Deborah Olson

Effects of Reform-based Mathematics Instruction on Low Achievers in Five Third-Grade Classrooms.

In this study we examined the responses of 16 low-achieving students to reform-based mathematics instruction in 5 elementary classrooms for 1 year. We used qualitative methods at 2 schools to identify the needs of low achievers in these classrooms, which were using an innovative curriculum. Through classroom observations and interviews with teachers, we studied the involvement of low achievers in whole-class discussions and pair work. Results suggested that both the organization and task demands of the reform classrooms presented verbal and social challenges to low achievers that need to be addressed if these students are to benefit from reform-based mathematics instruction.

Gender differences in supported employment.

Questions about gender equity have been asked in many aspects of the disability field and have resulted in findings that women with disabilities have significantly different experiences than do men. We analyzed an existing database of information on supported employment and natural supports to ascertain whether gender plays an important role in the employment of people with mental retardation. The findings suggest that there are several important differences. Although women were perceived as being more socially appropriate on several dimensions, they worked in jobs traditionally stereotyped by gender. Women also typically worked fewer hours than did men and, therefore, earned less money, although not statistically significantly so. The pattern of findings suggests parallels with the broader society.

Building an Ecology of Support: A Case Study of One Young Woman with Severe Problem Behaviors Living in the Community.

This case study describes 30 months in the life of a young woman with a history of life-threatening self-injurious behaviors (SIB) who moved from a large public institution to her community. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed to provide a nonexperimental description of her behavior and lifestyle in the community. Quantitative measurements included: (a) activity patterns, (b) social network, (c) self-injurious behaviors, (d) aggression against others, and (e) staff changes. Qualitative results emerged from semistructured interviews and participant observations conducted over a 6-month period. Together, these data revealed a young woman actively involved in a lifestyle characterized by an increase in the frequency and diversity of activities performed in the community. Problem behaviors occurred at low levels for extended periods, yet there continued to be times with major regression. Qualitative results also indicate a general reduction in the intensity of self-injurious behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of multicomponent positive interventions, the need to design environments that promote lifestyle changes, and the value of collaboratively employing quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Implementation of a Culturally Appropriate Positive Behavior Support Plan With a Japanese Mother of a Child With Autism: An Experimental and Qualitative Analysis

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate a family-centered approach to positive behavior support (PBS) that was designed to be culturally responsive to families of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. A Japanese mother and a child with autism were the primary participants. Multiple research methods were used. A single-subject withdrawal design evaluated the functional relation between parent implementation of a culturally informed PBS plan and improvements in child behavior and participation in a dinner routine. Qualitative case study methods guided an understanding of the family’s culture, the mother’s perspectives on the PBS plan and outcomes, and the interventionist’s perspectives on the provision of behavior support to the family. Quantitative results documented a functional relation between implementation of the PBS plan and improvements in child behavior and participation in the dinner routine. Qualitative results provided a rich description of the parent’s and interventionist’s experience and perspective. Three themes emerged: (a) developing a rapport informed by family culture; (b) working with a cultural guide to facilitate understanding the family’s cultural values, beliefs, and parenting practices; and (c) accommodating the mother’s cross-cultural values and beliefs. Contributions to the literature and implications for behavior interventionists working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds are discussed.

Masculinity in Nontraditional Occupations: Ecological Constructions

The authors present Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model as a conceptual framework to explore interlocking systemic and interpersonal influences on the development and perpetuation of men’s gender role—related distress. To demonstrate the utility of this model, the authors present results from an exploratory qualitative study of men in nontraditional occupations. Using the constant comparison method, the authors’ analysis of multiple interviews with elementary educators and medical support staff unearthed interwoven themes among the effects of cultural notions of masculinity on relationships, job tasks, and perceptions of themselves as men. Expectations about men (e.g., that men confront danger, remain calm in chaotic situations, and/or are predators) affected hiring decisions and interactions with colleagues, limited the scope of the men’s work, and provided opportunities to reinforce traditional notions of masculinity and affirm the value of masculinity in their occupations. These different experiences all interacted to inform participants’ senses of themselves as men.

Survivor Insight: A Study of Family, Friend, and Community Response to Interpersonal Violence

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of survivors of trauma concerning their family, friend, and community responses to their trauma. Using a community-based, participatory action framework, a measure was developed and distributed to 351 randomly drawn survivors of interpersonal violence. The majority of participants indicated that they were never or rarely helped or protected at the time they first experienced the trauma. Several significant correlations were found between participants’ perceptions of their own healing and the responses of people in their lives. Many respondents also indicated that people do not know how to help survivors heal and that the general public does not understand how trauma affects people. The results are discussed within the framework of developing supports for trauma survivors that include trauma-informed family, friends, and community. Questions for further research and implications for professional practice and trauma-informed communities are discussed.

Self-Employment Success and Challenges

There have been indications that self-employment could be a viable option for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, the sparse empirical literature limits our understanding of the phenomenon. Thus, the present study sought to contribute new knowledge. An empirical study was conducted of individuals with disabilities who were self-employed through vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. Individual and in-depth, in-person qualitative interviews were conducted with VR counselors and clients. From our analyses emerged three predominant themes: relationship dynamics, system mechanics, and social identities. Relationship dynamics described facets of counselor–client interactions; system mechanics described facets of procedures in a self-employment case; and social identities described facets of self-employment case development. These themes highlighted and explained differences between counselors’ and clients’ perspectives on self-employment success and challenges. While tentative, the findings in the present study inform the conceptual framework in new ways while also circumscribing implications for researchers, VR counselors and administrators, and government policymakers.