- 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.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2019
- Author
- Maevon Gumble
- Sub-title
- A Queer Autoethnographic Exploration of Gender Affirming Voicework in Music Therapy
- 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.
Show less - Author
- Jessica Jordan
- Title
- An examination of the special education cyclical monitoring process through a socio-technical system's lens
- Abstract
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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.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2022
- Author
- Christina Garczewski
- Sub-title
- a case study of a suburban Pittsburgh school district
- 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.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2017
- Author
- Lorree Houk
- Sub-title
- an individual participant meta-analytic investigation
- 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.
Show less - Year Issued
- 2023
- Author
- Ashely Doron
- Sub-title
- Perspectives of Child Survivors of Domestic Violence
- 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.
Show less - Author
- William Jordan
- 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.
Show less - Author
- Erika Komp
- Title
- Exploring student understanding and perception of crisis intervention using a trauma informed approach versus a restraint based system
- Year Issued
- 2022
- Abstract
-
The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of students who have experienced two different types of crisis intervention for aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, one being restraint and the other a restraint-free, trauma-informed approach. Studies ...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of students who have experienced two different types of crisis intervention for aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, one being restraint and the other a restraint-free, trauma-informed approach. Studies on the use of restraint have found that it has detrimental emotional and physical effects, along with the risk of injury and death. Emerging research into the use of trauma-informed approaches (TIA) has demonstrated that they can substantially reduce or effectively negate the need for restrictive practices. For the purposes of this qualitative study, participants were in grades six through twelve and had a history with both restraint and Ukeru™. All were recruited from one school district in Pennsylvania and took part in face-to-face interviews with the researcher. Resulting themes confirmed previous negative associations with restraint. Conversely, Ukeru™ was described using neutral or positive terms and was deemed a safer option when students recalled experiences. The results of this study indicate that schools can safely support students in crisis without the use of restraint using Ukeru™, a TIA that avoids re-traumatization, increases safety, and maintains connections with staff.
Show less - Author
- Mary Triana
- Title
- Green and White
- Year Created
- 1948
- Abstract
-
The Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained ...
Show moreThe Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained helpful information about the college such as calendars for sports and other events, fees, hours of various campus offices, campus services available to students, and, of course, the Alma Mater.
Show less - Sub-title
- Student Handbook
- Title
- Green and White
- Year Created
- 1958
- Abstract
-
The Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained ...
Show moreThe Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained helpful information about the college such as calendars for sports and other events, fees, hours of various campus offices, campus services available to students, and, of course, the Alma Mater.
Show less - Sub-title
- Student Handbook
- Title
- Green and White
- Year Created
- 1968
- Abstract
-
The Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained ...
Show moreThe Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained helpful information about the college such as calendars for sports and other events, fees, hours of various campus offices, campus services available to students, and, of course, the Alma Mater.
Show less - Sub-title
- Student Handbook
- Title
- Green and White
- Year Created
- 1978
- Abstract
-
The Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained ...
Show moreThe Green and White student handbook was published from 1927-2003 and then continued in a digital format until 2013. The handbook contained rules and regulations for students concerning dining, dorm life, smoking, dress codes, etc. The Green and White also contained helpful information about the college such as calendars for sports and other events, fees, hours of various campus offices, campus services available to students, and, of course, the Alma Mater.
Show less - Sub-title
- Student Handbook