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Title: Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract: Electronic Theses and Dissertations completed by Slippery Rock University Students.

Title: Elon Gold Publicity Photograph
Year Created: 1991

Abstract: Digitized copy of the Elon Gold Publicity Photograph
Sub-title: Xtremes Publicity Photograph Collection

Title: Embodied Speech Through Song
Abstract: Through queer autoethnography (i.e., queerly telling stories), I have explored the beginning development of a gender affirming voicework method within music therapy, informed by my personal experiences of seeking a more affirming voice for myself as a nonbinary trans...
Show moreThrough queer autoethnography (i.e., queerly telling stories), I have explored the beginning development of a gender affirming voicework method within music therapy, informed by my personal experiences of seeking a more affirming voice for myself as a nonbinary trans person, specifically doing this through my singing voice. This was further informed by literature from the fields of speech-language pathology, vocal pedagogy, and music therapy. This method will potentially provide a uniquely holistic space, working with the physical voice in terms of working on gendered behavioral changes and healthy vocal habits; the psychological voice in terms of supporting the emotional relationship that a person has with their voice, body, and Self; and the body in terms of encouraging relaxation and groundedness as well as working with the ways a person expresses/relates to their voice, body, and Self. In attempts to ignite a conversation around the possibilities of gender-based work within music therapy for trans, nonbinary, and cis individuals, I share my experiences of engaging in gender affirming voicework. Although this voicework is likely relevant to all individuals, it is perhaps more pertinent for trans and nonbinary folk. This is reflected throughout my autoethnography.
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Year Issued: 2019

Author: Gumble, Maevon
Sub-title: A Queer Autoethnographic Exploration of Gender Affirming Voicework in Music Therapy

Title: Embodying the Black/African-American experience through collaborative improvised music and dance/movement
Abstract: This thesis is the dissemination of the findings of an arts-based research study exploring the collaborative improvised music and improvised dance/movement on the experience of being embodied as Black. The overall aim was to explore the interpersonal and intrapersona...
Show moreThis thesis is the dissemination of the findings of an arts-based research study exploring the collaborative improvised music and improvised dance/movement on the experience of being embodied as Black. The overall aim was to explore the interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences of one Black/African American musician and one Black/African American dancer engaging in a collaborative creative process focusing on the experience of being embodied as Black. This study grew out of my own experiences when engaging in collaborative improvised music and collaborative dance exploring my racial identity. Participants were chosen through convenience sampling. Data was collected through video recording the collaborative improvised music and dance/movement collaborative experience, written responses to questions about the experience, and through a group discussion. Participants were asked to write down their feelings, thoughts, sensations, imagery, memories, perceptions of cultural aesthetics, interpersonal dynamics, intrapersonal dynamics, and any transpersonal experiences immediately after the experience. Cultural dynamics were explored individually and relationally. Questions posed were centered around connection/disconnection, shifts in power, being in the moment, perceived interpretations of what contributed to the overall collaborative engagement, and perceptions of cultural aesthetics. A poem was created from the themes and subthemes collected from the data. Member checking was utilized for the accuracy of the representation of the participants’ collaborative experience. To authentically represent the essence of the participants’ narratives through music and dance, a multimedia arts reflection of their expressions of being Black in the United States was cultivated. Themes of 1) resilience, 2) resistance, 3) Black aesthetics, 4) spirituality 5) connection, 6) trauma, 7) subjugation/oppression, and 8) Black power emerged in the data and are discussed in the context of individual and collaborative Black experiences. Implications for the practice of music therapy will be addressed.
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Year Issued: 2021

Author: Martin, Tatyana
Sub-title: implications for the practice of music therapy

Title: Evanoski, Walter Interview Audio
Year Created: 1994

Abstract: Audio recording of the interview of Walter Evanoski.
Sub-title: Baseball in Pennsylvania Oral History Collection

Title: An Evening of Choral Music

Year Created: 2022
Sub-title: Uniqueness in Unison

Title: An Evening of Choral Music

Year Created: 2022
Sub-title: Uniqueness in Unison

Title: Evenoski, Walter Interview Transcript
Year Created: 1994

Abstract: Transcript of the interview of Walter Evenoski on November 20, 1994.
Sub-title: Baseball in Pennsylvania Oral History Collection

Title: An Examination of Elementary School Librarians' Self-efficacy Beliefs in Serving Students with Disabilities
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-efficacy beliefs of elementary school librarians in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in the library classroom. Quantitative methods were used through the administration of a survey instrument previo...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the self-efficacy beliefs of elementary school librarians in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in the library classroom. Quantitative methods were used through the administration of a survey instrument previously developed and implemented in general classrooms (Dawson & Scott, 2013). The instrument evaluated five factors potentially impacting self-efficacy: (a) instruction, (b) professionalism, (c) teacher support, (d) classroom management, and (e) related duties. The theoretical framework outlined for the study was based upon Bandura (1977). As the work of Bandura focuses on perceptions, the survey instrument asked participants to rank their perceived abilities on 14 initial constructs and the five factors listed above. Participants (n=35) were recruited through a listserv designed for school librarians (K-12) within Pennsylvania. Due to the small sample size (n=35), Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized for data analysis. (Hair et al., 2017). Findings showed each of the five manifest variables captured in the survey instrument impacted elementary librarians’ perceptions yet the analysis of these factors as one body, the Higher Order Construct (HOC) was statistically significant. In using the PATH Model function of PLS-SEM, analysis showed that instruction, professionalism, and classroom management were statistically significant independently but HOC demonstrated greater significance. The study found that 50% of participants had a mean score of 4 or higher on the Likert scale used within the survey, indicating an overall average of participants having "some ability" or higher demonstrated lower levels of self-efficacy in meeting the needs of students with disabilities.
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Author: Jessica Jordan

Title: An examination of elementary school librarians' self-efficacy beliefs in serving students with disabilities
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-efficacy beliefs of elementary school librarians in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in the library classroom. Quantitative methods were used through the administration of a survey instrument previo...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the self-efficacy beliefs of elementary school librarians in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in the library classroom. Quantitative methods were used through the administration of a survey instrument previously developed and implemented in general classrooms (Dawson & Scott, 2013). The instrument evaluated five factors potentially impacting self-efficacy: (a) instruction, (b) professionalism, (c) teacher support, (d) classroom management, and (e) related duties. The theoretical framework outlined for the study was based upon Bandura (1977). As the work of Bandura focuses on perceptions, the survey instrument asked participants to rank their perceived abilities on 14 initial constructs and the five factors listed above. Participants (n=35) were recruited through a listserv designed for school librarians (K-12) within Pennsylvania. Due to the small sample size (n=35), Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized for data analysis. (Hair et al., 2017). Findings showed each of the five manifest variables captured in the survey instrument impacted elementary librarians’ perceptions yet the analysis of these factors as one body, the Higher Order Construct (HOC) was statistically significant. In using the PATH Model function of PLS-SEM, analysis showed that instruction, professionalism, and classroom management were statistically significant independently but HOC demonstrated greater significance. The study found that 50% of participants had a mean score of 4 or higher on the Likert scale used within the survey, indicating an overall average of participants having "some ability" or higher demonstrated lower levels of self-efficacy in meeting the needs of students with disabilities.
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Author: Jordan, Jessica

Title: An examination of the special education cyclical monitoring process through a socio-technical system's lens
Abstract: The current study used a socio-technical system’s (STS) lens to examine how a suburban Pittsburgh school district applies the cyclical monitoring process. The use of a qualitative research method to examined how school districts and how school administrators use the ...
Show moreThe current study used a socio-technical system’s (STS) lens to examine how a suburban Pittsburgh school district applies the cyclical monitoring process. The use of a qualitative research method to examined how school districts and how school administrators use the cyclical monitoring process in special education to provide a foundation for developing appropriate regulations that guide in ensuring students with special needs receive adequate formal education. The researcher collected and discussed information about the participation of school administrators in using a cyclical monitoring process for decision-making at the district and building level through interviewing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. All of the participants in this study demonstrated basic knowledge of the CMCI process and the impacts this process has on special education policies, procedures, and practices within the district. While each participant demonstrated a different level of understanding of how compliance monitoring enhances the services and programs offered in the district, all five participants recognized the benefits and needs for the CMCI process. All administrators interviewed described the CMCI process as a positive process to evaluate the district’s programming and reflect upon areas that need improvement. Common themes identified in this study included: resources/programming, interventions, and parent engagement. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the increase of administrators’ knowledge and participation in the CMCI process will improve compliance with special education regulations as well as improve education for all students with disabilities.
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Year Issued: 2022

Author: Garczewski, Christina
Sub-title: a case study of a suburban Pittsburgh school district

Title: Examining teachers' attitudes toward the inclusion of students using alternate standards in regular standards core academic classes
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: Creating a fully inclusive educational environment continues to be a topic for educational reform. Children with disabilities have the right to access their education in the Least Restrictive Environment. In the United States, this right is protected by the Individua...
Show moreCreating a fully inclusive educational environment continues to be a topic for educational reform. Children with disabilities have the right to access their education in the Least Restrictive Environment. In the United States, this right is protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004). Approximately 13.3% of the total number of students with disabilities in the United States are educated in a separate setting. In comparison, 49.2% of all students with a disability in the United States identified as having a cognitive impairment continue to be educated in a separate class setting (U.S. Department of Education, 2019). This study will use mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative data) analysis to examine the attitude of middle school teachers toward the inclusion of students with a cognitive impairment who access their curriculum using alternate standards in the regular education class setting, available training, and needed resources. This study identified factors which influence teacher attitudes toward the inclusion of students using alternate standards, available training, and teacher perceptions for needed resources for an effective inclusion program at the middle school level. The information from the study will be used to provide recommendations to school leaders related to improving supports, training, and services for teachers with the goal of increasing the participation of students using alternate standards in the regular education setting.
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Author: Stewman, Wendy Daniels

Title: Examining the effects of class size on student achievement in the Mohawk area school district
Abstract: The issue of class size is a contentious issue in American education. While there is substantial empirical support for the existence of a negative correlation between class size and student achievement, numerous practical difficulties prevent schools from being able ...
Show moreThe issue of class size is a contentious issue in American education. While there is substantial empirical support for the existence of a negative correlation between class size and student achievement, numerous practical difficulties prevent schools from being able to further shrink class sizes. Policy-makers and educators need to achieve a more precise understanding of the degree to which class sizes make contributions to student achievement, as only such an understanding can allow decision-makers to set an effective class size policy. Educators have indicated that with smaller class sizes they are able to produce better student achievement results in reading and mathematics. With the increase in teacher accountability, class size is a topic discussed at the school district level. This independent meta-analytic investigation occurred within the Mohawk Area School District. The study sample included 93 reading classrooms and 97 mathematics classrooms ranging from grade levels kindergarten through eighth grade. The purpose of this quantitative case study based on statistical meta-analysis as to calculate the effect size of class size on student achievement in the Mohawk Area School District, Grades K-8. This purpose was achieved through calculating the effect size using Cohen's d. The i-Ready assessment was used as the standardized measure to calculate the effect of class size on achievement in reading and math. The analysis of this investigation indicates that there is no meaningful effect of class size on reading and math performance. These results are important considerations for the Mohawk Area School District as it faces budget constraints that impact the ability of the district to make class size decisions in the best interest of the staff and students.
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Year Issued: 2017

Author: Lorree Houk
Sub-title: an individual participant meta-analytic investigation

Title: Examining the efficacy of universally delivered social and emotional learning curriculum, second step
Abstract: Since the establishment of social emotional learning (SEL) as a conceptual framework to increase students’ prosocial and emotional competencies, research has been conducted to provide an evidence base to its programmatic effects. This study examined the efficacy of S...
Show moreSince the establishment of social emotional learning (SEL) as a conceptual framework to increase students’ prosocial and emotional competencies, research has been conducted to provide an evidence base to its programmatic effects. This study examined the efficacy of Second Step, a universally delivered SEL curriculum. Evidence of efficacy is supplied through a mixed-method research design providing three separate data metrics for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The sample set was derived from the behavior data of 505 students who attended a suburban K-5 elementary school in northwest Pennsylvania for two consecutive years. Also included in the sample are 22 teachers who participated in a voluntary survey. Quantitative analysis was conducted through a quasi-experimental design utilizing a McNemar test to determine the statistical significance of negative behavior prevalence in comparing two school years. Additional quantitative data was supplied through a Likert-scale questionnaire. Contextual qualitative information was supplied from an open-ended survey. Through this study, it was determined that the Second Step SEL program had a statistically significant impact on the behaviors of students as well as an impact on the climate of the building. While teachers felt the stress of teaching the newly implemented SEL curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic, results from the study suggest that the benefits of implementing the program outweighed this negative effect. Results also showed an impact on students in the special education emotional support subgroup. The evidence this study provides will help schools work to strengthen their students’ social, emotional, and behavioral capacities.
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Year Issued: 2021

Author: Jablonski, Joseph
Sub-title: a mixed-method study of the effects on regular and special education student behavior and teacher instructional competence

Title: Experiences of Trust in Music Therapy
Abstract: This qualitative thematic analysis explored children’s varying degrees of trust during music therapy after having witnessed domestic violence. As rates of domestic violence increase across the United States, children’s sense of trust is affected and there is a need f...
Show moreThis qualitative thematic analysis explored children’s varying degrees of trust during music therapy after having witnessed domestic violence. As rates of domestic violence increase across the United States, children’s sense of trust is affected and there is a need for further music therapy research from the perspectives of these children. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four child survivors of domestic violence after receiving four months of music therapy to explore how they understand and experience trust, as well as how trusting relationships are established and maintained with a therapist. Additional questions considered personal qualities that lead to trust or distrust, aspects of music therapy experiences that lead to additional trust in the therapist at different times, how experiences of trust change over time, what contributes to this change, and how the sociocultural locations of the therapist and child influence trust. The findings demonstrated that trust is a complex process that evolves over time and depends on certain qualities in a therapist, familiarity, and various aspects of music therapy. Three main themes with 13 sub-themes were found: qualities for trust and distrust (qualities that increase trust, qualities that decrease trust), process of developing trust and overall evolution (initial distrust/trust, insecurities and fears from participants’ past, familiarity leads to trust, connection to family/friends, feelings and experiences with trust, builds over time), and qualities of music therapy experiences (autonomy and choice, familiarity and predictability, types of instruments, types of experiences, music contains a wide range of expression). Findings provide recommendations for how practicing music therapists can create a trusting therapeutic relationship with child, adolescent, and adult survivors of domestic violence.
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Year Issued: 2023

Author: Doron, Ashely
Sub-title: Perspectives of Child Survivors of Domestic Violence

Title: The Experiences of Women in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Engaging in Parent-Child Music Therapy Groups
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This thematic analysis explores the experiences of women in substance use disorder treatment who have participated in parent-child music therapy groups (“Mommy & Me Music Therapy”) and how these groups may contribute to parent-child bonding, parental self-efficacy, a...
Show moreThis thematic analysis explores the experiences of women in substance use disorder treatment who have participated in parent-child music therapy groups (“Mommy & Me Music Therapy”) and how these groups may contribute to parent-child bonding, parental self-efficacy, and social support among parents. Five women with substance use disorders who resided at the participating facility and engaged in at least six weeks of Mommy & Me Music Therapy groups took part in semi-structured interviews. Interview content was transcribed, analyzed, and coded. Themes that arose include improved parenting skills, parent-child relationship, feelings about self, community support, and outside uses of music. Throughout these themes, participants acknowledged how these groups impacted them in terms of bonding with their child, connecting with other women in the group, and striving to be the best possible parent for their child. Implications from the research include the importance of allowing a space for verbal processing within music therapy and including systems and family-based therapy training in music therapy education.
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Author: Cole, Halley

Title: An exploration of inclusionary environments as seen through the eyes of the school principal
Year Issued: 2020

Abstract: The position of principal has evolved into one with many responsibilities ranging from managerial to visionary leader. Federal legislation has placed an added layer of responsibility through the implementation of Public Law 94-142 which supported social justice refor...
Show moreThe position of principal has evolved into one with many responsibilities ranging from managerial to visionary leader. Federal legislation has placed an added layer of responsibility through the implementation of Public Law 94-142 which supported social justice reforms that were meant to include students with disabilities and provide an education for them alongside their non-disabled peers. The changes brought about by this legislation and its iterations, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and No Child Left Behind Act, have supported inclusionary actions taken by schools and placed importance on effectiveness of the programs used to educate all students. Despite more students with disabilities being included in general education classrooms, schools still struggle with supporting effective inclusionary programs. This study conducted an exploration of a principal’s decision making processes by gathering descriptions of their background experiences, leadership, and structural management of inclusionary environments. It offers insight into what inclusionary environments look like through the eyes of the principal. Research was conducted through a case study with three principals using phenomenological techniques. This study revealed four themes that provide a vibrant description of the inclusionary environments in these principal’s buildings. The principals interviewed in this study discussed their background experiences as teachers, their professional certification coursework, leadership approaches and the structural management of inclusion. Their insight can help one to think about inclusion as they do on a daily basis.
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Author: Jordan, William

Title: Exploring general education teachers' perceptions of children with disabilities in general education
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This research proposal aims to explore the perceptions of general education teachers towards children with disabilities who are integrated into general education classrooms. This qualitative study seeks to gain insights into how these teachers perceive the abilities ...
Show moreThis research proposal aims to explore the perceptions of general education teachers towards children with disabilities who are integrated into general education classrooms. This qualitative study seeks to gain insights into how these teachers perceive the abilities and challenges of these children and how they believe they can best support them in their learning. The research will survey responses with a sample of general education teachers to collect data on their experiences and perspectives. The findings of this study could contribute to a better understanding of the attitudes and beliefs that inform teachers' practice towards children with disabilities in general education and inform the development of strategies to enhance inclusive education for all students.
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Author: Komp, Erika

Title: Exploring Music Therapists' Engagement in Personal Musicking
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: This study explores music therapists’ experiences of personal musicking. The research question is: What role does personal musicking play in the music therapist’s life? Data was collected using individual, semi-structured interviews with five music therapists in the ...
Show moreThis study explores music therapists’ experiences of personal musicking. The research question is: What role does personal musicking play in the music therapist’s life? Data was collected using individual, semi-structured interviews with five music therapists in the United States. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes using reflexive thematic analysis. Seven themes emerged from the participant transcripts, which were (1) facets of positive musical relationship; (2) personal and professional connections; (3) ways of musicking; (4) music aspirations; (5) hindrances to musical relationship; (6) emotions; and (7) barriers to musicking. Within each theme, three to six subthemes were also identified, totaling 30 subthemes. Participants described a variety of music experiences which contribute to a positive musical relationship though many internal and external factors inhibited their actual ability to engage in musicking as much as they would like or desire. Participants compared their experiences of musicking in clinical spaces with that of their personal musicking, and the boundaries drawn between clinical and personal music were unique to each participant. Implications for the music therapy profession include: considerations of thinking styles and values around different types of musicking; a call for curricula adaptation in music therapy training to encourage musical identity formation via many ways of musicking; and encouragement for practicing clinicians to continue exploring their sense of musicianship to maintain ethical practice and recognize the ways that musicking influences their own health and wellness.
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Author: McLean, Sarah

Title: Exploring music therapists’ attitudes towards disability and sexuality
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: Music therapy has historically not addressed sex as a topic within clinical practice despite its clinical relevance to the human experience. As a field that works with an abundance of disabled clients who are often harmed by social and systemic infantilization which ...
Show moreMusic therapy has historically not addressed sex as a topic within clinical practice despite its clinical relevance to the human experience. As a field that works with an abundance of disabled clients who are often harmed by social and systemic infantilization which prevents them from access to sexual knowledge, it could be argued that music therapists should be trained to provide basic levels of support to this community in particular given the high level of need. Nevertheless, there are many questions and conflicting ideas around music therapy scope of practice as it pertains to these topics, barriers to education and clinical implementation and viable solutions to this gap in knowledge as a profession. While the music therapy literature has seen an increase in disability justice research in recent years, it offers little to nothing on the topic of engaging in clinically relevant discussion of sex, and most certainly not within the context of disability. This study aimed to examine music therapists’ educational and clinical experiences on engaging in sexual topics with disabled clients, as well as measuring personal feelings of comfort in engaging in these conversations. It was conducted via an anonymous survey intended to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a wide array of music therapists. Data was collected and analyzed according to an objectivist framework and qualitative data in particular was analyzed for common themes. Results indicate a lack of training and education in the facilitation of such topics, and the majority of participants reported complex feelings on the various intersecting layers of these conversations. While many reported feeling discomfort in relation to this topic, so too did many indicate a desire to reflect more critically and intentionally on the subject. It is hoped that this study’s data will serve as an impetus for our field to shift cultural and education practices to better prepare therapists for these conversations on these topics.
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Author: Miller, Francesca