Author(s)

Sara Alves

Date Approved

8-23-2011

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.T. Teaching

Department

Teacher Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Madden, Marjorie

Subject(s)

People with disabilities; Children's literature

Disciplines

Elementary Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect authentic literature had on student attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. This study was conducted by implementing a disabilities unit through read alouds in a second grade classroom. Eighteen students participated in the research model. Data collected included surveys, audio taped interviews, audio taped discussions, student response cards, and personal teacher research journal. The data was analyzed recursively across all data sets to determine patterns and themes. Data was coded according to three main patterns; if the pattern was found to be prevalent across all data sets it was found to be conclusive. Effects resulting from the use of authentic literature in this study are discussed including student learning through engagement, text to self connections and an increase in the acceptance of differences.

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