth. Also studied were the perspectives of special education teachers on students with disabilities in an inclusion setting. Inclusion in public school districts is a very debated and sensitive subject that has been controversial for many years. Inclusion denotes the education of students with disabilities and students that do not have disabilities in the same classroom setting. The data collected from this study was analyzed using measures of central tendency, specifically the mode and percentages and the chi-square test of independence. Data analysis was conducted to determine the perspectives of special education teachers on the controversy of inclusion practices for students with disabilities in two separate clusters, grades K-3 and 4-6, respectively. The qualitative analysis results revealed the presence of two main themes regarding teacher attitudes on inclusion: (a) Risks of inclusion are special education student lack of success, increased burden on teachers, and class disruptions; and (b) Inclusion can benefit all students. Results of the quantitative analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between years spent in a special education environment and teacher inclusion attitudes. These results suggest that teachers’ views on inclusion are varied and are not significantly influenced by their years of experiences teaching in a special education environment. Recommendations for future research include changes to the study design and data collection techniques. Implications for positive social change include increased teacher confidence, diverse learning opportunities for all students, and the potential for a positive shift in societal beliefs about special education student capabilities and the benefits of inclusion.
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Year Issued: 2021

Author: Carlisle, Ronald Steven
Sub-title: a comparative analysis

Title: A phenomenological qualitative inquiry : assistive technology use or discontinued use in the school setting
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: This phenomenological qualitative inquiry was designed to explore the phenomenon of using assistive technology (AT) or putting AT “on the shelf” in the school setting. The purpose of this study was to identify factors involved in educators’ use or discontinued use AT...
Show moreThis phenomenological qualitative inquiry was designed to explore the phenomenon of using assistive technology (AT) or putting AT “on the shelf” in the school setting. The purpose of this study was to identify factors involved in educators’ use or discontinued use AT in the school setting. The researcher wanted to learn more about educator efficacy with implementing AT and interviewed 10 participants of various stakeholder roles in the AT decision-making process. Participants shared their insight through one of two options: a live interview or a written questionnaire. Key findings were generated through emergent themes from the sample’s responses. Findings indicated that participants used AT continuously when there was buy-in from IEP team members. AT was discontinued by this sample due to lack of buy-in and challenges with the technology. Further research stemming from this study includes the exploration of instructional coaching as an approach to support educators with the use of AT in the school setting.
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Author: Bittner, Kendra

Title: A phenomenological study of public high school inclusive extracurricular opportunities
Abstract: Special educators, school leaders and parents across the nation are exploring the benefits of inclusive opportunities for high school students with and without disabilities. Peer Mediated Intervention (PMI) is a long-standing literature-backed set of teaching procedu...
Show moreSpecial educators, school leaders and parents across the nation are exploring the benefits of inclusive opportunities for high school students with and without disabilities. Peer Mediated Intervention (PMI) is a long-standing literature-backed set of teaching procedures and models that promote prosocial development in individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Although PMI literature includes benefits to typical peers, little to no information exists specific to the high school and young adult population. The present study gathers qualitative interview data from four parent participants to gain authentic feedback about the takeaways for their typical high school student from their perspective. Many positive implications were uncovered in the thematic coding and data analysis process. Positive implications for peers can be utilized as support for the development and maintenance of future inclusive extracurricular activities in public high schools. Discussion around the findings of the study provide school leaders with clear and concise examples of this support, including but not limited to: increase in personal self-worth and empathy, college and career readiness opportunities, and community acceptance carryover.
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Year Issued: 2019

Author: Rachel Ann Pasquerilla
Sub-title: perspectives of parents of neurotypical students

Title: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Special Education Teachers and Supervisors Providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education for Student-Inmates Housed in Restricted Housing Units
Year Issued: 2025

Abstract: Abstract The last few years have seen an increased interest in the effectiveness of special education services for student-inmates with disabilities housed in restrictive housing units (RHUs) for a minimum of 22 hours per day but “few studies have examined the comple...
Show moreAbstract The last few years have seen an increased interest in the effectiveness of special education services for student-inmates with disabilities housed in restrictive housing units (RHUs) for a minimum of 22 hours per day but “few studies have examined the complexities associated with restrictive housing” (Butler, Solomon, and Spohn, 2018, p. 1174). These student-inmates are placed in RHU’s for disciplinary reasons, medical precautions, mental health evaluations, plus other underlying variables depending on the policies of each correctional facility. This purpose of this research study was to better understand how special education teachers and special education supervisors provided a FAPE for student-inmates housed in RHUs with little to no time out of their cell and limited instructional hours due to prison policies that exclude them from attending live instruction. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with in-depth one-to-one interviews was applied to the lived experiences of the participants who provide special education services to student-inmates housed in RHUs at county prisons. State and federal prisons were excluded from this student because the researcher wanted to solely focus on county prisons. The researcher used a small sample size for the structured interviews but recruited participants from different county prisons across the state. The participants included three special education teachers and three special education supervisors. Three common themes emerged after analyzing the data: (1) the use of cell-study packets for RHU student-inmates was a replacement at institutions where access to live instruction was prohibited, (2) safety and security policies that amplified institutional barriers superseded student-inmates educational rights, and (3) access to educational programming was immeasurably different between non-RHU student-inmates and RHU student-inmates. The findings of this study had an overarching theme that participants continually acknowledged how institutional barriers severely limited their ability to provide a good quality education for RHU student-inmates. It is critical that future research on this topic expand upon the understanding of how low-quality secondary education programs at prisons has the potential to thwart the legal obligations of providing a FAPE. The implication is that low quality education programming is recognized throughout correctional facilities, but the focus is primarily on adult education while the delivery of appropriate special education services is overlooked.
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Author: Smith, Chad

Title: Potentials and barriers to culturally responsive music therapy education
Abstract: Abstract This qualitative focus group study explored perceptions of potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness in music therapy education. Music therapy literature calls for an increase in culturally informed music therapy practice. However, despite cultural ...
Show moreAbstract This qualitative focus group study explored perceptions of potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness in music therapy education. Music therapy literature calls for an increase in culturally informed music therapy practice. However, despite cultural considerations present in music therapy professional competencies, there are no standards for culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Simultaneously, there has been an acknowledgment in the music therapy literature of challenges to culturally responsive practices, such as the homogeneous, privileged identities dominant in music therapy's professional demographics, compounded by the privileging of Western classical music in music therapy education. In this exploratory study, an online focus group discussion was facilitated with seven music therapy educators to explore their perspectives on the definition of culturally responsive education, their reflective evaluations of their pedagogical practices, their perspectives on how standards of music therapy education inform and/or hinder the ability to foster cultural responsiveness, and their respective outlooks on how potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness are impacting education, research, theory, and practice. Results demonstrated that educators who value cultural responsiveness believe it is being overlooked in the field of music therapy. Six themes with 34 sub-themes were found: defining cultural responsiveness (stances of humility, self-awareness, continual and constant attention, knowledge of systems of power, self-critique, process, accountability, skills), relevance to clinical practice (ethical responsibility, effect on the therapeutic relationship, effective versus ineffective practice), approaches in education (dedicated course work, infused throughout the program, gradually increasing depth, beyond the classroom, from the beginning, dialogical over technical, experiential learning), preparedness (personal/professional growth practice, training for supervisors and faculty, staying informed), institutional attitudes (the need for changing attitudes, the field is improving, superficiality, the burden on marginalized faculty, commitment to social justice, support from administration), and barriers (Eurocentricity, lack of diversity, AMTA, jam-packed program, no specific training, the need for research). These findings offer recommendations for how the field of music therapy approaches cultural responsiveness in our training programs.
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Year Issued: 2019

Author: Bain, Candice
Sub-title: Perspectives of music therapy educators

Title: PRESCHOOL TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON IMPLEMENTING PBIS WITH FIDELITY
Abstract: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, multi-tiered framework aimed at supporting preventive and intervention practices, promoting social-emotional skills, and improving academic outcomes for all students. Program-Wide Positive Beha...
Show morePositive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, multi-tiered framework aimed at supporting preventive and intervention practices, promoting social-emotional skills, and improving academic outcomes for all students. Program-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PWPBIS), an adaptation of PBIS for early childhood programs, emphasizes promoting social-emotional skills and implementing preventive strategies to reduce challenging behaviors. Although PBIS is widely researched and validated, there is limited research on implementing PBIS with fidelity, especially within preschool settings. This case study aimed to examine preschool classrooms and assess how teachers' perspectives influence effective PBIS implementation. Data were collected through in-depth, open-ended interviews on PWPBIS and analyzed thematically to identify both key themes and barriers to successful implementation. The main themes that emerged included teachers’ attitudes and perceptions, collaborative support systems, professional development training, staff buy-in, and perceptions of observations. Notable barriers included a lack of staff buy-in, insufficient professional development, misapplications of PBIS, persistent challenging behaviors, and limited support systems. These findings highlight the critical need for staff buy-in, consistent support, and ongoing professional development to sustain PBIS implementation with fidelity.
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Year Issued: 2024

Author: Shuttleworth, Madelyn
Sub-title: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

Title: Preventing abandonment of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for students with autism : parent perspectives for successful implementation
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the perspectives of parents of students with ASD who use high-tech AAC in educational settings. Although the use of AAC in school settings has been studied, research has not narrowed its scope to focus on children w...
Show moreThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the perspectives of parents of students with ASD who use high-tech AAC in educational settings. Although the use of AAC in school settings has been studied, research has not narrowed its scope to focus on children with ASD who use high-tech speech generating devices (SGDs) and receive special education services in school settings. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, this study aims to create an initial framework for successful implementation of AAC for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A mixed methods design was chosen for this study. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were utilized to test the theory that ease of use, device usefulness, and ease of learning the AAC technology positively influence parent satisfaction. Transcripts from semi-structured interviews were manually coded to identify qualitative themes related to parent satisfaction with their childrenâ€™s AAC devices. Three qualitative themes emerged: parents feel like they are not equal members of the IEP team, parents act as self-advocates, and parents have difficulty trusting the recommendations made by the school team. Quantitative data analyses revealed a strong positive correlation between ease of use and satisfaction, ease of learning and satisfaction, and usability and satisfaction. Triangulation of data through qualitative analysis confirm that satisfaction is related to ease of use, ease of learning, and usability of the high-tech AAC device. Future studies should investigate parent perspectives that lead to abandonment of speech generating devices in different regions of the United States and across underrepresented groups. In addition, preservice programs in special education and speech-language pathology should be studied in order to determine the extent to which students entering the field have been taught to engage in family-centered practice. Finally, future research should investigate strategies that lead to successful implementation of speech generating devices with children with ASD.
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Author: Lake, Sheri

Title: Principals' perspectives in determining the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania schools
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: his research was conducted to determine the perspectives of principals in determining the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. When principals are placed into the role of Local Education Agency (LEA) they are part of the decision-making proce...
Show morehis research was conducted to determine the perspectives of principals in determining the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. When principals are placed into the role of Local Education Agency (LEA) they are part of the decision-making process for determining the least restrictive environment (LRE) for individuals with disabilities in their schools. This research focused on the perceptions and attitudes that the principals have as it relates to special education. The research utilized a two-part investigation. For the first part, principals were asked to answer questions related to demographic data and educational experiences. Then, were asked a series of questions related to their attitudes toward inclusionary practices. Principals were then asked several hypothetical questions related to determining the LRE for students with disabilities. In the second part of the research, participants engaged in a face to face virtual interview that asked a series of questions related to their role as the LEA in their school and the perspectives that each principal had in relations to determining the LRE for students with disabilities. The results of the research indicated that principals lack the fundamental capacity to fully understand special education and its implications. The research showed and overwhelming need for in-depth professional development in the area of special education for principals as it relates to leading their schools and special education population. The need to build capacity to lead initiatives such as inclusion within their school is imperative in moving forward to ensure that individuals with special needs are educated in the LRE.
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Author: Maines, Brandon

Title: Providing tier 2 math interventions within core instruction
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: In 2004 the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was reauthorized allowing states to use various models to determine Specific Learning Disability. The thought behind allowing schools and districts to use other models besides the discrepancy model involved the ...
Show moreIn 2004 the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was reauthorized allowing states to use various models to determine Specific Learning Disability. The thought behind allowing schools and districts to use other models besides the discrepancy model involved the overidentification of Specific Learning Disabilities in students. One of the models stated in the reauthorization was Responsiveness to Intervention, RtI. Throughout the country, different models of RtI have been used and embraced by schools and districts. In PA, the decision to use RtI for SLD determination is up to each school and district. In the past ten years, RtI has is now part of a framework called Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). It is a systemic, constant improvement framework where data-based problem solving using benchmark and other assessments to make decisions is used to determine the needs of all students. RtI is part of that process. As more and more schools incorporate MTSS and RtI, this study seeks to examine the impact on student benchmark assessment scores when RtI is used within math core classrooms. This study also included an examination of the influence of professional development on teacher efficacy, including understanding all of the components of RtI, benchmark assessments, small group instruction, and evidence-based interventions. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative methods included analysis of data from the Acadience benchmark assessment scores for 2nd grade students from three elementary schools. Data involved fall, winter, and spring assessment scores. The qualitative portion included interviews with teachers who attended the professional development training offered by the researcher and subsequent iterative analysis of interview transcripts and field notes. The results did not provide evidence that targeted professional development had an impact on student achievement. Students benchmark scores did not improve significantly from the winter to the spring. Only one teacher made a growth over the expected growth that was projected. Analysis of the teacher interviews indicates that teachers varied in their perception of professional development. Discussion of the findings and implications for further research are included.
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Author: Diane Pauli

Title: A qualitative research study on the impact of administrative support and access to culturally responsive tools among teachers serving at-risk populations
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This qualitative research study analyzed open-ended survey responses from teachers and administrators regarding perceptions of the support administrators provide for culturally responsive practices and addressing the needs of at-risk and underserved populations. For ...
Show moreThis qualitative research study analyzed open-ended survey responses from teachers and administrators regarding perceptions of the support administrators provide for culturally responsive practices and addressing the needs of at-risk and underserved populations. For purposes of this research study, the teacher group included educators who have an impact on the day-to-day functions within the classroom environment: paraprofessionals, assistants, and related service providers. Building-level principals, assistant principals, and central office administration including superintendent, assistant superintendent, curriculum supervisor, and special education supervisor(s) were included in the administrator group. Responses from both groups were reviewed separately and comparatively to determine whether there were similarities and differences between teachers’ perceptions of the supports provided by administrators and administrators’ perceptions of the supports they provide. Qualitative data were reviewed and evaluated to provide an analysis aligned with the study’s research questions. Participants were from a diverse group of professionals across Pennsylvania. Survey responses maintained full confidentiality of the participants for protection from any potential negative consequences or outcomes from their participation in the research project. A comprehensive review of the literature was completed to provide comparative data to complement the study results and analysis of individual survey responses. The overall outcome of the study is dependent on and limited based on the participant sample size and diversity of the participant environments. Keywords: administrator, confidential, correlation, culturally responsive, diversity, hand-coding, survey-based perception, participant, professional development, qualitative research study, retention, support, systematic inequalities, teacher
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Author: Smith, M. Glynnes