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Systems Design: Academic Advising System Implementation, A Case Study Of User Centered System Design At The University Of Central Florida, Tracy Jones Jan 2015

Systems Design: Academic Advising System Implementation, A Case Study Of User Centered System Design At The University Of Central Florida, Tracy Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a case study in user-centered design completed at the University of Central Florida. Leadership in the College of Graduate Studies at UCF realized the need for an advisement tool to assist advisors in the academic colleges to track the success of their students. After an advisement product was selected, the user-centered design approach started to be implemented. End-users were shown the basic functionality and known benefits of the product. Then they were asked how they could make it standardized across programs. The users selected the order in which information and degree requirements should display. The users asked …


Principals' Lived Experiences In Childhood Poverty Impacting Resiliency Of Students In Poverty, Jonathan Rasmussen Jan 2015

Principals' Lived Experiences In Childhood Poverty Impacting Resiliency Of Students In Poverty, Jonathan Rasmussen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The number of children living in poverty within the United States is on the rise, which translates to more public school students experiencing those risk factors associated with poverty. Given the severity of the negative effect living in poverty has on the likelihood of academic success, paired with the current climate of accountability in U.S. public schools, it is imperative that educational leaders understand how to create a school culture that fosters resilience in students from poverty. The purpose of this study was to examine principals' lived experiences in childhood poverty impacts the decisions they make. More precisely, it examines …


Policy Implications Of A Teacher Evaluation System: The Relationship Of Classroom Observations, Levels Of Feedback, And Students Achievement Outcomes, Shana H. Rafalski Jan 2015

Policy Implications Of A Teacher Evaluation System: The Relationship Of Classroom Observations, Levels Of Feedback, And Students Achievement Outcomes, Shana H. Rafalski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to determine the relationship between the number of classroom observations and teacher VAM scores and (b) to identify the relationship between the types of feedback provided to teachers and student achievement outcomes as measured by VAM scores. De-identified data for the sample set of teachers in a large urban school district was gathered for the 2013-2014 year from iObservation by administrators observing teachers using the domains of the Marzano instructional model. The number of observations were compared to VAM scores to determine if teachers with a greater number of observations received higher …


Central Florida Educational Leaders' Professional Perceptions Of Race To The Top Components Concerning Teacher Evaluation And Compensation, Orin Smith Jan 2015

Central Florida Educational Leaders' Professional Perceptions Of Race To The Top Components Concerning Teacher Evaluation And Compensation, Orin Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods replication study was conducted to develop further understanding of the professional perceptions of educational leaders as to the fairness and impact of Race to the Top reforms concerning teacher evaluation and compensation on student achievement and growth. Graduate students in education and educational leadership from a target university were selected to complete an electronic survey to collect quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. Quantitative results from the electronic survey revealed limited diversity in professional perceptions of the five identified components of RTTT based upon professional classification or percentage free and reduced lunch population at the school sites where …


Acute Pro-Inflammatory Immune Response Following Different Resistance Exercise Protocols In Trained Men, Adam Wells Jan 2015

Acute Pro-Inflammatory Immune Response Following Different Resistance Exercise Protocols In Trained Men, Adam Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The successful regeneration of muscle tissue is dependent upon the infiltration of phagocytic CD14++CD16- monocytes that support the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells. Physiologically, the magnitude of the cellular response following resistance exercise is dictated by the level of receptor expression on the plasma membrane of the monocyte, as well as the secretion of their cognate ligands from tissue resident cells. However, it remains unclear whether the innate pro-inflammatory immune response varies with different resistance training protocols, and how it may impact recovery and the muscle remodeling process. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine temporal …


The Effects Of The Marzano Observation System Training On The Self-Efficacy Of Teacher Observers, Samuel Ashley Jan 2015

The Effects Of The Marzano Observation System Training On The Self-Efficacy Of Teacher Observers, Samuel Ashley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed the effects of the Marzano Teacher Observation training on the self-efficacy of teacher observers. In this study, seventy-four teacher observers reported their self-efficacy in the areas of evaluating student engagement, evaluating classroom management, and evaluating instructional strategies in pre and post surveys. The results of the surveys were analyzed with a paired samples t-test. This study found that the Marzano Teacher Observation system increases the self-efficacy of teacher observers. This study was delimited to participants of a Marzano Teacher Observation training conducted in the fall of 2014. The findings of this study will inform executive school leaders …


A Design And Implementation Plan For Professional Development And Curriculum Modules Of Historical Literacy In The Social Studies Classroom, Daniel Cowgill Jan 2015

A Design And Implementation Plan For Professional Development And Curriculum Modules Of Historical Literacy In The Social Studies Classroom, Daniel Cowgill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation in practice was to create professional development and curriculum modules focused on historical literacy in order to help teachers fully engage students in learning historical literacy skills. Historical literacy is the ability to understand the importance of the source of a document, being able to close read a text, to place a source within its proper context, and to corroborate the information from one source to another. The implementation of a program of this nature is designed to help teachers and students develop these skills with the hope that it positively impacts not only student …


A Formative Evaluation Of A Technology-Mediated Alternative To Traditional Study Abroad, Wendy Howard Jan 2015

A Formative Evaluation Of A Technology-Mediated Alternative To Traditional Study Abroad, Wendy Howard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a proposed technology-mediated intervention is a viable alternative to traditional study abroad for those who are unable to travel. While technology cannot reproduce the same experience of traveling abroad, the primary objective of this study was to determine if there is value in using Web conferencing technology to provide students with access to the same opportunity to interact with international experts in the field as their counterparts who were able to travel. This formative evaluation is the first in a series of iterative studies aimed at developing a viable, sustainable, …


Literate Citizenship: The Culture Of Literacy In Inclusive Middle School Social Studies Classrooms And Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Kathleen Becht Jan 2015

Literate Citizenship: The Culture Of Literacy In Inclusive Middle School Social Studies Classrooms And Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Kathleen Becht

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As more and more students with intellectual disabilities are included in the general education middle school setting, the culture and context of the literacy instruction they are receiving is severely limited in the existing literature. In this study, the researcher employed an ethnographic research design to observe the literacy culture of two middle school general education social studies teachers in the context of a district and school that had focused on more inclusive practices over the past five years. The learning environment and the general education teachers* perceptions and expectations of the nature of literacy for students with intellectual disabilities …


The Effect Of Allocated Assessment Time And Allocated Instructional Time On Student Achievement In Small, Medium, And Large School Districts In Florida, Samuel Crupi Jr. Jan 2015

The Effect Of Allocated Assessment Time And Allocated Instructional Time On Student Achievement In Small, Medium, And Large School Districts In Florida, Samuel Crupi Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To date, there is little current research which explores the effect of allocated assessment time and allocated instructional time as related to student achievement (Spanjers, Burns, & Wagner, 2008). Current educational reform has placed accountability and assessment at the forefront of public education (Hirsh, 2007; Jennings, 2012; Kallemeyn, 2009; NCLB, 2001; Supovitz, 2009). Research of time on task has demonstrated that there may be a positive correlation between the amount of time on task in learning activities and student achievement (Fredricks, McColskey, Meli, Mordica, Montrosse, & Mooney, (2011). There is current legislation to increase the time demands of assessment and …


Examining The Perspectives Of Students With Learning Disabilities Through Their Lived Experiences, Hannah Ehrli Jan 2015

Examining The Perspectives Of Students With Learning Disabilities Through Their Lived Experiences, Hannah Ehrli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of college students with learning disabilities through their lived experiences. Specifically, as they related to their high school learning experiences, their transition to higher education, and their continued academic and social support in higher education. The researcher gathered qualitative data to gain insight into the world of students with learning disabilities. The study consisted of a survey, focus group, and in-depth interviews. The data were reviewed in order to achieve a holistic picture of what the students* perceptions illustrate and to understand thematic commonalities from their lived experiences. The researcher …


Organizational Factors That Influence The Retention Of Special Education Teachers In Osceola County, Carla Keenum Jan 2015

Organizational Factors That Influence The Retention Of Special Education Teachers In Osceola County, Carla Keenum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The loss of special education teachers is a problem for all school districts. The effects of special education teacher attrition are felt in the classrooms and by all school district personnel. The impact on student achievement can be profound, especially if the teacher leaves in the middle of a school year. This study examines the organizational factors that influenced the attrition of special education teachers in one Central Florida school district. Participation in the anonymous survey was voluntary. Invitations to participate were sent directly to 385 special education instructional personnel and distributed to all district personnel using an e-mail forum. …


Applying Problem-Of-Practice Methods From The Discipline Of Higher Education Within The Justice System: Turning The Concept Of Therapy Dogs For Child Victims Into A Statewide Initiative., Jessie Holton Jan 2015

Applying Problem-Of-Practice Methods From The Discipline Of Higher Education Within The Justice System: Turning The Concept Of Therapy Dogs For Child Victims Into A Statewide Initiative., Jessie Holton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation-in-Practice introduces a law enforcement concept-to-practice model designed by combining tested methods of organizational analysis often utilized by those in the discipline of education. The model incorporates a two phase design with the first phase focusing on implementing and evaluating innovative changes within a medium size law enforcement agency for a micro-level analysis. A second phase examines the ability to replicate the concept program on a statewide, macro-level, by incorporating a re-design method utilizing organizational resource and structure frames. The concept applied to this model was the introduction of a therapy dog interaction during investigations involving crimes against children …


The Design Plan For A Comprehensive Financial Literacy Program, Karemah Manselle Jan 2015

The Design Plan For A Comprehensive Financial Literacy Program, Karemah Manselle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The need for financial literacy among Americans has become a national topic of interest. Economists, financial professionals, educators, and government officials recognize there is an overall deficit of financial knowledge. More specifically, higher education administrators have become increasingly concerned with ensuring that financial literacy tools are available to college students. Students of today face higher tuition and education-related costs, are less likely to receive grant funding to assist with their educational expenses, and are more likely to be in debt, carrying higher student debt loads than previous generations. Further, students lack the financial knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions. …


A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Adults In Individual Mental Health Counseling, Jessica Martin Jan 2015

A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Adults In Individual Mental Health Counseling, Jessica Martin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

African Americans continue to access non-emergency mental health care at a lower rate than White Americans, despite have equal risk for mental health issues. Currently, literature in counseling focuses on this deficit and why African Americans do not attend counseling, as opposed to those African Americans who do choose to go into counseling. The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of adult African American mental health counseling clients. Two types of purposive sampling, criterion and snowball, were used to identify and recruit participants. Six African American women were selected for inclusion in this study. …


Closing The Gaps In Professional Development: A Tool For School-Based Leadership Teams, Sandra Sampayo Jan 2015

Closing The Gaps In Professional Development: A Tool For School-Based Leadership Teams, Sandra Sampayo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The field of professional learning in education has been studied and added to extensively in the last few decades. Because the importance of learning in authentic contexts through professional dialogue has become so important, high quality, school-based professional learning is vital to building capacity at the school level. Unfortunately, the literature on professional development (PD) does not provide much guidance on how to bridge theory and practice at the school level, creating a gap. With the goal of PD ultimately being to improve teacher performance and student learning, the problem with this gap is that school-level professional development is arbitrarily …


A Quasi-Experiment Examining Expressive And Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge Of Preschool Head Start Children Using Mobile Media Apps, Angela Vatalaro Jan 2015

A Quasi-Experiment Examining Expressive And Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge Of Preschool Head Start Children Using Mobile Media Apps, Angela Vatalaro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (1999, 2011) recommends no screen time for children under two years and limited screen time for three- and four-year-olds. Despite these recommendations, most young children have easy access to various types of screens. In particular, children*s use of mobile media, including tablets and other touch screen devices, is increasing (Common Sense Media, 2013). Even though scholars have highlighted positive uses for mobile media (Christakis, 2014; Radesky, Schumacher, & Zuckerman, 2015) and there are recommendations in place for using mobile media with young children in active, open-ended ways (NAEYC & Fred Rogers Center, 2012), there has …


Comparing The Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge Of Intermediate-Level Students Of Different Native Languages In An Intensive English Program, Anas Alkhofi Jan 2015

Comparing The Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge Of Intermediate-Level Students Of Different Native Languages In An Intensive English Program, Anas Alkhofi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because most–if not all–intensive English programs (IEP) assign students to specific levels based on a placement test that does not involve any form of explicit vocabulary testing, some degree of variation in lexical knowledge of students within an individual class should not be surprising. However, very little research has ever quantified this variation. The current study fills the gap in this important area of TESOL research by investigating vocabulary variation among intermediate-level students at one IEP. Participants (N=79) were split into two main proficiency groups, high intermediate (N=28) and low intermediate (N=51). The 2K, 3K, and 5K levels from the …


Client Outcome: An Exploratory Investigation Of Multicultural Competence And The Working Alliance, Jessica Gonzalez Jan 2015

Client Outcome: An Exploratory Investigation Of Multicultural Competence And The Working Alliance, Jessica Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Early termination and low retention of clients is a common problem in counseling, with between 65%-80% of clients terminating treatment before the 10th session (Garfield, 1994; Lambert, 2013). Researchers (Lampropoulous, Schneider, & Spengler, 2009; Owen, Smith, & Rodolfa, 2009) have found that predictors of early termination include client age, race, socioeconomic status, and level of perceived distress. Furthermore, racial and ethnic minorities underutilize mental health services and have low retention when engaged in services, highlighting the need for counseling professionals to empirically explore factors that may be contributing to client engagement of the counseling process. Exploration of multicultural competence and …


Critical Velocity Is Associated With Combat Specific Performance Measures In A Special Forces Unit, Mattan Hoffman Jan 2015

Critical Velocity Is Associated With Combat Specific Performance Measures In A Special Forces Unit, Mattan Hoffman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over recent years, military research has focused on ways of being able to predict operational success and readiness through the development of simulated operational tasks measuring the physical limits of the soldier. Therefore, to properly prepare the tactical athlete for the demands and rigor of combat, accurate assessment of baseline physical abilities and limitations are necessary. Currently, western armies use a basic physical fitness test, which has been heavily argued to have no bearing on operational readiness, thus they are in the process of transitioning to a more specific combat readiness test. However, specific assessments to predict operational success/readiness are …


The Impact Of Video Modeling Combined With Skillstreaming Teaching Procedures On The Social Interaction Skills Of Middle School Aged Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Onur Kocaoz Jan 2015

The Impact Of Video Modeling Combined With Skillstreaming Teaching Procedures On The Social Interaction Skills Of Middle School Aged Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Onur Kocaoz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention package that combined Skillstreaming procedures for the development of social skills with the use of video modeling for middle school students identified with ASD. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to determine if the video modeling intervention package has an impact on social skill performance of three middle school-aged students with ASD. A multiple probe design across participants was employed to assess the effects of the video modeling intervention package on two beginning social skills (i.e., initiate greetings and initiate a conversation). The participants were three …


Grounding Design Of Instruction: An Exploration Of The Uses Of Scientific-Based Research And Theory In The Design Of Online Instruction By Faculty In Higher Education, Japheth Koech Jan 2015

Grounding Design Of Instruction: An Exploration Of The Uses Of Scientific-Based Research And Theory In The Design Of Online Instruction By Faculty In Higher Education, Japheth Koech

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to explore the processes educators in higher education used to ground their design of online instruction using scientific-based research and theory. Literature reviewed suggested reasons educators fail to ground the design of instruction were a lack of formal training in instructional methods, skills, support, and research understanding. The rationale for the study was to (a) increase understanding of how educators use scientific research and theory as a basis in decision-making during design and creation of online instruction,(b)identify best practices, and (c) add to the conversation in the instructional design field. A qualitative case study research design …


Exploring Leadership Experiences Of School Psychologists In Supporting Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Julie Joseph Jan 2015

Exploring Leadership Experiences Of School Psychologists In Supporting Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Julie Joseph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004 have placed increased demands on all educators and administrators. School psychologists find themselves charged with addressing a broad range of issues today, and there is an emphasis on leadership in the effective provision of services. Although the literature is replete with examples of the centrality of leadership in regards to the educational experience of students, there have not been sufficient studies that have studied this topic in school psychology. The purpose of this study was to discover, understand, …


World Language Teachers' Preparation, Beliefs, And Instruction In Central Florida, Valerie Mann-Grosso Jan 2015

World Language Teachers' Preparation, Beliefs, And Instruction In Central Florida, Valerie Mann-Grosso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) the extent to which world instructors report using specific communicative instructional strategies; (2) the difference between instructional strategies used by ESL only instructors, versus instructors of ESL and foreign languages, or instructors of only foreign languages; (3) the relationship between instructors* academic preparation and target language use in class; and (4) the relationship between instructors* pedagogical beliefs about second language learning and their reported target language use in class. The World Language Communicative Instructional Strategies Survey was administered to world language instructors from three academic institutions. Upon sending two requests, 48 …


The Effect Of Pre-Service Teaching On Student Achievement Using A Co-Teaching Model At An Elementary School In A Large, Urban School District In Central Florida, Walton Mchale Jan 2015

The Effect Of Pre-Service Teaching On Student Achievement Using A Co-Teaching Model At An Elementary School In A Large, Urban School District In Central Florida, Walton Mchale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was focused on the effect of pre-service teaching utilizing a co-teaching model on student achievement at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida. The contribution of university student teachers (i.e., interns) to elementary school achievement was investigated. Specifically explored was the difference between student achievement scores in classes with interns who participated in a co-teaching model and interns in classes that did not employ any structured approach to intern teaching. The researcher compared seven classes that employed co-teaching, where the university intern teacher and master teacher remained in the class conducting instruction, to …


A Quasi-Experimental Study On The Impact Of Explicit Instruction Of Science Text Structures On Eighth-Grade English Learners' And Non-English Learners' Content Learning And Reading Comprehension In Three Inclusive Science Classrooms, Jelitza Rivera Jan 2015

A Quasi-Experimental Study On The Impact Of Explicit Instruction Of Science Text Structures On Eighth-Grade English Learners' And Non-English Learners' Content Learning And Reading Comprehension In Three Inclusive Science Classrooms, Jelitza Rivera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of explicit instruction of science comparison and contrast macro text structures plus micro text structures on the content learning, sentence comprehension, and reading comprehension of eighth-grade English Learners (ELs) and non-English Learners (non-ELs) in three inclusive science classrooms. Although the results of this study did not show significant differences between groups in sentence comprehension, reading comprehension, or science content learning, the treatment group increased and maintained their science content learning scores over time, while the scores of the comparison group declined from post-test to delayed post-test. In addition, the …


Five School District Mentor Models For Secondary Mathematics And Science Teachers In A Job Embedded University Teacher Preparation Program, Lisa Karcinski Jan 2015

Five School District Mentor Models For Secondary Mathematics And Science Teachers In A Job Embedded University Teacher Preparation Program, Lisa Karcinski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mentoring was a component of the Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3), a Race to the Top (RTTT) program funded project. RTTT funded efforts reward states that have demonstrated success in raising student achievement and have the best plans to accelerate learning in the future (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Five Florida school districts implemented different variations of the RTP3 mentor model and due to the unique needs of each school district, context differences in effectiveness may have emerged. The purpose of the study was to determine the differences among the five mentor models, the extent to which these differences …


The Perceived Effectiveness Of Mixed Reality Experiences In A Master Of Arts In Teaching (Mat) Program For Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Degreed Individuals, Chana Speir Jan 2015

The Perceived Effectiveness Of Mixed Reality Experiences In A Master Of Arts In Teaching (Mat) Program For Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Degreed Individuals, Chana Speir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effectiveness of mixed reality experiences on resident teachers who successfully completed an undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree and were enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program as part of RTP3 at a large research university in Orlando, Florida. The population for this study consisted of those selected to be in the RTP3, which included being in the Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) and becoming a middle or high school science, mathematics, or engineering teacher. The resident teachers experienced mixed reality as …


An Analysis Of The Perceived Impact Of Lesson Study On Improving Secondary School Stem Teacher Effectiveness, Daniel Thompson Jan 2015

An Analysis Of The Perceived Impact Of Lesson Study On Improving Secondary School Stem Teacher Effectiveness, Daniel Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which participating in lesson study was perceived to have an impact on teacher effectiveness. Secondary STEM graduates who come into education need a model of collaborative reflective practice for continuous improvement. Lesson study is one possible model of professional learning that is both reflective and collaborative (Sims & Walsh, 2009, p. 731). The cyclical nature of lesson study makes it a natural fit for continuous improvement. Yet, little research into the effectiveness of lesson study as a tool for new teacher preparation or for middle and high school teachers …


The Education Pathway Through Social And Economic Integration Of Highly Educated Immigrants: The Case Of Colombians In The United States Of America, Olga Bedoya Arturo Jan 2015

The Education Pathway Through Social And Economic Integration Of Highly Educated Immigrants: The Case Of Colombians In The United States Of America, Olga Bedoya Arturo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developed countries have promoted immigration of educated people as a strategy to satisfy the demand for educated labor. Highly educated immigrants' poor language skills, absence of cultural networks, and lack of credentials and recognized professional experience gained in the country of origin are barriers to their social and economic integration (Ferrer & Riddell, 2008; Mattoo, Neagu, & ?zden, 2008; Miranda & Umhoefer, 1998; Zikic, Bonache, & Cerdin, 2010). The purpose of this study was to explore how college experiences in an American college or university facilitate or hinder the transfer and gain of different forms of capital among highly educated …