The number of children diagnosed with autism has continued to rise since 2000 at startling rates, leading to an increased need for schools to discover innovative ways to meet the unique learning needs of these students. Technology has proven to be adaptable and successful in teaching social skills to children with autism. Assistive technology and…

The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the current research related to educational diagnostician retention and job satisfaction and provide insight for current leaders of special education programs and campus administrators on ways to attract and retain educational diagnosticians to/in their schools. Educational diagnosticians certified in…

The field of professionals who work with students who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind is facing a huge shortage. The problem to be addressed is the decreasing number of experienced teachers for the blind and visually impaired. The number of teachers for the visually impaired has school districts struggling to find teachers to work with…

The transitional experience from the military into higher education can pose unique challenges to student veterans, especially for those who seek to obtain professional licensure in nursing. This action research study sought to identify and understand these challenges. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 were student veterans entering…

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) were created to provide students with disabilities with equitable accommodation within American Public Classrooms. Simultaneously, there was a problem that when parents' trust for the Exceptional Student Education program and the IEP team was not developed with a staffing specialist, then students with…

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for students seeking clinical internships, and faculty have felt those obstacles trying to mentor students. The problem addressed in this study were the challenges child life specialist faculty at a local colleges face in supporting child life specialist candidates in locating internships upon degree…

The focus of this practice-based research was to explore teachers' perceptions of implementation approaches to multitiered system of supports (MTSS). For more than 10 years there have been varied approaches for implementation of MTSS, which has caused a lack of guidance and support for teachers. Therefore, this qualitative descriptive study…

This study explored strategies to support mathematics specialist candidates (MSCs) in developing a nuanced understanding of equity-centered technology integration in K-12 mathematics classrooms. The conceptual framework synthesized research on effective mathematics teaching practices, technology integration, and the role of mathematics specialists…

The national average Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel certification exam pass rate on the first try is relatively low. The problem addressed in this study was the effectiveness of asynchronous instruction with adult learners using computer-based instruction (CBI) programs and if these interactions affect the successful completion of the…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the stories shared by interventionists which focused on the work they do to create student connectedness in rural middle schools. Illinois schools are designated by performance indicators, where successful schools are rated "Exemplary" or "Commendable" based primarily on…

This qualitative comparative case study focused on two groups of teacher-leaders: one that participated in teacher leadership development training and one group that has not. The setting for this study was looking at two groups of instructional specialist in a large suburban district. Getzels-Guba Social Systems Models is the theoretical framework…

This dissertation investigates the complexities associated with developing expertise in physics problem-solving and the methods for measuring and assessing the skills involved. Problem-solving skills are critical in today's rapidly changing world, and thus, it is important to emphasize them in education. However, lacking precise methods for…

Specialists in blood banking help ensure the stability and safety of the blood supply needed to support the transfusion therapy needs of healthcare providers. Examples of their work include employing advanced procedures to determine blood types, identify antibodies, and consult on medical prescriptions for blood products. They also serve as…

The purpose of this study was to understand the professional and personal experiences of female-identifying elementary music specialists within higher education. Specifically, this study sought to understand: (1) How do personal changes such as marriage and parenthood affect personal and professional lives, goals, and career trajectories for these…

Many elementary schools are shifting from traditional pull-out service models to push-in approaches, where multilingual learners collaborate with their English-only peers. However, research emphasizes the need for further investigation into implementing collaboration between elementary teachers and English Language Development (ELD) Specialists.…