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In middle schools today, teachers meet many challenges. Students come to school with a wide variety of experiences and economic backgrounds. They come with varying needs and abilities. Middle school is a time of many changes for students. One of the many goals of middle school is to meet the needs of the students in academics as well as the social, physical and emotional needs.

The research question addressed in this dissertation was: What are the effects of instructional technology on motivation, attitudes and behavior of at-risk learners in the middle school general music classroom? The purpose of this study was to determine if the implementation of instructional technology, specifically digital piano keyboards and computers, in the middle school general music program would have a positive effect on the motivation, attitudes and behaviors of at-risk learners. To this end, a study was conducted in which at-risk learners received instruction delivered through a higher concentration of technology.

Students completed a pretest and a posttest consisting of the Motivation Achievement Profile, audiation/listening and audiation/reading scales of Level One of the Iowa Tests of Music Literacy and the Middle School Music Attitude Scale. The experimental group received music instruction through a higher concentration of technology while the comparison group participated in an equally desirable music program.

The expected results were that the use of instructional technology would improve motivation, attitudes, and behavior as well as basic music skills in the general music classroom. In addition, through the positive experience they will have, in conjunction with the use of the technology, their attitudes and behaviors such as attendance, attention to task, and persistence in performing certain tasks will improve.

Data was analyzed using an analysis of covariance, in which the posttest mean of the experimental group was compared with the posttest mean of the comparison group with the pretest scores used as a covariate. Overall, no statistical significance was found; however, statistical significance was found on 2 of the 22 measures taken. Furthermore, there was a remarkable degree of consistency for the experimental group. Overall, consistency was seen with the experimental group scoring higher on 18 of the 22 measures indicating that perhaps if there had been more students a significant effect might have been seen. Nonetheless, the consistency leads to the conclusion that the treatment had some kind of effect. There is an implication that a positive, although not statistically significant effect on the motivation, attitudes and behaviors of at-risk learners occurred. ... Read more

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This is a handbook for regular classroom teachers with students who don't necessarily qualify for special services, but are in need of special help nonetheless. ... Read more

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This book includes: The case for letting pupils with special needs engage with the 'big issues'; How to use classroom displays to reiterate and encourage learning; Organising and coordinating visits and expeditions.

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This new edition of Ann Lewis' widely acclaimed Primary Special Needs and the National Curriculum has been substantially revised and updated to take into account the recent revisions to the National Curriculum and the guidance of the Code of Practice. It explores areas surrounding the National Curriculum in light of classroom practice, evidence about the impact of the National Curriculum to date and wider research evidence and policy analysis. Educators and other professionals working with children with special needs will find this book invaluable. ... Read more

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This book includes: Exciting art projects that will engage and challenge pupils; Making sure that space and materials are accessible to all; Advice on how to resolve behavioural issues. ... Read more

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This book includes:
DT An explanation of the Government's inclusion/SEN strategy
DT Guidance on Departmental Policy
DT An explanation of SEN terminology
DT Advice on creating an inclusiveenvironment
DT Choosing the right hardware and software
DT Helpful case studies highlighting different uses of computer packages
DT Meeting the needs of different learning styles
and CD-ROM ... Read more

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This book includes: Making sure that instruments are accessible to all; How to teach musical notations; Coordinating and supervising individual and group work. ... Read more

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There are many more children with learning differences and difficulties in our schools today.  Their needs are varied and complex and professionals must find appropriate ways to enhance their learning. The value of play is endorsed in policy initiatives including The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, so professionals can be reassured that ‘more time to play’ is in line with the latest thinking.

Christine Macintyre emphasises the importance of creating an environment where children become confident, independent learners, increasingly able to use their imaginations, care for others and to take safe risks.  This fully revised edition of Play for Children with Special Needs includes new research findings and explains their implications for practice.

This book then enables those supporting children to:

• understand the benefits of play and how to adapt different scenarios to support children who do not find it easy to play
• observe children as they play so that any difficulties can be identified early
• analyse different play areas so that the different kinds of learning (intellectual, creative, motor, social and emotional) are appreciated.

Play for Children with Special Needs, 2^nd edition enables practitioners to appreciate the contribution that play makes to the education of all children, whether they have special needs or not.  It is for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and nursery professionals as well as those who care for children at home.

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In recent years, a growing number of children and adults have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by severe difficulties with social communication. While extremely talented in their areas of special interest, many with the diagnosis also have problems with coordination and sensory processing. Professionals and families struggle to help them function competently and make the most of their unique abilities.

This readable and practical book synthesizes the latest knowledge about how to do so in various contexts from early childhood on. The authors include psychologists, psychiatrists, special educators, an occupational therapist, a specialist in communication disorders, and a lawyer, with diverse philosophies and methods of intervention. They suggest a variety of ways to help those with Asperger's adapt to the "neurotypical" world, and to bridge the social chasms that can develop as they are integrated into schools, organizations, and communities.

Asperger's Syndrome: Intervening in Schools, Clinics, and Communities constitutes a vital resource for all those who seek to improve the lives of individuals with the syndrome. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Peer Review
This is an excellent resource for both professionals in the field who work with Aspies in different settings to parents who are looking for answers about their child. When conducting my research for a publication on Asperger Syndrome a few years ago I wish I had this information to refer to. It seems like it was hidden among the myriad of other publications on autism spectrum disorders and experts in the field like Tony Atwood. I highly recommend it as an excellent tool in understanding the nuances of individuals on the spectrum and most specifically Asperger. It is a comprehensive resource that covers the early years of childhood into adulthood. A great addition to the field and body of work on the topic.

Rodney E. Pennamon, M.Ed, CPDM
Co-Author, College Students with Asperger Syndrome:Practical Strategies for Academic & Social Success, LRP Publications,(2007)www.lrp.com ... Read more

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This book will help practitioners to ensure that they are doing all they can to include children with special educational needs. The author looks at several conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Down's Syndrome and ADD/ADHD and shows how play can be adapted to help alleviate the difficulties children with these additional needs might have. As more and more children with a higher level of special need come into mainstream schools, teachers, nursery nurses and teaching assistants have the responsibility of ensuring that they have access to all aspects of learning.

This book offers guidance on what play is, how to adapt activities to suit children with special needs, how play can help recognition of children's progress, the most common types of special need, how play can be used to help raise self-esteem, and resources for further help.

Written for those working in mainstream settings, the author shows how including children who have special needs in play can help to provide great opportunities for learning and for developing social and communication skills. ... Read more

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Perfect for all introductory and survey courses in Special Education in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. A classic text for the field of early childhood special education, the fifth edition of Young Children with Special Needs continues its unique tradition of being driven by a developmental theoretical perspective. This text provides in-depth treatment of early childhood special education, with a broad-based coverage of all aspects of special education for the young. The authors of this edited text provide an exceptionally thorough discussion of how children develop and what can go wrong while giving future special education teachers a solid "knowledge-content-applications" approach from which to teach children with special needs from birth to 5 years old.  Significant attention is paid to core issues-special education's historical foundations, the growth and development of the discipline, working with families, assessment and intervention, the use of technology, and cultural competency. Revised and reorganized content of the entire text, integration of diversity issues throughout the text, integrated case studies in each chapter, a new user-friendly appearance, helpful instructional and study aids, and standardized terminology for ease of learning are some of the many updates to the new edition. Young Children with Special Needs, Fifth Edition, retains its classic status and will continue to be the best resource for preparing the future educators of our young. 

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book for intro course
This text is a great resource for students in an introductory course on supporting children with disabilities. Covers everything from summaries of types of disabilities to supporting children's families.

Young Children With Special Needs
Chock full of information and easy-to-read format.The vignette's are well chosen and are great examples in action.

Young Children with Special Needs
The purchasing process went very smoothly, there were no problems with delivery. I used the book in school. The book is very informative and easy to read.

AWESOME BOOK
I really enjoy reading this book.It has been so helpful and informative. ... Read more

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This volume offers authoritative and practical advice on how to identify the need for special education and how to make the right choice of school. It includes comprehensive listings of all independent, non-maintained and state-maintained special needs schools and colleges, as well as mainstream schools that offer provision for special needs. ... Read more

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This book provides an overview of the issues facing teachers in secondary schools with students who have special needs. This book should be of interest to head teachers, educational administrators, teachers and student teachers of children with special needs. ... Read more

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This text sets out to examine how further education for students with learning difficulties has emerged from the shadows of an essentially elitist education system. It explores some of the issues which are shaping the entitlement to FE for these students in the 1990s. For many people, the change that further education and training has undergone in recent years has been interpreted in terms of developing opportunities for student "choice", "rights" and "entitlements". Others have been more sceptical, perceiving a reduction of educational opportunity at the expense of market-led notions of "efficiency". The book explores aspects of these concerns, including staff development, and teaching and learning in this comparatively new area of work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great product for TEACHERS!
Really gives a spin on adolescents in school and helps students who are wanting to be teachers learn from the book. ... Read more