Education Commons^™

The Battle Over Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion And Critical Race Theory In Florida: A Case Study On The Stop W.O.K.E. Act, Grace Anne Castelin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Accelerating from 2022 and continuing through 2024, the state of Florida has experienced significant policy changes, particularly within the realm of higher education and affairs of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many progressive officials, experts, and activists assert arguments that the state is on the verge of evolving into an authoritarian regime while many illiberal policies are being produced through the Florida legislature and current executive leadership—social and economic sectors are consequently threatened in order to maintain political oppression. The Stop W.O.K.E. Act has served as a catalyst for shifting the state's political stance on DEI, culminating in a chain …

Shades Of Justice: Exploring Colorism In The Hispanic Community And Its Legal Battle For Equity, Christel A. Infante

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis focuses on the racial disparity within the Hispanic and Latinx communities as injustices exist within the community and the workplace. Racial disparities in the United States have been a persistent and deeply rooted issue that has plagued the nation for centuries. Despite significant progress in civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation, disparities in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice persist. Understanding the factors contributing to these disparities is essential for addressing systemic inequalities and fostering a more just society. The analysis of this thesis primarily focuses on the cases and ramifications of Hispanic persons within the workplace, …

Caring For The Caregiver: A Study On The Quality Of Life Of Informal Caregivers Of Aging And Elderly Adults With Down Syndrome, Isabel E. Latorre-Lagos

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research studied the quality of life of informal caregivers of aging and elderly adults with Down syndrome. Prior research indicates some degree of deteriorating Quality of Life (QoL) for caregivers, however, there is no empirical research isolating the aspect QoL affected. This study seeks to research the following two questions: 1) What are the trends in the four domains that influence Quality of Life, both positively and negatively, of informal caregivers of aging and elderly adults with Down syndrome? and 2)What supports do caregivers of aging and elderly adults with Down syndrome want to improve their own Quality of …

The Promise Of Graphic Medicine In Provider Training To Promote Mental Health, Prevent The Empathy Decline, And Improve Learning, Maeher Sukhija

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As medical students progress through their training, they experience a decline in empathy, mental health struggles, and difficulties in learning. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and burnout among medical students, along with the decline of empathy in medical students can impact their professionalism and quality of patient care as future physicians. This literature review shows how the integration of graphic medicine in provider training can address these problems, giving a new perspective on what medical education should look like. Thirty-three articles were found and reviewed by searching through the databases Academic Search Premier, PubMed, and Google Scholar, along with the …

Elements Of The Criminal Minds, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

Elements Of The Criminal Mind, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

Application Of Multicultural Literature In The Early Childhood Classroom, Deborah Wheeler, Jennifer Hill

Journal of English Learner Education

Culture equates to identity; therefore, the implementation of multicultural literature in the early childhood curriculum is an essential method for securing children’s concept of self and cultural identity. This qualitative study explored the implementation of multicultural literature in early childhood classrooms, and the research included questions pertaining to multicultural literature training, instructional methods, and barriers encountered. The purpose of the study was to answer questions regarding teachers use of multicultural literature in the classroom, how often teachers read multicultural literature and how teachers integrated multicultural literature into instruction. An additional question inquired about what multicultural books titles were teachers reading …

Language, Cultural Knowledge, And Privileged Practices: A Case Study Of Understandings That Shape Family Engagement For Parents Of Spanish-English Emergent Bilinguals, Alissa Blair

Journal of English Learner Education

This research examines the ways in which parents of Spanish-English emergent bilinguals perceive and navigate the implicit and explicit expectations for family engagement through analysis of contrasting case studies of focal students from two 4^th grade classrooms, one characterized by English-medium instruction and the other by a developmental bilingual program. One case sheds light on the language barriers that hampered parents’ participation in their children’s education at school, while the other case highlights discrepancies in the understandings of parental and teacher roles and expectations. Findings demonstrate that parents’ capacity to meet school-based expectations was constrained by assumptions about their …

Best Practices For English Learners With Disabilities In Us Schools – A Systematic Review, Samiratu Bashiru, Jennifer E. Smith

Journal of English Learner Education

This systematic review investigated best practices for enhancing academic achievement among English Learners with Disabilities (ELDs) in US schools. By examining 17 peer-reviewed articles and comparing them to the CEC 2014 Quality Indicators, the study identifies significant practices, including culturally responsive methods, technology integration, evidence-based strategies, addressing service delivery challenges, and improving assessment tools. This review has limitations related to inconsistent terminology and highlights the need for standardized language and continued research. It recommends integrating culturally responsive practices, leveraging technology, and refining inclusive assessment tools. This review provides educators, policymakers, and researchers insights, emphasizing ongoing teacher development and policy alignment …

"Our Students Vs. Their Students:" Perceptions Of Teachers In English Language Learning, Leah Day

Journal of English Learner Education

The purpose of the study was to understand the perceptions of teachers on English Language Learners and how this shapes the educational paths of students. Data was collected in the form of interviews with the participants. The interviews were guided by a set of questions that were designed to interrogate perceptions and experiences with regard to language learning in the context of one student. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data was coded inductively. This study does not seek to generalize beyond this context but can provide insight into similar experiences and perceptions of the English Language Learning process. …

Asset-Based Teaching; Uncover, Cultivate, And Empower Students’ Uniqueness, Stephanie K. Knight, Marjaneh Gilpatrick, Tracy Vasquez

Journal of English Learner Education

As instructors who are in tune with their learners learning and communication styles as well as their family and cultural backgrounds, it makes sense that they view their students’ skills and abilities from an asset-based lens. This article provides the readers with some tactics on how to develop and nurture that growth mindset.

When we consider the assets students bring to individual classrooms, the teaching becomes more personalized and relevant to their learning needs. By implementing these teaching practices, instructors are uncovering, cultivating, and empowering their students’ unique abilities. Ultimately students are able to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities …

Keeping The Light On: Academic Librarians & Burnout (Conference Presentation), Jason D. Phillips, Laura Pitts, Jessica Riedmueller, Joanna Warren

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

There is substantial research about sources of burnout among academic librarians; however, very little addresses the impact of the local environment. Responding to regional and institutional shifts while still trying to uphold the values of librarianship such as providing confidential and free access to information can quickly lead to mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, classic symptoms of burnout. A panel discussion was hosted at the Arkansas Library Association (ArLA) / Southeast Library Association (SELA) Joint Conference, on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Academic librarians from different Southern states discussed their local environments, their libraries’ responses to recent events, and their strategies …

Brave Spaces And Social Emotional Learning Strategies In The Theatre Classroom: What Do They Mean For All Students, Including Those Who Identify As Lgbtqia+?, John Payne-Rios

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the high school experiences of theatre students at a large university in Central Florida to determine which of the Collective for Academic and Social Emotional Learning's (CASEL) five social-emotional learning strategies (SEL 5) were remembered (CASEL, 2022). An opt-in focus group of students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) and were involved in K-12 theatre were interviewed to examine if the SEL 5 strategies being utilized had a distinct impression on this vulnerable population (Krishan, et al., 2016). Due to scheduling, only one student was able …

Examining The Impact Of Covid-19 On Elementary-Aged Minoritized Students, Ashlynn Ramirez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19] pandemic was a public health crisis. As of January 2022, there were over 314 million infections and over 5.5 million deaths (Assefa et al., 2022). Unfortunately, COVID-19 disproportionately impacted minoritized populations. This study will investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and the impact on minoritized students attending Title I elementary schools in one urban school district. According to Lopez-Ibor (2006), "disasters are diverse events as a consequence of a danger that affects social groups and produces material and human losses resulting in insufficient resources of the community and insufficient coping through social mechanisms" (p. 22). COVID-19 affected …

An Exploration Of The Digital Technology Skills Important In The Workforce And The Digital Technology Preparation Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities In Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs, Erika Moore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This research study identifies the digital technology skills important for entry-level employees in the 21st-century workforce and assesses the digital technology preparation currently provided in Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Digital technology skills were evaluated using the Digital Competence Conceptual Reference Model (2016). A survey was distributed to 100 U.S. employers to assess the digital technology skills in demand in the workforce. Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs were then evaluated to assess the digital technology skill preparation offered at 83 programs across the U.S. The results were analyzed to determine whether Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs are preparing …

The Effect Of Extended Reality On The Science Achievement Gap Between Students With And Without Disabilities, Shalece Kohnke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

A science achievement gap between students with disabilities (SWD) and students without disabilities continues to persist, impacting academic and occupational outcomes. Traditional science instruction and the abstract nature of science concepts are a barrier to science achievement for students with disabilities. The current research study examined the effect of extended reality (XR; Browser-based 360° virtual reality) on closing the science achievement gap between students with and without disabilities in inclusive biology classrooms using a one group pretest-posttest design. The researcher expands on existing research by utilizing a larger sample size, with free and easily accessible XR technology implemented in 9th …

Learning Gains Post Covid-19 Disruption: The Predictive Value Of Sense Of Belonging, Teacher Efficacy, And School Fit, Deborah Izzo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The study explores predictive associations between student perceptions of a sense of belonging, teacher perceptions of teaching efficacy, family perceptions of school fit, and academic growth within a post-COVID-19 shutdown landscape. Learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic instructional disruption can have long-lasting impacts, necessitating instructional interventions that aim to close learning gaps and increase learning gains (UNESCO, 2020). Drawing from 5 global datasets, the World Bank simulation conducted in 2021 projected a COVID-19 school closure learning loss range of .3 to 1.1 years, the range attributed to 4 possible scenarios with converse intervals of closure and effectiveness of mitigation …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Transfer Students' Experiences With Coaching And Advising At A Large Metropolitan Research University, Mirvate El Jerdi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The number of students transferring from state colleges to state universities in Florida is significant due to the articulation agreements that are supported by the Board of Governors. These agreements allow students who have completed an associate degree to transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a state university. However, transfer students face numerous barriers including academic, financial, and personal that hinder their success as they transition and start their first year at the state university. A large metropolitan public university in Florida has implemented success coaching, a new model of holistic student support, and advising services to provide …

A Phenomenological Inquiry On How Social Markers Inform Preservice Elementary Teachers Science Teacher Identity Through The Lens Of Positionality, Katherine Cruz-Deiter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of preservice elementary teachers (PSETs) in a teacher preparation course and the factors that informed their science teacher identity. The theoretical framework used was phenomenology, and the study addresses under researched undergraduate preservice elementary teachers within teacher preparation courses with no teaching experience. Methods included participant survey, semi structured interviews, and a card sort activity. Analysis was conducted with basic statistical methods for the quantitative data, and coding followed by creating themes for the qualitative data. Findings reveal that the responses (n=28) to an open question survey report 21 PSETs did not identify …

The Impact Of The Multi-Tiered System Of Supports (Mtss) And The Role Instructional Leaders And Teachers Have On The Implementation Of An Mtss Framework, Stephanie Crim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this study was to determine instructional leaders and instructional faculty's knowledge of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework as an intervention tool to support struggling students. The study analyzed instructional staff knowledge of the definition, purpose, and implementation of an MTSS Framework. This study also evaluated the extent to which school-based leadership utilizes MTSS data to inform decisions related to intervention around academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. The results of the study indicated that school-based leaders had limited knowledge of the definition and purpose of a Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework. Instructional staff also had limited knowledge …

Changes In Preservice Secondary Science Teachers' Views, Beliefs, And Their Nos Teaching During A Science Methods Course Guided By Rfn, Kelsey Beeghly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This multiple-case study investigated the changes in three secondary science preservice teachers' views of the nature of science (NOS), their beliefs about the importance of NOS, as well as how these changes relate to their NOS teaching at the end of a science methods course guided by the reconceptualized family resemblance approach (RFN). RFN is a conceptual framework that visualizes science as a cognitive-epistemic and socioinstitutional system, and its educational applications have recently begun to be explored. Data sources included the pre and post course RFN Questionnaire (Kaya et al., 2019) and individual interviews, as well as each preservice teachers' …

Employing Organizational Theory And Strategic Enrollment Management To Private School Student Enrollment, Jessica Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This correlational, quantitative study examined if any relationship existed between Bolman and Deal's Organizational Theory and Strategic Enrollment Management in regard to a private, Christian school's enrollment. The study used four years of historical survey data, five years of enrollment data, and cross-referenced data points to find any similarities or common threads as to areas that could potentially be plaguing the enrollment numbers. The population of this study or unit of analysis included the following groups: 3rd-6th students, 7th-12th students, K-12th parents, and all faculty and staff. Historical survey data from focused climate and culture surveys completed through the EProve, …

Late Starts Leading To Native-Like Pronunciation In Second Language Acquisition, Antonio Losavio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study sought to investigate the self-perceived factors that led adult language learners, who acquired L2 after the critical period, to acquire native like pronunciation in their second language. Given the impact of accent and pronunciation on perceptions of a speaker's status, intelligence and/or competence, there exists a need for thoughtful and comprehensive research into why adult second language learners reach different outcomes in pronunciation attainment. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to recruit adults who began learning English as an L2 after 12 years old but attained a native-like English accent. Participants recorded vocal samples that were presented with …

Due Tomorrow, Do Tomorrow: Measuring And Reducing Procrastination Behavior Among Introductory Physics Students In An Online Environment, Zachary Felker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This work is focused on the measurement and prevention of procrastination behavior among college level introductory physics students completing online assignments in the form of mastery-based online learning modules. The research is conducted in two studies. The first study evaluates the effectiveness of offering students the opportunity to earn a small amount of extra credit for completing portions of their homework early. Unsupervised machine learning is used to identify an optimum cutoff duration which differentiates taking a short break during a continuous study session from a long break between two different study sessions. Using this cutoff, the study shows that …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2023 - 2024, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

University Of Central Florida Undergraduate Catalog, 2023 - 2024, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Beginnings: How Families Come To Be, Heather Bourgeois

Diverse Families Bookshelf Lesson Plans and Activities

 The student will compare children and families from the book "Beginnings: How Families Come to Be" with what families looked like and did in the past.  The student will explore the concept of family diversity by comparing and contrasting the characters’ experiences.  The student will recall information about the book to answer questions about family diversity.

Drawn Together, Paityn Pohren

Diverse Families Bookshelf Lesson Plans and Activities

No abstract provided.

Carmen Learns English, Ashley Beckstrom Dokter

Diverse Families Bookshelf Lesson Plans and Activities

The Student will be able to identify and describe the main story elements in Carmen Learns English. ● The Student will be able to identify and explain the moral of Carmen Learns English. ● The Student will be able to present information orally using complete sentences and appropriate volume.

Families, Families, Families!, Amanda Sanchez

Diverse Families Bookshelf Lesson Plans and Activities

Students will write a personal narrative about their families using a logical sequence of events, transitions, and an ending. ● Students will improve their writing as needed by planning, revising and editing. ● Students will present their writing about their families using complete sentences, appropriate volume, and clear pronunciation.