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Superintendent Second-Order Change Leadership To Achieve Equity And Access To Excellence In A Large Florida School District, Paul Wilhite Jan 2012

Superintendent Second-Order Change Leadership To Achieve Equity And Access To Excellence In A Large Florida School District, Paul Wilhite

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of 244 school- and district-based administrators who were employed in a Florida school district from 2003- 2011 regarding superintendent second-order change leadership decisions and events to achieve equity and access to excellence for all students in the school district. Interviews were also conducted with 11 active and retired school-based and district-based administrators to specifically address any factors that led to equity and access to excellence as well as any challenges the school district faced when implementing those actions and decisions. Quantitative data were used for a historical comparison of the …


The Relationship Between Perceived Personal Fairness, Social Fairness, Hotel Cancellation Policies And Consumer Patronage, Scott J. Smith Jan 2012

The Relationship Between Perceived Personal Fairness, Social Fairness, Hotel Cancellation Policies And Consumer Patronage, Scott J. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the study was to examine the relationships between the concepts of personal fairness and social fairness and hotel cancellation policies. These relationships will be explored using the framework of Prospect Theory in terms of consumer patronage (willingnessto-purchase and word-of-mouth). This study begins with a brief history of the development of the lodging industry in the United States from inns and taverns to the modern hotel industry that is a critical sector of the hospitality and tourism economy. Current statistics are provided regarding the U.S. and Central Florida hotel industry in order to provide both a national and …


An Analysis Of Teacher Tenure Legislation In The United States, Barbra Finegold Bruckmeyer Jan 2012

An Analysis Of Teacher Tenure Legislation In The United States, Barbra Finegold Bruckmeyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the legal issues of teacher tenure in public K-12 schools in the United States. Included in this study is a review of the pertinent case law as it pertains to teacher tenure as well as a conclusive review, analysis, and summary of all relevant state statutes concerning teacher tenure in the United States. The federal statutes that influence state teacher tenure laws are also included in this study. Teacher tenure in public K-12 schools was originally derived from the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which provided job protections to federal civil service employees. The National Education …


The Relationship Among African American Students' Sat Reasoning Test Scores And Participation In Advanced Placement Courses In One Large Urban School District In A Southern State In 2010-2011, Donald E. Fennoy Ii Jan 2012

The Relationship Among African American Students' Sat Reasoning Test Scores And Participation In Advanced Placement Courses In One Large Urban School District In A Southern State In 2010-2011, Donald E. Fennoy Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the relationship of Advanced Placement (AP) participation on closing the achievement gap between African American students and other ethnic/racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Asian) in a large urban school district in a southern state. Two major issues were considered: (a) the impact of high school student Advanced Placement participation on SAT Reasoning Test scores and (b) the correlation between increased high school student Advanced Placement participation and closing the academic achievement gap between African American and other ethnic/racial groups. A significant difference was found to exist in the mean SAT …


Amenities Provided As Predictors Of Job Satisfaction Among Entry-Level, Live-On/Live-In Housing And Residence Life Professionals, Kristen Getka Jan 2012

Amenities Provided As Predictors Of Job Satisfaction Among Entry-Level, Live-On/Live-In Housing And Residence Life Professionals, Kristen Getka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Job satisfaction of entry-level student affairs professionals has been an issue of interest to researchers and practitioners alike since at least the 1980s. A high turnover of housing and residence life live-on and live-in (LO/LI) professionals has led to a curiosity for the reason. Investigation into job satisfaction of these professionals is an ideal way to determine ways to help retain LO/LI professionals and enhance their overall job satisfaction. In this study, the personal demographics, institutional demographics, and amenities provided to entry-level housing and residence life professionals holding LO/LI positions, and what impact, if any, they had on job satisfaction …


Levels Of Engagement Among Male, College Basketball Players, Mary Botts Jan 2012

Levels Of Engagement Among Male, College Basketball Players, Mary Botts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the engagement of male, college basketball players within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The literature review shows a connection between engaging in educationally purposeful activities and student retention. Because some student athletes, male collegiate basketball players in particular, struggle to graduate at the same rate as their fellow student athletes, student engagement offers one lens to examine the educational experiences of basketball players. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was used to collect levels of engagement along four identified variables. These four variables, part of Chickering and Gamson’s Seven Principles for Good Undergraduate Education, were …


Exploring Intensive Reading Intervention Teachers' Formal And Practical Knowledge Of Beginning Reading Instruction Provided To At-Risk First Grade Readers, Kathryn Cortelyou Jan 2012

Exploring Intensive Reading Intervention Teachers' Formal And Practical Knowledge Of Beginning Reading Instruction Provided To At-Risk First Grade Readers, Kathryn Cortelyou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed with two goals in mind. The first goal was to describe the formal and practical knowledge of intensive reading intervention teachers related to beginning reading instruction with at-risk first graders. A second goal was to understand any potential relationships between intensive reading teachers’ practical knowledge and formal knowledge. These two goals framed the study’s three research questions. To answer these three questions, the study was conducted in two phases. Phase one included 32 participants, all of whom worked in the role of a K-2 intensive reading intervention teacher. Each of these 32 participants completed a background …


An Analysis Of The Legal Issues Of School Voucher Programs For Students With Disabilities And Its Impact On The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (Idea), Patricia Fontan Jan 2012

An Analysis Of The Legal Issues Of School Voucher Programs For Students With Disabilities And Its Impact On The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (Idea), Patricia Fontan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the current case law on school voucher programs for students with disabilities and legal protections under IDEA. The idea of school vouchers can be traced back to the 1950s but have taken a new form in the past 13 years. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of school voucher programs with mixed results which will lead to court challenges in the future on a state by state basis based on the state’s constitution. School vouchers have been developed to target specific populations of students including students with disabilities. But with very little accountability for …


Mathematic Strategies For Teaching Problem Solving: The Influence Of Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving Strategies On Students' Attitudes In Middle School, Kelly Lynn Klingler Jan 2012

Mathematic Strategies For Teaching Problem Solving: The Influence Of Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving Strategies On Students' Attitudes In Middle School, Kelly Lynn Klingler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to observe the influence of teaching mathematical problem solving strategies on students’ attitudes in middle school. The goal was to teach five problem solving strategies: Drawing Pictures, Making a Chart or Table, Looking for a Pattern, Working Backwards, and Guess and Check, and have students reflect upon the process. I believed that my students would use these problem solving strategies as supportive tools for solving mathematical word problems. A relationship from the Mathematics Attitudes survey scores on students’ attitudes towards problem solving in mathematics was found. Students took the Mathematics Attitudes survey …


Understanding Faculty Donors: Giving At Historically Black Colleges And Universities In The Southern Region Of The United States, Curtis Proctor Jan 2012

Understanding Faculty Donors: Giving At Historically Black Colleges And Universities In The Southern Region Of The United States, Curtis Proctor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the motivational factors that lead to faculty giving to their employing institutions. Giving practices in relation to the life experiences and independent influences of faculty members who were employed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were examined. In addition this study contributes to the limited amount of literature provided on HBCUs institutional advancement offices as well as the effectiveness of their solicitation efforts as perceived by faculty members employed at the colleges and universities. Three research questions were considered in this study. First, what life experiences contribute to the …


Strengths Of Secondary School Principals In One Large Florida School District, And Achievement Of Adequate Yearly Progress In 2010-2011, Kelly Noel Paduano Jan 2012

Strengths Of Secondary School Principals In One Large Florida School District, And Achievement Of Adequate Yearly Progress In 2010-2011, Kelly Noel Paduano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increased accountability has led to increased pressure on administrators to meet AYP. By identifying strengths that are present in successful administrators, superintendents will be better equipped to make well-informed selections and administrators can target specific areas for professional growth. This study used a self-assessment created from the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment to analyze the strengths of principals and the commonalities in those strengths based on (a) percentage of adequate yearly progress (AYP) achieved, (b) grade levels served (middle school or high school) and (c) community served (urban or suburban). It is important to note that community served is not meant to …


The Implementation Of Engineering Design Challenges On 4th Grade Students' Attitudes Towards Engineering, Classroom Climate, And Writing Ability, Tara L. Newby Jan 2012

The Implementation Of Engineering Design Challenges On 4th Grade Students' Attitudes Towards Engineering, Classroom Climate, And Writing Ability, Tara L. Newby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if my practice of having 4th grade students participate in engineering design challenges impacted their attitudes towards engineering, the classroom climate, and writing ability. In this action research students were given a pre and posttest that measured their attitudes towards engineering and their perceptions of the classroom climate. A pre and post written reflection was also examined and compared for the use of predicting, observing, thinking, explaining, reflecting, and yearning to learn more. A triangulation of data included the use of pre and posttest statistical analysis, rubrics, teacher observation, and student interviews. …


White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity, Christopher C. Butts Jan 2012

White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity, Christopher C. Butts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to explore the phenomenon of White male membership in a historically Black fraternity. The researcher utilized a qualitative research methodology to investigate the pre-collegiate experiences of White males that influenced them to seek membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Due to the national pool of potential participants, interviews were conducted with White male members of this fraternity using video chat software. The researcher utilized social identity theory (SIT) as the framework for this study based on the premise that in-groups might prove to be significant. Examining the participants’ pre-collegiate in-groups, diversity of family and family …


Gifted Students' Engagement In A Middle School Research And Critical Thinking Course, Samuel Crupi Jr Jan 2012

Gifted Students' Engagement In A Middle School Research And Critical Thinking Course, Samuel Crupi Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This action research was an analysis of a group of eighth grade gifted students ‘classroom engagement in a large urban school district. Over a two-week period a variety of data were collected. Data were collected using the Student Engagement Instrument (Appleton & Christenson, 2004), which is a self-report of students’ perceptions of engagement. Observation data of student engagement were collected using a teacher developed student engagement checklist, which measured academic and behavioral indications of student engagement. At the end of the two week observation period students participated in an exit interview focused on their perceptions of student engagement. The student …


Counselor Education Students' Ethnic Identity And Social-Cognitive Development: Effects Of A Multicultural Self-Awareness Group Experience, Jennifer Marie Johnson Jan 2012

Counselor Education Students' Ethnic Identity And Social-Cognitive Development: Effects Of A Multicultural Self-Awareness Group Experience, Jennifer Marie Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the impact of a multicultural self-awareness personal growth group on counselor education students (n = 94) and group leaders (n = 10) and their ethnic identity development scores, social-cognitive maturity levels, and presence of group therapeutic factors. Findings from the study identified no statistically significant differences in ethnic identity development and social-cognitive maturity scores between treatment group and comparison group participants, or as a result of multiple measurements throughout the semester. However, a statistically significant effect was identified for time (pre-test, M = 91.94, SD = 5.33; mid-semester, M = 90.32, SD = 6.43; post-test, M …


An Analysis Of Communication Anxiety And Reading Comprehension In Sixth, Seventh And Eighth Grade Students, Tami Mullens Davis Jan 2012

An Analysis Of Communication Anxiety And Reading Comprehension In Sixth, Seventh And Eighth Grade Students, Tami Mullens Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to determine whether communication apprehension impacted reading comprehension in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and to examine the impact of family socio-economic status. Many studies have demonstrated the negative relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement, however, studies of elementary and middle school students have been conspicuously missing from this research. Findings of this study indicated that the levels of communication apprehension rose slightly as grade level increased. Results showed that females in the study had higher levels of communication apprehension than males. The study also found that those students receiving free and …


The Relationship Among Student Demographic Variables And Reported Discipline Referral Categories, Timothy A. Bair Jan 2012

The Relationship Among Student Demographic Variables And Reported Discipline Referral Categories, Timothy A. Bair

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to investigate the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals to the different student groups’ gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity for the 6th through 12th grade students in a central Florida public school district for the school year 2009-2010. The relationship of the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals between gender and socioeconomic status was analyzed. In addition, the relationship of the disproportional distribution of subjective and objective discipline referrals between ethnicity and socioeconomic status was analyzed. Analysis of the discipline referral data from the central Florida public school district for the school …


Coaching In An Interactive Virtual Reality To Increase Fidelity Of Implementation Of Discrete Trial Teaching, Krista Vince Garland Jan 2012

Coaching In An Interactive Virtual Reality To Increase Fidelity Of Implementation Of Discrete Trial Teaching, Krista Vince Garland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In teacher preparation, more effective pathways and practices are needed for preparing, placing, and supporting beginning teachers and principals (Darling-Hammond, 2010; U.S. Department of Education, 2009b). A common issue in the field of special education is the lack of skill transfer from one setting to another (Dieker, Hynes, Hughes, & Smith, 2008). It has been posited that “practicing up” is not ethical in that novice teachers must attempt to teach with a limited knowledge of appropriate pedagogy and skill (Dieker et al., 2008). The new challenge becomes finding an effective mechanism that provides essential learning experiences and opportunities to refine …


Central Florida Educational Leaders' Professional Opinions Of The Race To The Top Grant Components Concerning Teacher Evaluation And Compensation Prior To Implementation, Daniel Windish Jan 2012

Central Florida Educational Leaders' Professional Opinions Of The Race To The Top Grant Components Concerning Teacher Evaluation And Compensation Prior To Implementation, Daniel Windish

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the professional opinions of educational leaders regarding selected components in the Race to the Top (RTTT) grant concerning teacher evaluation and compensation and the potential impact on student achievement. A target university was selected that had students who were professionals in the field of education in either instructional or administrative jobs and were pursuing their doctorates in both Education and Educational Leadership. A researcher created survey and follow-up interview were utilized to gather both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. Quantitative findings revealed that statistically significant differences in the opinions of educational leaders …


Probing Space: Formative Assessment In A Middle School Inquiry-Based Science Classroom, Clinton W. Anderson Jan 2012

Probing Space: Formative Assessment In A Middle School Inquiry-Based Science Classroom, Clinton W. Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This action research thesis was performed to explore the research questions: How did the use of formative assessment affect student performance data in understanding the concepts of the Sun-Earth-Moon system?, How did the use of learning scales as formative techniques impact student self-assessment of their knowledge of the Sun-Earth-Moon system?, How did the implementation of formative assessment techniques affect student discourse on the topic of the Sun-Earth-Moon system? Formative assessment techniques including "talk-friendly" probes, sticky bars, and agree-disagree statements were used in the classroom to expose gaps in knowledge, to facilitate discourse, and promote self-assessment. A triangulation of data included …


The Influence Of Components Of Positive Psychology On Student Development, Yo Sang Ha Jan 2012

The Influence Of Components Of Positive Psychology On Student Development, Yo Sang Ha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Considering a wide range of student's delinquencies and problems, preventive intervention in school is strongly required for healthy student development. American School counselor Association (ASCA) has focused on three areas, academic development, career development, and personal/social development to provide various skills and learning opportunities for the successful life of students. During the past 50 years, psychologists have concentrated on the disease treatment model. However, unlike this psychological trend, positive psychology has paid attention to prevent school violence and delinquency. Further, Positive psychologists have discovered not only to prevent problems but also to facilitate human strengths and virtues to live successful …


Second-Order Change Leadership Behaviors Of Principals Of Urban Elementary Schools And Student Achievement In 2010, Janet Kearney Jan 2012

Second-Order Change Leadership Behaviors Of Principals Of Urban Elementary Schools And Student Achievement In 2010, Janet Kearney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus on specific principal leadership behaviors that positively impact student achievement has become more and more pronounced since the inception of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Recently, researchers have begun to focus on a more dramatic type of change as a method for improving student achievement in schools. Marzano, Waters, and McNulty (2005) conducted a meta-analysis of more than 5,000 studies and identified seven leadership behaviors that related to improved student achievement and were viewed as second-order in nature. In many cases, second-order change was needed (a) to accomplish the student achievement improvements necessary to attain …


The Effects Of Journaling And Vocabulary Strategies On Elementary Students' Attitudes Towards Mathematical Performance, Renee Marie Janzen Jan 2012

The Effects Of Journaling And Vocabulary Strategies On Elementary Students' Attitudes Towards Mathematical Performance, Renee Marie Janzen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In an attempt to examine the effects of journaling and vocabulary strategies on elementary students’ attitudes towards mathematical performance, I embedded reflective journaling and vocabulary strategies into my fourth grade mathematics curriculum. The mathematics content focused on whole number place value, multiplication, and division. My study revealed the positive effects these interventions can have on elementary students’ attitudes towards mathematics.


Effects Of A Reading Strategy With Digital Social Studies Texts For Eighth Grade Students, Melissa Doan Malani Jan 2012

Effects Of A Reading Strategy With Digital Social Studies Texts For Eighth Grade Students, Melissa Doan Malani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent data indicate that only 34% of American eighth grade students are able to demonstrate grade-level proficiency with academic reading tasks (NCES, 2011). The staggering nature of statistics such as this is even more profound when considering that high level literacy skills combined with mastery of digital texts have become practical requirements for success in secondary education, post-secondary education, and virtually all vocational contexts. Despite this incongruent scenario, little research has been conducted to evaluate instructional methods and reading comprehension strategies with digital texts. To address this critical issue, the present study examined the effects of a metacognitive reading comprehension …


The Community College Baccalaureate And Adult Students: A Qualitative Analysis, Angela Kersenbrock Jan 2012

The Community College Baccalaureate And Adult Students: A Qualitative Analysis, Angela Kersenbrock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this qualitative research was to investigate the motivations, experiences, and constructs of non-traditional adult students who elected to enroll in community college baccalaureate programs. The participants in this investigation were a homogeneous sample of adult students who had priorities other than school, such as employment and families. The research questions which guided the study sought to explore the narratives adult students shared of their reasons for choosing to enroll in a community college baccalaureate degree program, how they described meaning to having access to these new degrees, and what impact the community college baccalaureate had on the …


Influencing Students To Become Stewards Of The Earth's Ocean, Jenifer Trimble Jan 2012

Influencing Students To Become Stewards Of The Earth's Ocean, Jenifer Trimble

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to document 8th grade students' experiences at a residential marine learning facility as they discovered the interconnections between life on Earth and its dependency on ocean health. My goal was for students to take their new knowledge and share it with others in a quest to become educated and caring stewards of the Earth's ocean. Students in this study participated in open peer and instructor discussions, performed full and guided inquiry activities, and snorkeled among the shallow water habitats that transition from mangroves toward coral reefs to discover the interconnections among shallow …


The Influence Of Choice In Manipulatives On Second Grade Students' Attitudes, Achievement, And Explanations Of Two-Digit Addition Concepts, Aryn Siegel Jan 2012

The Influence Of Choice In Manipulatives On Second Grade Students' Attitudes, Achievement, And Explanations Of Two-Digit Addition Concepts, Aryn Siegel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to improve my teaching practice, as well as my second grade students' success with two-digit addition concepts, by allowing them to choose the manipulative tools to explore problems and justify solutions. I examined how allowing my students this choice influenced their attitudes, achievement, and explanations of their thought processes. I found that allowing students to choose their own manipulatives had positive influences in all three areas. Pre- and post-test results showed an overall shift toward more positive mathematics attitudes, as well as increased academic achievement with two-digit addition concepts. Students also demonstrated changes in …


Career Decision-Making Patterns Of Undecided African-American Male Transfer Students: A Qualitative Approach, Lavious Felix Daniels Jan 2012

Career Decision-Making Patterns Of Undecided African-American Male Transfer Students: A Qualitative Approach, Lavious Felix Daniels

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The career development and career decision-making needs of African-American males have generated much inquiry. Two year colleges currently serve as the predominant point of entry for many African-American male students seeking baccalaureate degrees. However, the transition to and eventual success at the four-year institution is often met with challenges. The inability to choose a major that may lead to a desired career has the potential to serve as a barrier for some students. From the lens of social cognitive career theory, this qualitative study was conducted to examine the experiences of undecided, African-American male transfer students at a large, four-year …


Elementary Reading Coaches In Florida: A Study Of Their Background, Experiences, Coaching Activities, Time, And Other Factors Related To Reading Achievement, Gina M. Zugelder Jan 2012

Elementary Reading Coaches In Florida: A Study Of Their Background, Experiences, Coaching Activities, Time, And Other Factors Related To Reading Achievement, Gina M. Zugelder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the daily work lives of elementary reading coaches in central Florida by studying their background, academic and professional experiences. The beliefs and perceptions of the reading coaches on factors that influence reading achievement were examined. The responses from 96 participating elementary reading coaches were used to investigate (a) the relationship between demographic information, professional experiences, and academic background of the reading coach, (b) the percentage of time reading coaches engaged in specific coaching activities, and (c) the linkage between coaching activities and change in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test developmental …


Civic Engagement Of Community College Students: A Qualitative Research Study On Community College Curriculum And Civic Engagement, Landon P. Shephard Jan 2012

Civic Engagement Of Community College Students: A Qualitative Research Study On Community College Curriculum And Civic Engagement, Landon P. Shephard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social scientists claim young United States (U.S.) citizens have become disengaged in civic life which jeopardizes democracy (White et al., 2007; CIRCLE & Carnegie, 2003, p.8). As a nation, the U.S. has failed to teach students the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for democratic life (White et l., 2007). Social scientists claim young U.S. citizens have become disengaged in civic life since the 1980s (Colby, 2007; CIRCLE & Carnegie, 2003, p.4). Compared to past generations, young citizens in the United States are less engaged in political life and lack an understanding of what it means to be an active and …