Directory

Trent Atkins

Professor

Contact

Office
ED 230
Phone
(406) 243-4978
Email
trent.atkins@mso.umt.edu

Personal Summary

Dr. Atkins came to the University of Montana in 2003 after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He taught in a variety of special education settings in Ohio and Montana. Dr. Atkins has also served as a program evaluator on a variety of projects across North America.

Dr. Atkins has served as department chair, accreditation director, and has served as director and principal investigator on a wide variety of externally funded research projects.

Dr. Atkins currently teaches courses in special education law, educational research, and applied research. He is also actively engaged in publishing his work in best practices in teacher education and best practices in playground activities.

Education

2003                University of Oregon, Ph.D., Special Education                   

2000                Wright State University, M.A., Applied Behavioral Science

1996                The Ohio State University, B.S., Special Education

Publications

Peer-reviewed Publications

Atkins, T. & Brandon, C. (2023). Project RECESS (Review, Evaluate, and Create Effective Strategies and Stations). Educational Research: Theory and Practice, 34(3), 187-195.

Atkins, T., Downey, J., & Aiken, E. (2023). The Big Sky Five: Statewide Effort to Increase Teacher Preparedness. Journal of Educational Research and Innovation. 11(1).

Reaves, M., Sullivan-Walker, M., Atkins, T., Aiken, E. & Dahle-Huff, K. (2023). Preservice teachers’ perceptions of their knowledge of and confidence in using high-leverage practices. Educational Research: Theory and Practice, 34(3), 156-171.                                                              

Brandon, C. & Atkins, T. (Under Review). A comprehensive review of best practices on the playground.

Atkins, T.A. and K.D. Cummings. (2011). Utility of oral reading and retell fluency in predicting proficiency on the Montana comprehensive assessment system." Rural Special Education Quarterly, 3, 3-12.

Atkins, T. & Bartuska, J. (2010). Consideration for placement of youth with EBD in alternative education programs. Beyond Behavior, 19, 14-22.

Atkins, T. (2008). Is an alternative school a school of choice? It depends. The Journal of School Choice, 2, 344-347.

Cummings, K., Atkins, T., Allison, R., & Cole, C. (2008). Response to intervention: Investigating the new role of special educators. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40, 24-31.

Atkins, T., Hohnstein, S., & Roche, V. (2008). Perceptions of their new school: Students

with and without disabilities changing to an alternative and charter school. Journal of School Choice, (2), 47-65.

Atkins, T., Bullis, M., & Yovanoff, P. (2007). Wealthy and wise? Influence of socioeconomic status on the community adjustment of previously incarcerated youth. Behavioral Disorders, 32, 254-266.           

Unruh, D., Bullis, M., Todis, B., Waintrup, M., & Atkins, T. (2007, January). Programs and practices for special education students in alternative education settings. Research to Practice Brief, 6 (1). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition. Retrieved February 20, 2007, from: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=3448

Atkins, T., van den Pol, R., & Schuldberg, D. (2006). Safe Schools Assessment and Resource Bank: A research based system to monitor and enhance school climate and safety. Communiqué, 35, 45-47.

Atkins, T., Bullis, M. & Todis, B. (2005). Converging and diverging service delivery systems in alternative education programs for disabled and non-disabled youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Journal of Correctional Education, 56, 253-285.

Atkins, T., Allen, J., & Meredith, M. (2004). Alternative Schools: Information for Families. Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice; Washington D.C.

Publications in Progress

Atkins, T. & O’Reilly, E. (In Progress). Determining Completer Impact for Teacher Education Programs: A Successful Approach.