Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Agricultural & Extension Education
Committee Chair
Deborah A. Boone
Committee Co-Chair
Harry N. Boone, Jr.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of Extension professionals with 4-H program responsibilities in West Virginia toward the involvement of special needs youth in 4-H programs. The study also sought to determine if Extension professionals felt they had sufficient training to work with special needs youth or if additional training was needed. A majority of the respondents (91.0%) agreed that involvement of special needs youth in 4-H programs would foster understanding and self-esteem for all participants. Special needs youth were involved in 66.7% of the programs. A majority of the Extension professionals (80.7%) thought training should be offered on working with special needs but not required. The majority of counties (62%) did not have programs specifically for special needs youth. Opportunities for special needs youth included special lamb and special interest projects. Most counties mainstream and integrate all members into regular 4-H programs and activities.
Recommended Citation
Reed, Christina L., "Attitudes of extension agents and program assistants in West Virginia towards involvement of special needs populations in 4-H programs" (2004). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1992.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1992