Investigating and promoting resilience in children with intellectual disabilities. Disability is a significant risk factor that threatens health and well-being. For the estimated 4% of 0-14 year old children with diagnosed intellectual disabilities in Australia, early intervention is crucial for promoting resilience and preventing an accumulation of risk. By promoting resilience and thereby reducing the cost of lifelong support, evidence-based interventions produce huge social and economic benef ....Investigating and promoting resilience in children with intellectual disabilities. Disability is a significant risk factor that threatens health and well-being. For the estimated 4% of 0-14 year old children with diagnosed intellectual disabilities in Australia, early intervention is crucial for promoting resilience and preventing an accumulation of risk. By promoting resilience and thereby reducing the cost of lifelong support, evidence-based interventions produce huge social and economic benefits for the nation, as well as for individuals, families and communities.Read moreRead less
Intervention for written expression: Middle school students with developmental disabilities. This study will develop, implement and evaluate professional development workshops on the teaching of written expression and integration of technology for teachers in middle school classrooms (Years 6 to 9) with students with developmental disabilities. It will also evaluate teacher-developed interventions in written expression.
The transition to school for young children with developmental disabilities: The impact of interpersonal relationships on successful school adjustment. Increasing numbers of young children with developmental disabilities are included in regular school settings. Children with developmental disabilities have additional support needs and are at high risk for poor school outcomes. Effective programs to support success in the transition to school have the potential to improve children's long-term soc ....The transition to school for young children with developmental disabilities: The impact of interpersonal relationships on successful school adjustment. Increasing numbers of young children with developmental disabilities are included in regular school settings. Children with developmental disabilities have additional support needs and are at high risk for poor school outcomes. Effective programs to support success in the transition to school have the potential to improve children's long-term social and behavioural adjustment. In this research, the focus on modifiable mediating factors for successful school transitions will inform inclusive educational policy and practice. Investment in optimising child outcomes in the early years has long-term social, community, and economic benefits.
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Comparative effectiveness of three literacy teaching approaches for young children with reading difficulties. This project addresses concerns expressed by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, and the Australian Senate in regard to the relative poor performance of Australian children in national reading tests. Specifically, the project seeks to identify the most effective early literacy instructional method or methods to redress the growing concern that Australian children are droppi ....Comparative effectiveness of three literacy teaching approaches for young children with reading difficulties. This project addresses concerns expressed by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, and the Australian Senate in regard to the relative poor performance of Australian children in national reading tests. Specifically, the project seeks to identify the most effective early literacy instructional method or methods to redress the growing concern that Australian children are dropping behind in international competitiveness in reading and literacy achievement. The study concentrates on early reading development and to inform on teacher education and classroom teaching practices. Read moreRead less
A critical analysis of the increase in diagnosis of special educational needs in New South Wales government schools. Enhancing the ability of schools to respond to students with diverse needs has been shown to reduce student disengagement and early leaving. This research will identify ways to achieve this important goal, while reducing incentives for schools to label and segregate students who experience difficulty in schools and with learning. This will have long term benefits not only for indi ....A critical analysis of the increase in diagnosis of special educational needs in New South Wales government schools. Enhancing the ability of schools to respond to students with diverse needs has been shown to reduce student disengagement and early leaving. This research will identify ways to achieve this important goal, while reducing incentives for schools to label and segregate students who experience difficulty in schools and with learning. This will have long term benefits not only for individual students, but for communities and for the nation as a whole. The project will contribute to the Commonwealth government's national agenda linking positive educational outcomes to successful employment, broader economic participation, and enhanced social inclusion.Read moreRead less