Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Education
First Advisor
Diane Lowry
Second Advisor
Sara Platt
Third Advisor
Shannon Sharp
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
In this thesis, the goal was to find the link, if any, between prematurity and special education, with regards to probability of special education and outcomes, and to create a means of professional development for not only special education teachers about prematurity risks and effects on students but also parental education about the possible procedures of their child’s education. This is accomplished through the organization of infographic pamphlets for parents and an online professional development presentation. Both these formats are compliant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility parameters. A literature review was conducted to achieve this goal using primary and secondary peer reviewed sources limited to a field of study within the United States of America and Mississippi when specifically discussing special education qualification and disability definitions. It was found that prematurity predicts below proficient English language arts (ELA) and mathematics scores, deficits in cognition and motor skills, increased risk for disability, increased probability for earlier onset special education services, and increased percentages of suspension and absenteeism, even throughout high school. Ultimately, children born premature were found to be more likely to begin and participate in special education and its related services.
Recommended Citation
Corder, Nadia R., "Prematurity and Special Education: Raising Awareness of the Connections Between Preterm Births and Special Education" (2026). Honors Theses. 3387.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3387
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