ERIC Number: ED589487
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 170
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3399-8918-1
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Evaluating Self-Advocacy in High School Students with Learning Disabilities through Case Study Analysis
Centerrino, Stephen L.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northeastern University
Students with learning disabilities continue to make advancements in their preparation for post-secondary studies and are one of the largest growing populations to enter colleges and universities. However, it is estimated that only forty percent of students with a learning disability report it to their post-secondary schools, creating difficulties for students to successfully transition to the new academic expectations. Research shows one significant reason for the lack of reporting is students' deficiency in their ability to self-advocate. The current study looks at seven high school students with identified learning disabilities, who receive special education services, to evaluate their understanding and use of self-advocacy skills in their high school setting, in their preparation for transition into post-secondary education. Through the use of the Constructivism-Interpretivism paradigm, with an inductive approach, this case study analysis produced five primary themes and ten associated sub-themes. Analysis of semi-structured interviews and artifacts reveal themes of Awareness, Security, Communication, Experiences, and Motivation. To understand how, from the perspective of the students, these themes emerged and what role they play in the students' understanding, development, and use of self-advocacy, two research questions guide the analysis: (1) How do high school students with learning disabilities view the role of the school and educators in their development and use self-advocacy skills? and (2) How do high school students with learning disabilities understand the role of self-advocacy skills in their preparation for post-secondary studies? [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Self Advocacy, High School Students, Constructivism (Learning), Learning Disabilities, Case Studies, College Preparation, Student Attitudes, Teacher Role, School Role, Student Motivation, Skill Development, Communication (Thought Transfer), Disclosure
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A