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University of Central Florida

2014

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Effect Of Age And Military Status On The Military Population's Awareness Of Community Mental Health Resources, Susan Stapp Jan 2014

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Effect Of Age And Military Status On The Military Population's Awareness Of Community Mental Health Resources, Susan Stapp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive review of the literature to find directions to fulfill the goal of this study. A survey was conducted and 586 active military, veterans, and their family members responded to an instrument that contained …


The Contribution Of College Students' Attachment Styles And Social Media Practices On Their Relationship Development, Renee Sherrell Jan 2014

The Contribution Of College Students' Attachment Styles And Social Media Practices On Their Relationship Development, Renee Sherrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between college students' attachment styles and social media practices with their relationship development. This investigation tested the theoretical model that undergraduate students' (N = 717) attachment styles (as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short form [ECR-S; Wei et al., 2007]) and social media practices (as measured by the Facebook Intensity Scale [FBI; Ellison et al., 2007] and Motives for Going Facebook Official Scale [MGFBO; Fox & Warber, 2013]) contributed to their quality of relationship development (as measured by the Parks Relational Development Scale [PRDS; Parks & Roberts, …


Talking Back: Mathematics Teachers Supporting Students' Engagement In A Common Core Standard For Mathematical Practice: A Case Study, Mercedes Sotillo Turner Jan 2014

Talking Back: Mathematics Teachers Supporting Students' Engagement In A Common Core Standard For Mathematical Practice: A Case Study, Mercedes Sotillo Turner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The researcher in this case study sought to determine the ways in which teachers support their students to create viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others (SMP3). In order to achieve this goal, the self-conceived classroom roles of two teachers, one experienced and one novice, were elicited and then compared to their actualized roles observed in the classroom. Both teachers were provided with professional development focused on supporting student engagement in SMP3. This professional development was informed by the guidelines that describe the behaviors students should exhibit as they are engaged in the standards for mathematical practice contained in …


Multiple-Case Study And Exploratory Analysis Of The Implementation Of Value-Added Teacher Performance Assessment On Eighth Grade Student Achievement In Ohio, Pennsylvania, And Tennessee, James Carter Jan 2014

Multiple-Case Study And Exploratory Analysis Of The Implementation Of Value-Added Teacher Performance Assessment On Eighth Grade Student Achievement In Ohio, Pennsylvania, And Tennessee, James Carter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to analyze the academic impact of the implementation of the Value Added Assessment Model. The researcher analyzed the Value Added Assessment Models in the three Value Added Assessment Model states that had implemented the Value Added Assessment Model for more than five years. Additionally, the research was done by analyzing the academic impact as measured by the eighth grade reading NAEP and the eighth grade mathematics NAEP. The researcher paired the three states that had implemented Value Added Assessment Model for more than five years, with three demographically matched states that had not implemented …


The Role Of Freedom In Assessing The Relationship Between Tourism Competitiveness And Quality Of Life: The Case Of Central America, Marketa Kubickova Jan 2014

The Role Of Freedom In Assessing The Relationship Between Tourism Competitiveness And Quality Of Life: The Case Of Central America, Marketa Kubickova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation study is to investigate the relationship among tourism competitiveness, quality of life, and freedom. The main premise is that the degree of freedom shapes the relationship between tourism development and quality of life. The study hypothesized that the greater the degree of freedom is, the greater impact tourism development will have on quality of life of residents of a destination. The theoretical framework of this study is based on combining Sen's capability approach with the tourism competitiveness theory. Tourism competitiveness aims at enhancing the quality of life, while Sen's capability approach provides the ingredients for …


Bringing John Green To Schools: Incorporating Young Adult Literature In A Secondary English Language Arts Classroom, Emily Adams Jan 2014

Bringing John Green To Schools: Incorporating Young Adult Literature In A Secondary English Language Arts Classroom, Emily Adams

HIM 1990-2015

As educators and administrators continue to struggle with the low literacy proficiency rates in this country, a new genre of literature is making its way into the classroom. Young Adult Literature, such as the works of John Green, are becoming a more familiar sight inside the classroom. However, some parents, educators, and members of the school districts are not happy with this new trend. In the last year, alone, young adult books have been challenged hundreds of times in hopes of getting them removed from the classroom and library. I believe that these books need to stay in the schools, …


Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Promoting Teacher Autonomy Through The Use Of Lesson Study, Rachel Leon Jan 2014

Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Promoting Teacher Autonomy Through The Use Of Lesson Study, Rachel Leon

HIM 1990-2015

The intent of thesis is to explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of using a form of professional development to promote teacher autonomy. Current evidence shows that autonomy is a recurring element desired by American teachers in their profession. However, research advocates for teachers who are initiating and carrying out research in their schools (as a form of professional development) to have the potential to promote autonomy. For American teachers to gain a sense of autonomy in their profession there needs to be a change in the way professional development is directed. One form of professional development that promotes teachers as researchers …


A Case Study Of The Self-Efficacy Of High School Aged Underrepresented Minority Women Entering The Medical Pipeline, Jennifer Dames Jan 2014

A Case Study Of The Self-Efficacy Of High School Aged Underrepresented Minority Women Entering The Medical Pipeline, Jennifer Dames

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study data revealed that participants came into the program with high levels of self-efficacy in several self-efficacy factors. Yet, participants in the pipeline program made significant improvements in their self-assertive efficacy. Analysis of …


Investigating Personal Fitness Trainers' Qualifications, Michael Akerson Jan 2014

Investigating Personal Fitness Trainers' Qualifications, Michael Akerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A threefold approach was utilized to analyze the problem of defining personal fitness trainers’ qualifications. First, the problem was explored nationally, internationally and locally. Within the local context, the history of the exercise science program, stakeholders and culture at the University of Central Florida and in the central Florida marketplace was examined. Next, a systematic literature review examined possible causes within the knowledge context, learning/motivational context and organizational/cultural context. Then, an original research study investigated the qualifications for Central Florida, Personal Fitness Trainers (PFTs) by examining the relationship(s) and/or differences between variables such as education, certification, years of experience and …


Design And Implementation Plan For The "I Am Potential" Financial Literacy Education Program, Tureka Louis Jan 2014

Design And Implementation Plan For The "I Am Potential" Financial Literacy Education Program, Tureka Louis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Financial Literacy Program Model is a proposed solution to the problem of financial illiteracy among the working poor. Over 80 percent of adults in America are not financially literate, yet more than half believe themselves to be (OECD, 2005). No community is more adversely affected by this fallacy than the working poor. Earning income, yet living below the poverty line, this group is as deceived as any other by the misconception that increased income is their sole remedy rather than a small part of the complex equation greatly influenced by financial literacy. Drawing upon a review of related literature, …


The Impact Of Job Experience Training On Executive Functioning Skills For Students With Language Impairments, Christopher Elliott Jan 2014

The Impact Of Job Experience Training On Executive Functioning Skills For Students With Language Impairments, Christopher Elliott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The collaborative efforts of families, educators, and policy makers have merged vocational training with special education services for students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 introduced mandates for schools to provide transition services for students with disabilities based on three areas of need: a) education, b) employment, and independent living. This legislation has led to more work-based learning programs that meet the postsecondary needs for students with disabilities. Despite this increase in work-based learning programs many students with disabilities are still unable to make successful transitions into postsecondary outcomes. Using a mixed method design, this study …


Failing The Failed: A Treatise On The Need For A Research Based Pedagogical Approach To Credit Recovery, Elise Anderson Smith Jan 2014

Failing The Failed: A Treatise On The Need For A Research Based Pedagogical Approach To Credit Recovery, Elise Anderson Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation in practice is to address the problem of online credit recovery. Although online enrollments have skyrocketed in recent years and all preliminary research indicates a large percentage of those enrollments are from students seeking credit recovery, much of the curriculum currently being offered is not research-based. Following a literature review focused on the history of credit recovery as well as successful current methods, we designed CRIT (Credit Recovery Instructional Treatment), a research-based approach to curriculum design for credit recovery. CRIT is a standards based curriculum relying on criterion based assessments. This approach was then applied …


A Needs Analysis For K-12 School Improvement Projects And Their Use As The Dissertation In Practice For The Professional Practice Education Doctorate Program At The University Of Central Florida, Jeffrey Biddle Jan 2014

A Needs Analysis For K-12 School Improvement Projects And Their Use As The Dissertation In Practice For The Professional Practice Education Doctorate Program At The University Of Central Florida, Jeffrey Biddle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study conducted at the University of Central Florida was completed to inform the Ed. D. in Education program within the College of Education and Human Performance. The main purpose of the study was to determine the Dissertation in Practice (DiP) project types that should be allowed for use as the capstone requirement based on a needs analysis of K-12 schools and school districts. The secondary purpose was to inform the instructional design of the program to ensure the necessary skills and knowledge required are included in the program. The study was conducted in the University of Central Florida's Ed. …


Closing The Reading Achievement Gap Between African American Students And Their Peers At A Suburban Middle School: The Impact Of School Improvement Plans., Jason Hutchins Jan 2014

Closing The Reading Achievement Gap Between African American Students And Their Peers At A Suburban Middle School: The Impact Of School Improvement Plans., Jason Hutchins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this Dissertation in Practice was to design a School Improvement Plan focused on improving reading performance of African American students at Suburban Middle School (SMS). The problem of practice was that African American students at Suburban Middle School have performed significantly lower than their White peers over the course of the 2009-2013 school years in reading performance. The reading deficiencies of African American students needed to be directly addressed in a new School Improvement Plan (SIP). The literature review of this study found that there are many different components that influence the reading performance of African American …


Defining And Building Excellence: A Model For Professional Development At Arete Charter School, Shloe Kerness Jan 2014

Defining And Building Excellence: A Model For Professional Development At Arete Charter School, Shloe Kerness

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the U.S., there is increased awareness that what teachers know and are able to do play a significant role in the achievement of their students (Sanders & Rivers, 1996). Consequently, there is an unprecedented interest in improving instruction, a job that is normally assumed by the schools and school districts where teachers are employed. However, long-established professional development options provided by school districts usually fail to have any significant positive impact on teachers' instructional practices and often have the unintended consequence of making teachers feel more like workers on an assembly line than professionals doing emotionally complicated work (Borko …


Ar Physics: Transforming Physics Diagrammatic Representations On Paper Into Interactive Simulations., Yao Zhou Jan 2014

Ar Physics: Transforming Physics Diagrammatic Representations On Paper Into Interactive Simulations., Yao Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A problem representation is a cognitive structure created by the solver in correspondence to the problem. Sketching representative diagrams in the domain of physics encourages a problem solving strategy that starts from 'envisionment' by which one internally simulates the physical events and predicts outcomes. Research studies also show that sketching representative diagrams improves learner's performance in solving physics problems. The pedagogic benefits of sketching representations on paper make this traditional learning strategy remain pivotal and worthwhile to be preserved and integrated into the current digital learning landscape. In this paper, I describe AR Physics, an Augmented Reality based application that …


An Examination Of Job Analysis: Developing Interdisciplinary Strategies In Human Resource Management Facilitative Of Mitigating Propensities Of Teacher Attrition, Julio Devere Jan 2014

An Examination Of Job Analysis: Developing Interdisciplinary Strategies In Human Resource Management Facilitative Of Mitigating Propensities Of Teacher Attrition, Julio Devere

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite repeated attempts by school administrators, policymakers and researchers to diagnose and correct rising occurrences of teacher turnover, there has been little change in the actual efforts to retain teachers in academy organizations. In response, this study was conducted to describe process constraints within the academy organization that are responsible for managing teacher turnover. To provide a description of current teacher retention efforts by school administrators, a survey instrument was administered to school teachers in the State of Florida. The population sample was dispersed throughout the entire state and closely reflected the demographics of Florida school teachers. The survey addressed …


A Comparison Of Eighth-Grade Mathematics Scores By State And By The Four Census-Defined Regions Of National Assessment Of Educational Progress (Naep), Laurel Robinson Jan 2014

A Comparison Of Eighth-Grade Mathematics Scores By State And By The Four Census-Defined Regions Of National Assessment Of Educational Progress (Naep), Laurel Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the information regarding the comparative relationship between the proficient mathematics scores of eighth-grade students on the 2009 state mathematics assessments and the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics assessment by state, census-defined regions and AYP subgroups. Analysis was completed and six research questions were used to guide the study. A multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between the percentage of eighth-grade students who were proficient in mathematics as assessed by the 2009 NAEP and those who were proficient in mathematics as assessed by their 2009 state assessment. A …


Teachers' Utilization Of Field Trips: A Comparative Study, Joshua Kenna Jan 2014

Teachers' Utilization Of Field Trips: A Comparative Study, Joshua Kenna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Field trips are visits to an out-of-school setting designed for educational and academic purposes whereby as a result students gain firsthand knowledge and experiences. Historically, it was the potential for student learning that motivated teachers to utilize field trips. However, there is reasonable suspicion among scholars today that teachers are utilizing field trips less since the start of the new millennia; the common reasons being cited among others include a slumping economy, an increase in accountability due to high-stakes testing, and rising fuel costs. Unfortunately, there is no empirical evidence that can confirm or deny this suspicion. Therefore, the purpose …


The Contribution Of School Counselors' Self-Efficacy And Professional Quality Of Life To Their Programmatic Service Delivery, Patrick Mullen Jan 2014

The Contribution Of School Counselors' Self-Efficacy And Professional Quality Of Life To Their Programmatic Service Delivery, Patrick Mullen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the directional relationship between practicing school counselors' level of professional quality of life and self-efficacy to their programmatic service delivery activities. This investigation tested the theoretical model that practicing school counselors' level of professional quality of life (as measured by the Professional Quality of Life Scale [ProQOLs; Stamm, 2010]) and their self-efficacy (as measured by the School Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale [SCSEs; Bodenhorn & Skaggs, 2005]) contributes to their service delivery activity (as measured by the School Counselor Activity Rating Scale [SCARS; Scarborough, 2005]). Specifically, this study examined the hypothesized directional relationship that …


Transforming A University? A Qualitative Analysis Of The Grantee-Grantor Relationship Between Florida Institute Of Technology And The F. W. Olin Foundation, Matthew Ruane Jan 2014

Transforming A University? A Qualitative Analysis Of The Grantee-Grantor Relationship Between Florida Institute Of Technology And The F. W. Olin Foundation, Matthew Ruane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to discuss and examine the nature of the grantor-grantee relationship between the F. W. Olin Foundation and Florida Institute of Technology in the larger context of grants by foundations and philanthropies to higher education. At the center of the research is a $50-million-dollar grant that "transformed" Florida Institute of Technology in ways that were perhaps unforeseen by either the grant-issuing foundation or the higher-education institution itself. This research will include a brief history of the two institutions involved and the circumstances that led to this grant proposal and its eventual implementation by the university, …


Analysis Of The Congruency Between Educational Choices And Community College Student Degree Aspirations, Mark Quathamer Jan 2014

Analysis Of The Congruency Between Educational Choices And Community College Student Degree Aspirations, Mark Quathamer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explored variables that influence community college student degree aspirations and students purpose for enrolling and pursuing specific degree types. The study was conducted using secondary data for students pursuing Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees at a single community college. A logistic regression test was used to test graduate and baccalaureate degree aspirations of the entire sample of students and separately by degree type. Significant predictors of degree aspirations included age, gender, credits enrolled in, participation in student groups, academic course planning, receipt of scholarship, and college GPA. In general, community college …


Multicultural Counseling Competence Of School Counselors: Relationship To Multicultural Behaviors And Perceived School Climate, Jennifer Greene Jan 2014

Multicultural Counseling Competence Of School Counselors: Relationship To Multicultural Behaviors And Perceived School Climate, Jennifer Greene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diversity in the United States is steadily increasing with racial and ethnic groups traditionally called minorities expected to account for over 50% of the U.S. population by 2050 (U.S. Census Projections, 2009). At the same time, the school age population is expected to consist of 60% students from "minority" backgrounds. Yet, school counselors are mostly from White, European backgrounds and are projected to continue to come from that background (Brown, Parham, and Yonker, 1996; Pack-Brown, 1999; Vaughn, 2007). This creates frequent cross-cultural counseling relationships within schools necessitating that school counselors have multicultural competence. Multicultural counseling competence (MCC) has been related …


The Impact Of A Group Counseling Intervention On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer Older Adolescents' Levels Of Hope, Coping, And Suicidality, Catherine Lamb Jan 2014

The Impact Of A Group Counseling Intervention On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer Older Adolescents' Levels Of Hope, Coping, And Suicidality, Catherine Lamb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This investigation examined the impact of an eight-week group counseling intervention on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adolescents’ (aged 18-20) levels of hopefulness, coping skills, and suicidality. An experimental, randomized-controlledtrial research design was employed to identify differences between the intervention group and waitlist control group participants’ hopefulness, coping skills, and suicidality scores. In addition, the relationship between the LGBTQ+ participants’ outcome variables (hopefulness, coping skills, and suicidality) scores was examined. Furthermore, the impact of group therapeutic factors experienced by the LGBTQ+ participants in intervention group for the variables of hopefulness, coping skills, and suicidality was examined. Key …


Replacing The "Raise Your Hand To Speak" Rule With New Social And Sociomathematical Norms In An Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Lisa Brooks Jan 2014

Replacing The "Raise Your Hand To Speak" Rule With New Social And Sociomathematical Norms In An Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Lisa Brooks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study documents the establishment of new social and sociomathematical norms in a second grade classroom. The teacher allowed students to speak directly to one another without having to raise their hands first during whole group mathematics instruction. Reform efforts in mathematics and the standards for mathematical practice contained in the Common Core State Standards call for students to discuss their reasoning with each other. Data were collected through interviews with the teacher and students, field notes, and video-recorded lessons over the course of 23 days. An online survey tool was utilized to share selected video of the teacher's …


Staffing Practices Of Elementary School Principals For Teachers In Primary Grades And Implications For The Prek-3rd Continuum, Laura Albers-Biddle Jan 2014

Staffing Practices Of Elementary School Principals For Teachers In Primary Grades And Implications For The Prek-3rd Continuum, Laura Albers-Biddle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Principals are considered the educational leaders of their schools and face pressure to improve the quality of education across all levels and disciplines. Principals were interviewed to understand their beliefs, knowledge, and dispositions on staffing teachers in the primary grades. A purposive sample of elementary school principals was drawn from one mid-size suburban district in Florida. Data were analyzed using Bolman and Deal's four-frame organizational theory framework, Cohen's cognitive frame, and Boote's theory of professional discretion. The data strongly suggest that principals do not understand the foundations of early childhood practice. In addition, they do not understand the differences between …


Reformation And Renaissance: An Examination Of America's Education Reform Movement, Craig Johnson Jan 2014

Reformation And Renaissance: An Examination Of America's Education Reform Movement, Craig Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Education reform has grown into a major policy issue at the state and national level in the United States and for that matter around the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the political and social forces supporting, the rationale behind, and the growth and impact of education reform policies in the K-12 public education system of the United States from 2001-2011. Through mixed-methods data analysis a descriptive and analytical picture of education reform was able to be concluded. The results of the analysis showed that with an increase in education reforms from 2001-2011, legislators, predominantly Republican, created …


Meeting The Needs Of Students Through A Targeted Professional Development, Anthony Copelin Jan 2014

Meeting The Needs Of Students Through A Targeted Professional Development, Anthony Copelin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a complex problem of practice occurring at Primrose Elementary school [pseudonym]. A large portion of Primrose Elementary School's population has been unable to meet Florida's state reading proficiency standards over the last twelve years. Students of Primrose Elementary have a poor foundation in language on which to build vital reading skills. Consequently, students cannot overcome this deficiency because teachers lack the content knowledge to meet the students' language and subsequent reading deficiencies, in spite of 12 years of reading professional development. This dissertation in practice will propose the use of targeted professional development to address below grade …


Student Engagement And Ethical Care In A Title I Middle School Program, Marguerite Anderson Jan 2014

Student Engagement And Ethical Care In A Title I Middle School Program, Marguerite Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if the foundational constructs (student engagement and ethical care) were experienced by the 8th grade students that participated in a morning tutoring program: Future Problem Solvers. A mixed methods design was adopted for the purpose of this study including raw data, survey data, informal observations, and face-to-face interviews. The goal was to determine if the 28 participants (male and female) demonstrated academic success on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (Science). The study was also conducted in order to explore the level of student engagement and the development of reciprocating relationships based ethical …


Predictors Of School Engagement For Females With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Stacey Hardin Jan 2014

Predictors Of School Engagement For Females With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Stacey Hardin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Women in general have been historically overlooked in society and, more recently, in research females with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) have been unnoticed (Rice, Merves, & Srsic, 2008). The purpose of the current study is to build a foundation of knowledge and practices for educators and researchers to better support and education this unique population of females. To better understand females with EBD, the researcher imposed a three-phase study, situated in two frameworks-the Culturally Responsive Theory Framework (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg, 1995) and the Participation-Identification Model (Finn, 1989), to look into the predictors of school engagement for females with EBD. …