Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Fall 1995

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Dale LeFevre

Second Committee Member

Daniel C. Fennerty

Third Committee Member

Alberta J. Thyfault

Abstract

Social skills deficits of students with serious behavior disabilities are often an obstacle to integration into the regular education system. Many of the most troublesome problems occur outside the classroom on the playground due to the lessened structure constraints of the playground environment. As a result, the students are labeled "bad kids" by the teachers and paraprofessionals, are socially rejected by nondisabled peers, and the downward spiral of a negative social "trap" is begun.

The purpose of this study was to create an inservice training packet promoting collaboration between teachers and paraprofessionals providing students with serious behavior disabilities a positive school climate on the playground with structured opportunities designed to develop acceptable playground behaviors. As a result of this collaborative procedure, teachers and paraprofessionals are provided with the means to:

  • assess social skills needs for the playground.
  • provide appropriate and effective social skills intervention.
  • work collaboratively to establish a positive school climate for students with serious behavior disabilities.
  • collaborate to develop a proactive plan for students with serious behavior disabilities.

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