- Title
- Middle school teacher and support staff perceptions of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Abstract
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This dissertation focuses on teacher and staff perceptions of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) implementation at the middle school level. MTSS implementation at the secondary level proves to be a daunting task which includes many complex facets. Ensuring that t...
Show moreThis dissertation focuses on teacher and staff perceptions of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) implementation at the middle school level. MTSS implementation at the secondary level proves to be a daunting task which includes many complex facets. Ensuring that teacher and staff insights are sought out and taken into account when implementing school-wide programming such as MTSS can increase program success and fidelity. Specifically, this study examines three research questions: (1) How do middle school teachers and school support staff perceive implementation of a multi-tiered system of support? (2) How do these perceptions impact the buy-in and level of understanding of MTSS implementation? (3) In what ways do middle school teachers understand the MTSS framework? Utilizing a qualitative, single subject case study design methodology, this study sought to explore how teacher and staff perceptions and understanding of MTSS can impact implementation. The study took place in a suburban, western Pennsylvania middle school, in which the researcher is employed. The constant comparative method of coding was utilized in order to uncover themes related to the collected data. The following themes were uncovered through data analysis: support for all students and addressing individual student needs is a part of the MTSS process, the need for all staff to be involved in MTSS, insufficient communication with off-team teachers, discussion of forms as a part of the MTSS process, parental involvement was not discussed as a priority in responses, and procedures and logistics are discussed in relation to MTSS rather than the day to day implementation through working with students. Results of this study indicate that seeking opinions from teachers and staff regarding program implementation can provide valuable information for schools and districts to consider and highlights the importance of professional development focused on MTSS.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2021
- Author
- Emily Mazzant
- Sub-title
- A case study in a suburban western Pennsylvania middle school
- Title
- Music Therapists Experiences Working in a Setting that Values Censorship
- Abstract
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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.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2023
- Author
- Emily Boyce
- Sub-title
- An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
- Title
- Music Therapists' Perceptions of the Effects of Tele-Music Therapy on Client Access
- Year Issued
- 2021
- Abstract
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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
Show less - Author
- David Landes