Literacy access: An examination of the picture plus discussion (PPD) intervention using typical and age appropriate texts

Jordan C Shurr, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the picture plus discussion (PPD) intervention on the comprehension abilities of high school students with moderate intellectual disability when read a variety of expository texts aloud. A multiple probe single subject design was employed to measure the effect of the intervention across three different texts including leveled SRA readers, stories from a local newspaper, and sections from employee handbooks. Results indicate that the PPD intervention was successful in increasing comprehension as measured by the students' story retell abilities. Comprehension assessment was collected in both three option knowledge based multiple-choice questions and student retell of the text content. While mixed results were observed in the multiple-choice accuracy, this study revealed that the PPD intervention was effective in increasing student comprehension by improving the story retell in terms of quantity (i.e. word count and idea units) and quality (i.e. text and picture relevant idea units) across the text types. These overall positive effects were replicated in the generalization phase, which involved peer supports in an inclusive, neutral school setting.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Taber-Doughty, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Special education|Secondary education|Literacy|Reading instruction

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