Learning a second language is an increasingly vital skill in our globalized society. State and federal programs promote at least two years of world language study for all students (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2018; O'Rourke, 2016). Federal and state laws call for all students to have access to learning in the…

This qualitative dissertation study examined the complex dynamics and structures (i.e., people and/or explicit/implicit classroom-, school-, and district-wide behaviors and practices and school-wide structures) that influence collaboration between teachers of students with disabilities (TOSD) and teaching assistants (TAs). Specifically, I wanted…

Dropping out of school before completing secondary education for special children is a significant problem in the world and particularly in America. Although high school dropout in America has been a major problem for more than two decades, it was not among the priorities of the policies of the 90s probably because it was thought that they would…

Research shows that parental involvement in children's school life has a positive impact on children's academic and social success, especially for children with disabilities (CWD), and even more so for CWD in island rural communities. The involvement of parents of CWD in primary schools in rural communities in Trinidad and Tobago has not been…

Dyslexia is a reading disability that interferes with accurate and fluent word reading. Deficits in word reading may cause secondary consequences, including reading comprehension difficulties. However, despite inherent word reading problems, there are students with dyslexia who exhibit resiliency that manifests as better than expected educational…

Lockdown drills have become a regular practice in schools across the United States. These drills are currently carried out with little guidance and encompass a general plan with no differentiation for children with disabilities. This is concerning for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), since the skills needed to participate in a…

Inclusion of students with disabilities in the general classroom has many benefits for all students in the classroom, not just students with disabilities. Including students teaches all students kindness, compassion, and patience. For special education students, inclusion increases confidence, social skills, helps to create a sense of belonging,…

The purpose of this study was to compare the perspectives between school psychologists and parents of children receiving special education services when it comes to the barriers and solutions to home-school collaboration. A qualitative design was used in an effort to gain in- depth perspectives between both groups. Two focus groups were conducted:…

The problem addressed in this study was the lack of support strategies for special education teachers. The purpose was to describe and understand the perceptions and experiences of special education teachers regarding support strategies available and the strategies needed to teach students with disabilities successfully. Using the modified…

The overall prevalence of autism is increasing in the Black community. Few studies examine the perspectives of Black, autistic individuals regarding interactions with law enforcement officers--both in school and beyond. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Black, autistic individuals and law…

The quantitative nonexperimental correlational study examines principals' attitudes towards intelligence and inclusion and the academic growth of students with disabilities. Additionally, the study comparatively examined principals' attitudes toward intelligence and inclusion across 11 demographic factors. The Theories of Intelligence Scale --…

Students with disabilities entering post-secondary education encounter unique challenges, such as deciding whether to disclose their disability in order to receive specific supports and services. Disclosing one's disability is an individual choice weighing heavily on the student with consideration given to the possibility of experiencing judgment…

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was once thought to be a disorder specific to childhood and adolescence, it is now accepted that ADHD symptomatology frequently persists into adulthood (Biederman et al., 2010). In addition to poorer social skills and more relationship problems, young adults with ADHD attain lower levels of…

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the delivery of services for students with disabilities. There is limited knowledge on the relationship between the transition services students received during the pandemic and their post-school outcomes. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological design to informed by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems…

In recent years, the growth of learning options and the availability of distance educational experiences have presented new opportunities for students, particularly those with disabilities. The exponential growth in distance educational opportunities has brought new expectations for stakeholders - particularly parents, educators, and…