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Title: A correlational study
Year Issued: 2023

Author: Locke, Danelle
Sub-title: Kindergarten readiness and third grade state assessment scores within Title I and non-Title I schools

Title: Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1992)
Year Created: 1992

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1992)
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1994)
Year Created: 1994

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1994)
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1995)
Year Created: 1995

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Craig Kanges Publicity Photograph (1995)
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Creating a trauma informed school
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a social-emotional learning (SEL) resource in kindergarten through grade 4 classrooms on creating a trauma-sensitive school. One tenet of supporting a trauma-sensitive and informed school is the utilization of ...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a social-emotional learning (SEL) resource in kindergarten through grade 4 classrooms on creating a trauma-sensitive school. One tenet of supporting a trauma-sensitive and informed school is the utilization of a social-emotional resource. The resource entitled In Focus authored by Thomas McSheehy MSW, LSW was implemented in general education classrooms for 45 school days. Prior to the implementation of the resource, a qualitative survey was provided to participating teachers to determine previous knowledge of trauma-informed schools and social-emotional learning. This information would be further used to support professional development needs of educators in the participating district to support students that have been impacted by traumatic events. During the 45 days, weekly professional development meetings were conducted with the study group that focused on equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide a trauma-sensitive environment. At the conclusion of the 45 day study, an electronic qualitative survey was provided to the participants to confirm or refute the success of the selected social-emotional resource, In Focus. iv The research questions examined during the study included: 1. Prior to this study what training or professional development did Kindergarten-Grade 4 teachers participate in related to trauma-informed schools? 2. After nine weeks of incorporating a daily social-emotional learning resource, what impact was evidenced in the classroom community? 3. After implementing a social-emotional learning resource, and attending the weekly professional development meetings, what specific skills, knowledge, and/or strategies do Kindergarten-Grade 4 teachers feel the most confident to implement in their classrooms? 4. After attending the weekly professional development meetings and evening professional development event, at what level will K-4 teachers feel prepared to deliver a social-emotional learning resource to students? This study contributes to the research in the area of supporting students that have experienced traumatic events and the teachers that support them. Further, it outlines the needs of the participating teachers in the district relating to past and future professional development opportunities around the topic of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed and sensitive schools. An electronic survey was conducted to gather feedback on the areas of the resource that participating teachers determined to be both successful and not helpful to their classroom community. Additionally, teachers provided a comparison of social-emotional competencies that they observed in their students as compared to prior observations to the resource implementation.
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Year Issued: 2022

Author: Doyle, Kristen
Sub-title: a study of the implementation of a social-emotional learning resource

Title: Critical analysis of classroom management issues within early childhood classrooms
Year Issued: 2018

Abstract: Classroom management has been the topic of many research studies in the past (Anderson & Kinaid, 2005; Carter & Pool, 2012; Chu, 2015; Ersozlu & Cacyi, 2016; Evertson, 1989; Grining, et al., 2010; Ritz et al., 2014). The purpose of this study was to examine what earl...
Show moreClassroom management has been the topic of many research studies in the past (Anderson & Kinaid, 2005; Carter & Pool, 2012; Chu, 2015; Ersozlu & Cacyi, 2016; Evertson, 1989; Grining, et al., 2010; Ritz et al., 2014). The purpose of this study was to examine what early childhood teachers regarded as disruptive behaviors, what strategies were used to manage said behaviors, and the usefulness of using said strategies. All participants in this research were currently teaching in a Head Start or Pre-K classroom. To collect data for this study, a mixed method study was conducted. A quantitative survey was conducted to gather information on the types of classroom management strategies that were used and the frequency and usefulness of said strategy. To gather qualitative data for this study, four open-ended questions were asked at the beginning of the survey to gather more in-depth answers from teachers on classroom management. The participants interviewed for this study were certified teachers who were employed as early childhood teachers located in Western Pennsylvania. The interviews occurred during the 2017-2018 school year. Results from this study included five main findings. First, it was determined that disruptive behaviors vary between early childhood classrooms and that teachers would benefit from learning classroom management strategies that focus on managing a range of behaviors. Second, lack of knowledge in the time and consistency it takes to shape behaviors leads to teachers not committing to research-based classroom management techniques. Third, teachers have not had enough training in using research-based classroom management techniques for those techniques to be considered useful and effective in their classroom. Fourth, teachers need additional support within their classroom to better meet the needs of diverse learners. Finally, when specific research-based teaching strategies were used frequently, teachers found them to be very useful. Findings suggest that early childhood teachers would benefit and are in need of additional trainings in how to use research-based classroom management techniques to manage disruptive behaviors.
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Author: Reed, Cybill

Title: Dan Hamlin Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1993

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Dan Hamlin Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Dave Wopat Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1990

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Dave Wopat Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: David Kaye Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1993

Abstract: Digitized copy of the David Kaye Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: David Naster Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1995

Abstract: Digitized copy of the David Naster Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: The Development of a Reflective Wellness Self-Assessment for Music Therapists
Year Issued: 2019

Abstract: The inspiration behind developing a reflective wellness self-assessment tool for music therapists came from the rationale that 1) burnout is an ethical issue that is prevalent in our profession and 2) no other tool which encourages therapist self-reflection on this i...
Show moreThe inspiration behind developing a reflective wellness self-assessment tool for music therapists came from the rationale that 1) burnout is an ethical issue that is prevalent in our profession and 2) no other tool which encourages therapist self-reflection on this issue exists in the field of music therapy. In an effort to create a unique tool that is relevant to the uniqueness of the profession, this self-assessment resource was based on pre-existing research and literature specific to music therapists and their experiences of burnout and burnout prevention. The development of this tool involved four phases: 1) an extensive investigation and organization of music therapy literature regarding personal and professional wellness; 2) the development of the wellness self-assessment tool based on the results found in the literature; 3) an evaluation process of the self-assessment by advanced and student music therapy professionals; and 4) an examination of the evaluation results and making changes to the assessment based on those results. In addition to their questions and suggestions that contributed to changes made to the assessment, the evaluators also identified multiple uses of the wellness self-assessment for music therapists, such as: bringing results into individual, group, or peer supervision; administering it to interns and students; completing it at regular intervals (i.e. 5-year re-certification); using it for future research on music therapy burnout; and incorporating it into the music therapy curriculum. The evaluators also indicated that the strengths of the wellness self-assessment tool were that it is specific to the field of music therapy, it is holistic and comprehensive, and it inspires critical and valuable self-reflection. The Wellness Self-Assessment for Music Therapists has ethical implications and is designed to be a preventative resource that promotes self-awareness, self-reflection, and overall wellness for the music therapist’s personal and professional self.
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Author: Chambers, Janelle

Title: Dub Squad Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1993

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Dub Squad Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Earth Tones Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1996

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Earth Tones Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Educating the severely disabled medically complex child
Abstract: This study examines the perspectives of parents who have children with severe and profound disabilities and medically complex conditions. Children have the right to a free and appropriate public education. However, when faced with extremely significant physical, cogn...
Show moreThis study examines the perspectives of parents who have children with severe and profound disabilities and medically complex conditions. Children have the right to a free and appropriate public education. However, when faced with extremely significant physical, cognitive, and medical deficits, quality of life plays a central role in determining the least restrictive environment for their education to take place. In this qualitative single case study research design, parent participants were interviewed to gain their perspective based on the conceptual framework that incorporates school options, barriers and resources, parent support, and quality of life. Data from interview transcripts were coded leveraging thematic analysis. Four major themes were found, and conclusions were developed by weaving evidence from the interviews and literature. Results revealed the importance of education, the importance of quality of life, giving the child what he or she needs, and finding the support needed to raise a child with severe and profound disabilities and medically complex conditions. These findings indicate that all stakeholders play a positive role in fostering more inclusive and equitable educational practices. This includes supporting educational programs, ensuring access to specialized schools or medical care, promoting social opportunities, advocating for vulnerable students, and acting with empathy, thereby shaping the policies and frameworks that guide special education.
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Year Issued: 2024

Author: Grassmyer, Cassie
Sub-title: A case study on parent perspectives

Title: Effective professional development implementation and the outcome on student progress
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: Professional development is a topic that has been researched in length. Researchers have spent time determining the most effective practices to increase student achievement. Although the research exists studies show professional development is still not consistently ...
Show moreProfessional development is a topic that has been researched in length. Researchers have spent time determining the most effective practices to increase student achievement. Although the research exists studies show professional development is still not consistently effective. Teacher’s views have been shown to contribute to the ineffectiveness of professional development practices. There is a need to determine what teachers’ opinions are as far as what professional development practices are useful for them within the classroom and what adaptations they make to these professional developments to use them in their classroom or with a particular group of students they serve. The study will be organized by the following central ideas: teachers’ views of professional development, teachers' views of professional development and the effect on student outcomes, what re-inventions participants made, and the effect re-inventions had on student outcomes. This study's purpose is to apply Roger’s Diffusion Theory to present professional development and determine student outcomes based on how the teacher views and re-invents professional development. The study uses mixed-method research to collect data and analyze results. The study results showed there was a positive correlation between re-invention and student outcomes. Based on the size of the sample, no conclusion on the effect of professional development on student outcomes could be made. The major theme of the study is the need for professionals to be adaptable and sustainable. The study highlights the need for the administration to have a plan of sustainability for each of the professional development trainings presented to teachers. Future research on the topic should be large-scale and include longitudinal studies.
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Author: Decker, Alison

Title: Effectiveness of a summer intervention program on improving kindergarten readiness in at-risk students
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: While a wealth of knowledge exists supporting the need for early intervention in improving kindergarten readiness, very few programs have offered an evidence-based solution to providing remediation for at-risk children demonstrating weak academic or social readiness ...
Show moreWhile a wealth of knowledge exists supporting the need for early intervention in improving kindergarten readiness, very few programs have offered an evidence-based solution to providing remediation for at-risk children demonstrating weak academic or social readiness skills during the kindergarten registration process. Often, children who are identifies as having weak readiness skills at kindergarten registration will need to wait until school begins in the fall to receive intervention, putting students further at-risk for school failure. The United Way of Mercer County’s Success By 6™ program offers a 6-week intervention for students identified during registration as having poor readiness skills. This study determined the effectiveness of Success By 6™ on improving both academic and social readiness skills deemed necessary for school success. A total of 216 students completed the Kindergarten Readiness Test at the beginning and the end of the program. Teachers also rated students’ social emotional learning using the Social Skills Improvement System Social Emotional Learning Progress Monitoring Scales. Results from paired sample t-tests indicated a statistically significant improvement in students’ academic readiness, t(215) = 16.58 p < .001, after completing the program. Students also made statistically significant gains in social emotional skills needed for kindergarten readiness, t(231) = 22.13, p < .001, after participating in the program. Both calculations revealed large effect sizes (d = 1.13 and 1.45, respectively). Implications of this research can effect social change at local, state, and federal levels in order to expand evidence-based practices in early childhood education.
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Author: Billak, Nicole

Title: Effectiveness of inclusion in K-12 schools on students' academic performance
Abstract: Students with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. With this mandate inclusionary practices are expected to be implemented into school districts nationwide. Inclusion is defined in many ways making it di...
Show moreStudents with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. With this mandate inclusionary practices are expected to be implemented into school districts nationwide. Inclusion is defined in many ways making it difficult for educators to effectively educated diverse students. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study sought to understand how inclusion impacts the learning of all students. Twelve participants were used in this study that included general education teachers, special education teachers, and administrators. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which each participant. The results of this study conclude that many educators feel unprepared to educate diverse classrooms and uneducated on special education regulations. A recommendation for future research is to evaluate the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs. Finally, there is a need for more professional development and training in the area of special education for educators.
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Year Issued: 2023

Author: Confair, Angela
Sub-title: a qualitative study

Title: The effects of an interactive online learning platform on second-grade students' mathematics performance
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to surface, educational deficits are the main concern for many educators across the United States. Research has spelled out various effects the global pandemic and remote learning has had on families, especially childr...
Show moreAs the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to surface, educational deficits are the main concern for many educators across the United States. Research has spelled out various effects the global pandemic and remote learning has had on families, especially children and their academic progress. Regardless of the cause, educators are planning their approach on how to fill the educational gaps presented to them to ensure all students achieve academic success. While utilizing a single subject criterion changing quantitative methodology, the purpose of this study was to identify whether IXL Learning was a successful intervention for second-grade students demonstrating a need for remediation of place value skills, as measured by researcher-created, curriculum-based weekly assessments. Data shows a slight increase in weekly researcher-created, curriculum-based assessments centering around place value skills, a large number of exposed place value questions for each student, and a slight increase in place value scores. However, a general pattern of criterion shifting was not found while utilizing IXL Learning as an interventional practice. It is recommended that a blended educational approach with various components be utilized for instructing place value concepts at the second-grade level.
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Author: Swartzfager, Alyssa

Title: Effects of an iPad as a prompting device on increasing independence skills in elementary students with autism spectrum disorder
Year Issued: 2017

Abstract: Students with autism spectrum disorder can experience challenges in acquiring the necessary adaptive skills to successfully transition out of high school. These challenges can prevent them from achieving independence, making them reliant on adults for everyday tasks ...
Show moreStudents with autism spectrum disorder can experience challenges in acquiring the necessary adaptive skills to successfully transition out of high school. These challenges can prevent them from achieving independence, making them reliant on adults for everyday tasks and having a restrictive impact on their level of involvement in their school and community. Current research is exploring the use of iPads as prompting tools on the acquisition of adaptive skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, specifically with individuals at the middle and high school level (Bouck, Savage, Meyer, Taber-Doughty, & Hunley, 2014; Gardner & Wolfe, 2015; Plavnick, Sam, Hume, & Odom, 2013). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an iPad with the FileMaker app to promote independence skills by presenting daily living tasks through video and static picture prompting to third through sixth grade students with autism. A multiple probe design was utilized across three daily living skills and replicated across four participants to determine the effectiveness of an iPad with the FileMaker app as a prompting tool. Results indicate that participants could select a desired prompt type and that some participants could self-prompt through task steps for various skills without adult intervention. All participants were able to decrease the mean percentage of steps completed independently correct from the initial probe phase to the iPad intervention phase. In addition, participants were able to maintain high levels of performance in follow-up and maintenance probes.
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Author: Stephanie M. Hindman

Title: The effects of cooking independence on high school life skill students
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: Funding for schools is historically always an issue. It is increasingly such an issue that schools have been taking away funding for practical arts classes such as cooking classes and allotting the money towards other academic areas. That change in funding ends up sh...
Show moreFunding for schools is historically always an issue. It is increasingly such an issue that schools have been taking away funding for practical arts classes such as cooking classes and allotting the money towards other academic areas. That change in funding ends up shutting down practical arts classes causing a loss of skills that students need to know for adulthood. Practical Arts classes specifically cooking classes can be beneficial for students placed in the life skills classroom because it allows them to increase their functional academics, and social interactions. These classes help build their self-esteem while integrating sensory skills as well as teaching health and nutrition, and the ever most important transition to adulthood skills also known as independence. It is imperative that practical arts classes are fully funded to not only meet the needs of students while in class but to but to increase their skills for independence and daily living.
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Author: Capuano, Meredith