EDU 671 Fundamentals of Educational Research Instructor: Susan Hughes by T. Lee February 7, 2014

Area of Focus The purpose of this study is to determine if there is: 1. an alternative to helping students with ADHD stay focused and control impulses inside the classroom other than using stimulant medications. 2. If behavioral modification charts can be implemented in classroom to help students recognize certain behaviors that are or not good.

Explanation of the problem Children with ADHD have a very difficult time with concentration, learning and study skills. Many teachers fail to properly look into the matter to rule of some other kind of underlining brain disorder other than ADHD. In some cases it’s environmental problems that can be corrected with the help of a home visit or conference with the parents. All children who suffer from ADHD really do not require stimulant medications to control symptoms that interfere with staying focused, but many of them do. When a child falls behind in the classroom, it is very difficult for the teacher to help a falling student catch up with the other classmates, especially if there is a hindrance beyond their control that prohibits a child from having a proper education. While conducting this research, I want to know if the alternative will successful so that the use of stimulant medications can be alleviated for those students with mild to moderate ADHD.

Variables The variables to consider in this research are: The age of the child (5 and 6 year-olds) Their gender Race Family History of a learning disability (i.e., bipolar disorder, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, depression or anxiety, changes in the home environment).

Research Question Can behavioral modification charts be just as effective when a child with ADHD is not taking stimulant medication?

Intervention/ Innovation Questionnaires Surveys Interviews

Data Collection Students will be observed; there will be note taking; interviews and observation of student tests, and classroom work. Journals, books, scholarly sources (American Psychological Association). Internet

Consideration Behavior modification should give students control and responsibility for completing assignments Students should be able to have work completed at a desired time or less. Teachers and parents will be given feed back on how students/children is progressing. Teachers will be given assessments to make sure they understand what is expected with behavior modification charts.

Data Analysis & Interpretation Information will be reviewed to make sure it is reliable and credible. In addition to, ethical considerations so that the safety, welfare and privacy of each students is kept with no discrimination while conducting the investigation.

Action Plan Meet with teachers to make a proposal Vote on Participates that will participate Send signed consents home with parents Gather Information on students that will participate Meet with students Week 1 Give Assessment to student while medicated Observe behaviors as students are taking assessments Observe negative behaviors Give positive praise for completed assessments Week 2Give assessment to students Without medication Observe behaviors as students are taking assessment Observe fidgeting and starring Give rewards for completed assessments on time Week 3Administer assessment again Have students control impulses with rewards and positive reinforcement Have students control outburst Give rewards for completed homework and positive reinforcement for late homework Week 4 Gather all information from, interviews, surveys, and questionnaires Have meeting with parents and teachers Discuss problems with teacher and parents Call meeting with parents to discuss finding in investigation that could help outside of the classroom