Nikki L Murdick | Saint Louis University (original) (raw)

Papers by Nikki L Murdick

Research paper thumbnail of People-First and Competence-Oriented Language

International Journal of Whole Schooling, Jul 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Children with Hyperlexia

Teaching Exceptional Children, Mar 1, 2004

... Silberberg, NE, & Silberberg, MC (1971). Hyperlexia: The other end of the... more ... Silberberg, NE, & Silberberg, MC (1971). Hyperlexia: The other end of the continu-um. The Journal of Special Education, 5, 233-242. Sparks, RL (1995). Phonemic awareness in hyperlexic children. Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 7, 217-235. Nikki L. Murdick ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-Grant to the Rescue!

Teaching Exceptional Children, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing Infection in the Classroom

Teaching Exceptional Children, Mar 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Special Education Law

Research paper thumbnail of How To Use Differentiated Instruction with Students with Developmental Disabilities in the General Education Classroom. DDD Prism Series

This book discusses how educators can achieve inclusive classrooms that give students with differ... more This book discusses how educators can achieve inclusive classrooms that give students with different abilities the maximum opportunity for growth. It provides frameworks for planning learning environments, content, process, and products that enable students with learning challenges to succeed with meaningful curriculum. Decision-making guidelines are, offered for teachers who must work with standardized curriculum and non-standardized students. In addition, the book give detailed examples of how the curricular and instructional frameworks would look when applied to the learning needs of students with a range of learning needs and in a range of grade levels and subjects. Specifically, chapters address: (1) the inclusion philosophy and what is meant by differentiated instruction; (2) the relationships between curriculum and instruction and the Planning Pyramid Model for differentiating instruction in the inclusive classroom; (3) learning environment considerations, including optimal classroom physical arrangements, instructional grouping, and classroom climate; (4) content modifications, instructional adaptations, multilevel instruction, text alteration, and learning contracts; (5) process modifications, independent projects, and instructional technology; and (6) product modifications and

Research paper thumbnail of Inclusive Classroom Management: Using Preintervention Strategies

Intervention In School And Clinic, 1996

Discusses alternative intervention strategies for educational problems in the inclusive classroom... more Discusses alternative intervention strategies for educational problems in the inclusive classroom prior to evaluating a student for special education placement

Research paper thumbnail of Legislation, Evidence Based Practices, and State Implementation

Routledge eBooks, Nov 30, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Issues and Challenges Facing Educators Who Advocate for Students with Disabilities

Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of A New IDEA Mandate

Remedial and Special Education, Nov 1, 2001

The provision of appropriate educational programs for students with disabilities continues to be ... more The provision of appropriate educational programs for students with disabilities continues to be clarified through amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990. Required in the latest amendments, in 1997, and the subsequent publication of the regulations in 1999, are a research-based method known as functional assessment of behavior (FAB) and a behavioral change strategy known as positive behavior supports (PBSs). This article provides a legal base for and describes the steps in implementing an FAB; it also provides examples of appropriate PBSs and their use with students with disabilities.

Research paper thumbnail of Educational Implications of Costello Syndrome: The Team Approach

Physical disabilities, Dec 9, 2014

Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education clas... more Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education classroom has steadily increased. Many of these children are provided special education services under the generic disability title "intellectual disability." Over the past decade, there has been a significant amount of research concerning rare genetic syndromes that result in separating developmental disabilities into categories using similar origins and characteristics. Costello syndrome is one of these rare syndromes. Although information is available to medical practitioners, it has seldom been communicated to educators. The authors have taken the available data and, using a team approach, made recommendations for involving medical and health professionals in educating students with Costello syndrome.

Research paper thumbnail of How to Handle Students Exhibiting Violent Behaviors

The Clearing House: A Journal Of Educational Strategies, Issues And Ideas, Jun 1, 1993

... In this article we will try to alleviate some of these fears by discussing possible causes of... more ... In this article we will try to alleviate some of these fears by discussing possible causes of violence in the classroom and by ... Nikki L. Murdick is an associate professor of special education and chair of the Department of Elementary and Special Education at Southeast Missouri ...

Research paper thumbnail of Using Functional Behavioral Assessment with Individuals with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities

Assessment for Effective Intervention, Jul 1, 2005

As a result of inherent cognitive and language difficulties, individuals with mental retardation/... more As a result of inherent cognitive and language difficulties, individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities often are considered difficult to assess appropriately. When cognitive and language difficulties occur in conjunction with behavioral issues, this difficulty is compounded. The IDEA requirement to include a form of assessment, known as functional behavioral assessment (FBA), is seen as one method that may reduce this problem. A description of the strengths and weaknesses of FBA, the steps in implementing the assessment, and its use with individuals with cognitive deficits as well as behavioral issues is provided. Finally, a case study simulation illustrates the process.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Effective University and Public School Partnerships

The Clearing House: A Journal Of Educational Strategies, Issues And Ideas, Oct 1, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: What an Educator Needs to Know

Physical disabilities, Dec 9, 2014

The presence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impairs social, emotional and academic functi... more The presence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impairs social, emotional and academic functioning. Individuals with OCD may have co-morbid disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, or Tourette syndrome. Challenges occur when students with OCD become a part of the general education classroom. This article provides an overview of OCD and presents information to assist teachers and school staff to successfully meet the needs of students with OCD.

Research paper thumbnail of Best Practices for Practitioners in Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities

Education and training in autism and developmental disabilities, Dec 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Are There Toxic Plants in Your Classroom? A Resource for Teachers of Children with Exceptional Needs

Teaching Exceptional Children-Plus, 2008

In elementary and secondary classrooms, educators use plants for various reasons. Plants are ofte... more In elementary and secondary classrooms, educators use plants for various reasons. Plants are often used during learning activities and science experiments. Also, educators frequently decorate their classrooms with plants to make the room more inviting and comfortable. Few new educators have been informed of the potential hazards of commonly known plants that have toxic characteristics. Because of this lack of knowledge, children may be harmed by touching or ingesting parts of plants found in the classroom. This article presents ten plants often found in the classroom that have toxic characteristics. Plants that are non-toxic and can be safely substituted in the classroom are also described.

Research paper thumbnail of Issues in Programming for Students Displaying Dual Exceptionalities: Giftedness and Learning Disabilities

Research paper thumbnail of The Inclusion Controversy

Journal of Disability Policy Studies, Jul 1, 1996

Neither P.L. 94-142 nor its amendments, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of... more Neither P.L. 94-142 nor its amendments, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990, refers to the terms “inclusion” or “mainstreaming,” addressing only the issue of placement in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE) for students with disabilities. Beginning in 1989, the federal courts began to address the issue of the inclusion of students with disabilities into the regular education classroom as a method for meeting the least restrictive environment mandate of federal legislation. As a result, functional definitions of LRE and its impact on the issue of inclusion have emerged in case law decisions during the decade. These decisions have provided educators and administrators with guidelines concerning appropriate placements, use of records from other school districts for program and placement decisions, and types of required documentation. As litigation concerning inclusion increases, it is imperative that educators be aware of and understand the implications of these legal decisions. We review federal and circuit court cases related to the issue of inclusion and interpret the impact these decisions are having on the special education process as well as the effect this controversy and subsequent legal decisions are having on the educators who are involved.

Research paper thumbnail of Idea 2004

Remedial and Special Education, Nov 1, 2005

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential component in providing a free, appropr... more The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential component in providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to individuals with disabilities. The 2004 amendments of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have attempted to reduce the paperwork requirements of the IEP, while simultaneously ensuring that the goal of FAPE is met. Furthermore, the legislation attempts to bring the requirements of IDEA and NCLB into better alignment. Legislative changes to the IEP are described, and possible implications are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of People-First and Competence-Oriented Language

International Journal of Whole Schooling, Jul 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Teaching Children with Hyperlexia

Teaching Exceptional Children, Mar 1, 2004

... Silberberg, NE, & Silberberg, MC (1971). Hyperlexia: The other end of the... more ... Silberberg, NE, & Silberberg, MC (1971). Hyperlexia: The other end of the continu-um. The Journal of Special Education, 5, 233-242. Sparks, RL (1995). Phonemic awareness in hyperlexic children. Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 7, 217-235. Nikki L. Murdick ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-Grant to the Rescue!

Teaching Exceptional Children, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing Infection in the Classroom

Teaching Exceptional Children, Mar 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Special Education Law

Research paper thumbnail of How To Use Differentiated Instruction with Students with Developmental Disabilities in the General Education Classroom. DDD Prism Series

This book discusses how educators can achieve inclusive classrooms that give students with differ... more This book discusses how educators can achieve inclusive classrooms that give students with different abilities the maximum opportunity for growth. It provides frameworks for planning learning environments, content, process, and products that enable students with learning challenges to succeed with meaningful curriculum. Decision-making guidelines are, offered for teachers who must work with standardized curriculum and non-standardized students. In addition, the book give detailed examples of how the curricular and instructional frameworks would look when applied to the learning needs of students with a range of learning needs and in a range of grade levels and subjects. Specifically, chapters address: (1) the inclusion philosophy and what is meant by differentiated instruction; (2) the relationships between curriculum and instruction and the Planning Pyramid Model for differentiating instruction in the inclusive classroom; (3) learning environment considerations, including optimal classroom physical arrangements, instructional grouping, and classroom climate; (4) content modifications, instructional adaptations, multilevel instruction, text alteration, and learning contracts; (5) process modifications, independent projects, and instructional technology; and (6) product modifications and

Research paper thumbnail of Inclusive Classroom Management: Using Preintervention Strategies

Intervention In School And Clinic, 1996

Discusses alternative intervention strategies for educational problems in the inclusive classroom... more Discusses alternative intervention strategies for educational problems in the inclusive classroom prior to evaluating a student for special education placement

Research paper thumbnail of Legislation, Evidence Based Practices, and State Implementation

Routledge eBooks, Nov 30, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Issues and Challenges Facing Educators Who Advocate for Students with Disabilities

Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of A New IDEA Mandate

Remedial and Special Education, Nov 1, 2001

The provision of appropriate educational programs for students with disabilities continues to be ... more The provision of appropriate educational programs for students with disabilities continues to be clarified through amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990. Required in the latest amendments, in 1997, and the subsequent publication of the regulations in 1999, are a research-based method known as functional assessment of behavior (FAB) and a behavioral change strategy known as positive behavior supports (PBSs). This article provides a legal base for and describes the steps in implementing an FAB; it also provides examples of appropriate PBSs and their use with students with disabilities.

Research paper thumbnail of Educational Implications of Costello Syndrome: The Team Approach

Physical disabilities, Dec 9, 2014

Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education clas... more Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education classroom has steadily increased. Many of these children are provided special education services under the generic disability title "intellectual disability." Over the past decade, there has been a significant amount of research concerning rare genetic syndromes that result in separating developmental disabilities into categories using similar origins and characteristics. Costello syndrome is one of these rare syndromes. Although information is available to medical practitioners, it has seldom been communicated to educators. The authors have taken the available data and, using a team approach, made recommendations for involving medical and health professionals in educating students with Costello syndrome.

Research paper thumbnail of How to Handle Students Exhibiting Violent Behaviors

The Clearing House: A Journal Of Educational Strategies, Issues And Ideas, Jun 1, 1993

... In this article we will try to alleviate some of these fears by discussing possible causes of... more ... In this article we will try to alleviate some of these fears by discussing possible causes of violence in the classroom and by ... Nikki L. Murdick is an associate professor of special education and chair of the Department of Elementary and Special Education at Southeast Missouri ...

Research paper thumbnail of Using Functional Behavioral Assessment with Individuals with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities

Assessment for Effective Intervention, Jul 1, 2005

As a result of inherent cognitive and language difficulties, individuals with mental retardation/... more As a result of inherent cognitive and language difficulties, individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities often are considered difficult to assess appropriately. When cognitive and language difficulties occur in conjunction with behavioral issues, this difficulty is compounded. The IDEA requirement to include a form of assessment, known as functional behavioral assessment (FBA), is seen as one method that may reduce this problem. A description of the strengths and weaknesses of FBA, the steps in implementing the assessment, and its use with individuals with cognitive deficits as well as behavioral issues is provided. Finally, a case study simulation illustrates the process.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Effective University and Public School Partnerships

The Clearing House: A Journal Of Educational Strategies, Issues And Ideas, Oct 1, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: What an Educator Needs to Know

Physical disabilities, Dec 9, 2014

The presence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impairs social, emotional and academic functi... more The presence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impairs social, emotional and academic functioning. Individuals with OCD may have co-morbid disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, or Tourette syndrome. Challenges occur when students with OCD become a part of the general education classroom. This article provides an overview of OCD and presents information to assist teachers and school staff to successfully meet the needs of students with OCD.

Research paper thumbnail of Best Practices for Practitioners in Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities

Education and training in autism and developmental disabilities, Dec 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Are There Toxic Plants in Your Classroom? A Resource for Teachers of Children with Exceptional Needs

Teaching Exceptional Children-Plus, 2008

In elementary and secondary classrooms, educators use plants for various reasons. Plants are ofte... more In elementary and secondary classrooms, educators use plants for various reasons. Plants are often used during learning activities and science experiments. Also, educators frequently decorate their classrooms with plants to make the room more inviting and comfortable. Few new educators have been informed of the potential hazards of commonly known plants that have toxic characteristics. Because of this lack of knowledge, children may be harmed by touching or ingesting parts of plants found in the classroom. This article presents ten plants often found in the classroom that have toxic characteristics. Plants that are non-toxic and can be safely substituted in the classroom are also described.

Research paper thumbnail of Issues in Programming for Students Displaying Dual Exceptionalities: Giftedness and Learning Disabilities

Research paper thumbnail of The Inclusion Controversy

Journal of Disability Policy Studies, Jul 1, 1996

Neither P.L. 94-142 nor its amendments, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of... more Neither P.L. 94-142 nor its amendments, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990, refers to the terms “inclusion” or “mainstreaming,” addressing only the issue of placement in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE) for students with disabilities. Beginning in 1989, the federal courts began to address the issue of the inclusion of students with disabilities into the regular education classroom as a method for meeting the least restrictive environment mandate of federal legislation. As a result, functional definitions of LRE and its impact on the issue of inclusion have emerged in case law decisions during the decade. These decisions have provided educators and administrators with guidelines concerning appropriate placements, use of records from other school districts for program and placement decisions, and types of required documentation. As litigation concerning inclusion increases, it is imperative that educators be aware of and understand the implications of these legal decisions. We review federal and circuit court cases related to the issue of inclusion and interpret the impact these decisions are having on the special education process as well as the effect this controversy and subsequent legal decisions are having on the educators who are involved.

Research paper thumbnail of Idea 2004

Remedial and Special Education, Nov 1, 2005

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential component in providing a free, appropr... more The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential component in providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to individuals with disabilities. The 2004 amendments of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have attempted to reduce the paperwork requirements of the IEP, while simultaneously ensuring that the goal of FAPE is met. Furthermore, the legislation attempts to bring the requirements of IDEA and NCLB into better alignment. Legislative changes to the IEP are described, and possible implications are discussed.