Several literature reviews have indicated the effectiveness of visual schedules (VS) to increase engagement and decrease problem behavior related to transitions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, Lequia et al. (2012) noted that VS are typically combined with multiple intervention components, making it unclear…

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is a reinforcement schedule that commonly includes the delivery of a reinforcer following an interval during which a target behavior did not occur and extinction (i.e., the reinforcer is withheld following any instances of the target behavior). Although interventions using DRO schedules can…

Early childhood educators have struggled to teach children with challenging behaviors, which can lead to suspension and expulsion. Although early childhood educators have limited professional development training in challenging behaviors, they are often not equipped to teach children with challenging behaviors. There is little research on how…

Non-evidence-based practices (NEBPs) are interventions that have not been indicated by research to be effective in treating the core deficits of autism or the related behavioral challenges across developmental domains. Under the umbrella of NEBPs are the interventions for autism that are physically and/or emotionally harmful, as well as those that…

Negative student behaviors are a significant concern among teachers. Incorporating Proactive Classroom Management Practices (PCMPs) to prevent detrimental behaviors would benefit the learning environment. These practices promote academic engagement and limit the number of Office Disciplinary Referrals (ODRs). The purpose of this study was to…

This dissertation is composed of three articles analyzing the use of sensory rooms in schools to support student need as well as its use in other settings. Sensory rooms are rooms equipped with a variety of resources, strategies, and equipment to support an individual in de-escalation. They have been implemented in various settings including…

This study examined the impact of a multi-component coaching process on Kenyan school professional's facilitation of the Prevent Teach Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC) model and its corresponding effects on student challenging behavior in an early childhood education setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Three school professionals were trained to…

Exploring Teachers' Perceptions of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Its Impact on Student Academic Achievement in Elementary Schools" investigates the gap in understanding how elementary teachers perceive PBIS's effectiveness in boosting student academic performance amidst behavioral challenges. This phenomenological…

Preventing and responding to student misbehavior is an integral part of classroom management and one of the most important skills an educator can have. Despite its importance, many educators receive inadequate training in this area. Many leave their pre-service training lacking confidence in addressing behavior and do not receive training once…

Through semi-structured interviews with teachers and semi-structured interviews-turned-"testimonios" of students, I have sought to understand the purposes and consequences of Disciplinary Alternative Programs (DAP). Four different locations from across the state of Nebraska were utilized with 16 teachers and two students participating.…

This qualitative comparative case analysis aimed to examine the social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that impact elementary students' ability to improve their academic skills. This research looked to identify the problem and the number of students struggling with academic, behavioral, and emotional concerns. Studies show that…

Students obtaining graduate and postgraduate degrees experience a high level of demands and stressors, often engaging in avoidant behavior in response. As these advanced studies are known for their rigor, the identification of strategies to support student successes and decrease student avoidant behavior is imperative. One such strategy identified…

Prevent, Teach, and Reinforce for Families (PTR-F) has been found effective in increasing parents' use of positive behavior support (PBS)-based strategies and decreasing children's challenging behavior. However, only few studies have purposefully explored the effectiveness of PTR-F for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families. To…

This study is a mixed method case study using a qualitative and quantitative study structure. The intent of this study was to measure the impact of neuroscience or brain based social-emotional (SEL) skills and strategies on students who have been identified with disruptive behavior and/or trauma. The impact is evaluated through the Collaborative…

This study examined the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on the presence of disruptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder in the early childhood inclusion classroom. Students with emotional dysregulation are not equipped with the ability to manage their own behavior. This often leads to major disruptions in the general…