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Title: PERCEPTIONS OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATORS ON THE VALUE OF CERTIFICATION.
Creator: Roberts, Thomas, House, Jess, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived value of certification to research administration professionals and demographic characteristics. This study sought to determine whether those who have attained the Certificate in Research Administration (CRA) perceive a benefit to their careers and why most research administrators do not attempt certification. The primary research question studied is concerned with the relationship between perceived value of the CRA to research...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the perceived value of certification to research administration professionals and demographic characteristics. This study sought to determine whether those who have attained the Certificate in Research Administration (CRA) perceive a benefit to their careers and why most research administrators do not attempt certification. The primary research question studied is concerned with the relationship between perceived value of the CRA to research administration professionals and demographic characteristics. The survey instrument, Research Administrator Survey, was electronically distributed to 277 research administrators based in the Southeast region of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA). A total of 230 surveys were completed and returned for a usable return rate of 83%. The research revealed that CRAs consistently perceived the value of certification to be greater than non-certified research administrators; however, the majority of both CRAs and non-certified research administrators perception was that becoming certified would, or did, enhance their knowledge as research administrators. Overall, the majority of non-certified research administrators reported that their reason for not attempting certification was that they did not believe there was any benefit to becoming certified, but when all the other reasons for not attempting certification are closely examined, the responses taken as a whole indicate that as many non-certified research administrators may perceive a benefit to becoming certified as those who do not perceive a benefit. In summary, the data indicated that non-certified research administrators do perceive some benefit to certification. It is recommended that the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) attempt to be more closely aligned with the with National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA) since research administrators report having extremely positive professional development experiences with these organizations. It is further recommended that research be conducted to determine if curriculum at the university level should be developed in research administration management. Finally, it is recommended that NCURA and SRA engage in research to determine how many people are involved in the profession of research administration to help make decisions in regard to continuing adult education.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000622, ucf:46508
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000622

Title: FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS' KNOWLEDGE OF LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO SEARCH AND SEIZURE.
Creator: Slack, Catherine, Murray, Kenneth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: School officials trying to deter drug use, combat crime, and shore up security are conducting searches that are landing school in legal trouble for violating students' constitutional rights. In 1993, West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a strip search of a student suspected of stealing money was illegal (State of West Virginia ex rel Gilford v. Mark Anthony B., 1993). In another case, a federal appellate court held that a strip search of a student for suspected drug possession was...
Show moreSchool officials trying to deter drug use, combat crime, and shore up security are conducting searches that are landing school in legal trouble for violating students' constitutional rights. In 1993, West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a strip search of a student suspected of stealing money was illegal (State of West Virginia ex rel Gilford v. Mark Anthony B., 1993). In another case, a federal appellate court held that a strip search of a student for suspected drug possession was reasonable, although no drugs were found (Cornfield v. Consolidated High School District No. 230, 1993). Improper searches of students, lockers and automobiles can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in civil liability, costs and attorney fees. This study collected data on administrative knowledge in the area of search and seizure. The analyzed data served to (a) determine if administrators across the state of Florida have a general understanding of the laws regarding search and seizure; (b) identify demographic areas that demonstrate a lack of knowledge related to search and seizure; and (c) suggest improvements to current educational leadership courses of study, state-wide staff development offerings, and ideas for possible conference topics. The study involved responses from questionnaires received from 139 public school administrators in Florida (17% of the 810 randomly sampled elementary, middle, and high school principals). Analysis of data revealed that more than one-third of the respondents fell below the mean, with no significant difference between building levels or metropolitan statistical area.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000729, ucf:46625
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000729

Title: An Exploration of the Perceived Change in Administrators' Skill in Giving Targeted Feedback.
Creator: Anderson, Kathryn, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Johnson, Jerry, Moxley, Susan, Buckridge, Hilary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers...
Show moreTeachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers as evidenced by the alignment of administrators and teacher results. The ability to give feedback to teachers needs to be part of a collaborative cycle as evidenced in the growth from September 2016 to January 2017 survey results for administrators (d=.56), as well as the statistically significant results of the independent t Tests for both administrators (p(<).000) and teachers (p(<).018).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0006969, ucf:51649
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006969

Title: THE FIRE WITHIN: THE BALDWIN MEETING AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE KENNEDY ADMINISTRATION'S APPROACH TO CIVIL RIGHTS.
Creator: Saucedo, Todd, Crepeau, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the Kennedy Administration's decision to propose comprehensive civil rights legislation in June, 1963. The work focuses on the relationship between the Kennedy brothers, particularly on Robert F. Kennedy's position as his brother's main adviser and his influence on the president's final decision to go forward with legislation. It begins by exploring the Kennedy's childhood, then traces the brothers' approach toward civil rights during the campaigns...
Show moreThis thesis examines the Kennedy Administration's decision to propose comprehensive civil rights legislation in June, 1963. The work focuses on the relationship between the Kennedy brothers, particularly on Robert F. Kennedy's position as his brother's main adviser and his influence on the president's final decision to go forward with legislation. It begins by exploring the Kennedy's childhood, then traces the brothers' approach toward civil rights during the campaigns of 1952 and 1960, and concludes with an assessment of the Kennedy administration's civil rights policy during his presidency. The thesis puts special emphasis on a May, 1963 meeting between Robert Kennedy and an eclectic bi-racial group of intellectuals led by the novelist James Baldwin arguing that the meeting profoundly altered Kennedy's understanding of civil rights, ultimately transforming the Kennedy legacy regarding civil rights.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001748, ucf:47268
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001748

Title: THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION TO INVADE IRAQ: DID THEY FALL VICTIM TO GROUPTHINK?.
Creator: Nantais, Joel, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the George W. Bush administration became victims of groupthink when they made the policy decision to invade Iraq in 2003. Groupthink is a policy-making model which was first put forward by Irving Janis which attempts to explain how experienced and elite policy-makers can make decisions which lead to disastrous outcomes due to conditions which cause defective decision-making. Research was conducted through a qualitative, within case study...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether the George W. Bush administration became victims of groupthink when they made the policy decision to invade Iraq in 2003. Groupthink is a policy-making model which was first put forward by Irving Janis which attempts to explain how experienced and elite policy-makers can make decisions which lead to disastrous outcomes due to conditions which cause defective decision-making. Research was conducted through a qualitative, within case study which was made possible through the inherent process tracing method of the groupthink model. Mainly secondary sources which detailed the historical case of the decision to invade Iraq via journalists, outside researchers, and even the members of the administration were utilized in this investigation. The principle conclusion was that groupthink appeared to exist in the policy-making process of the Bush administration. This was reached after finding many of the antecedent conditions as well as the symptoms of groupthink in the Bush administration. Especially prominent were the occurrence of structural faults of the administration, mindguarding, self-censorship, and collective rationalizations. However, it is important to note that these results are sensitive to the discovery or release of new or contradictory evidence.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002870, ucf:48037
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002870

Title: EFFECTS OF HOSPITAL STRUCTURAL COMPLEXITY AND PROCESS ADEQUACY ON THE PREVALENCE OF SYSTEMIC ADVERSE EVENTS AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES: A BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN PERSPECTIVE.
Creator: Fiedler, Beth, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationships among structural complexity, process adequacy, and level of quality in a hospital environment of care from the perspective of the biomedical engineering technician (BMET). The BMET health support occupation is under-represented in research. The BMET influences on patient outcomes were observed indirectly through the influence on nursing performance. The unit of analysis is biomedical engineering technician. The study...
Show morePurpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationships among structural complexity, process adequacy, and level of quality in a hospital environment of care from the perspective of the biomedical engineering technician (BMET). The BMET health support occupation is under-represented in research. The BMET influences on patient outcomes were observed indirectly through the influence on nursing performance. The unit of analysis is biomedical engineering technician. The study examined the predictors of adverse events in hospital care and suggested how to promote reduction in adverse events (hospital acquired infections) associated with medical equipment. Methods: Primary data were gathered by the Biomedical Engineering Interdepartmental Survey of BMETs' professional perception of organizational factors (Structural Complexity), process factors (Process Adequacy), Level of Quality and control variables that characterizes the study population. A total of 317 BMETs in 46 states and the District of Columbia completed the survey. The survey instrument was developed using Dillman's Tailored Design Methods and validated for reliability. A majority of respondents reported 5+ years of experience working at large, non-profit, Joint Commission accredited, urban facilities across 5 regions. The effect of structural complexity and process adequacy was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) under the theoretical framework of Donabedian's Structure-Process-Outcome model. Findings: The SEM data analysis indicates strong, positive relationships between constructs as statistically significant (2-tailed) with normal distribution: 1) Structural Complexity and Process Adequacy at Beta =.889, t=7.248, p<0.001; 2) Process Adequacy and Level of Quality at Beta =.563, t=3.136, p=0.002; and 3) Structural Complexity and Level of Quality at Beta =.430, t=2.469, and p=0.014. Translation of these findings into equation form as follows: Level of Quality = .889 Structural Complexity + .563 Process Adequacy The study finds several determinants of quality derived from structural complexity including 1) uniform standards, 2) inter-professional training, and 3) coordination evidence. In addition, the intervening effect of process adequacy comprising regular meetings, equipment purchasing involvement, formal equipment training across departments, and formal department information on the level of quality is supported. Conclusion: Predictors identified from interdepartmental and inter-professional partnerships and associated processes suggest that integration of the biomedical engineering technician into the hospital delivery system can improve the quality of care. Administrators can manage and improve quality through employing simple, effective and efficient solutions such as 1) updating internal hospital policy to require regularly scheduled meetings between nursing and biomedical staff regarding equipment issues, 2) linking the BMET department goals to organization objectives, 3) interdepartmental reporting of hospital acquired infections, and 4) standardizing clinical engineering practices to facilitate increased internal and external hospital quality.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003980, ucf:48670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003980

Title: EXAMINING THE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LEADERS AS THEY RELATE TO SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.
Creator: Steinke, Kimberly, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â"person in chargeÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life....
Show moreAs academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â"person in chargeÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life. Educational leaders today face a significant amount of pressure to improve the quality of education at all levels and across all disciplines. While school leaders face the pressures of No Child Left Behind in terms of increased student performance, they must also be concerned about serving students with disabilities appropriately. The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and practices that effective school leaders in a large urban school district revealed in the specific area of serving students with disabilities. An examination of the school leaderÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â's beliefs and knowledge in relation to the leadership practices put in place at their schools when serving students with disabilities was completed. Identification of a relationship between the leaderÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â's beliefs and practices as associated with the leaderÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â's prior education and leadership experience was possible. Finally, through a grounded theory perspective, the researcher discovered specific practices put in place by these effective school leaders that can be generalized to other school settings under fellow school leaders.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003038, ucf:48340
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003038

Title: STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES WITHIN THE 28 FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
Creator: Godbey, Alice, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research study was to investigate perceptions and activities of disability support program administrators in Florida community colleges regarding program administration and evaluation. The study further sought to document if any relationships existed between selected organizational and staffing characteristics and the program's ability to follow an established set of standards for program administration and evaluation. A total of 25 disability support administrators ...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to investigate perceptions and activities of disability support program administrators in Florida community colleges regarding program administration and evaluation. The study further sought to document if any relationships existed between selected organizational and staffing characteristics and the program's ability to follow an established set of standards for program administration and evaluation. A total of 25 disability support administrators (89.3% response rate) completed a phone survey designed for this study. The study revealed that there were many inconsistencies among the higher education disability support programs in regard to programming, staffing and data collecting activities. The common denominator for determining the extent of data collection being performed within the responding community colleges appeared to be the Florida Department of Education, specifically the criteria requested annually by the Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education. At all of the institutions surveyed, data collection activities were concentrated on numerical student data and did not consistently include program evaluation information. Finally, administrator training in program evaluation was positively associated with the responding disability support program's ability to participate in program evaluation activities. This study concluded with discussion of proposed recommendations for disability support administrators in the Florida community colleges.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001479, ucf:47100
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001479

Title: A STUDY OF GENDER EQUALITY AT PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TWO-YEAR AND FOUR-YEAR FLORIDA INSTITUTIONS.
Creator: Malaret, Stacey, Tubbs, LeVester, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study sought to examine the perception of gender equality from the viewpoint of women administrators at Florida public and private two- and four-year institutions. Potential respondents were chosen from American College Personnel Association and/or National Association of Student Personnel Administrators databases. The data used for this study were obtained from 32 female administrators (50% response rate) who completed a self-administered online questionnaire, distributed to potential...
Show moreThis study sought to examine the perception of gender equality from the viewpoint of women administrators at Florida public and private two- and four-year institutions. Potential respondents were chosen from American College Personnel Association and/or National Association of Student Personnel Administrators databases. The data used for this study were obtained from 32 female administrators (50% response rate) who completed a self-administered online questionnaire, distributed to potential respondents in August and September, 2007. Collected data were entered into an SPSS database. Through data analysis, confidence intervals were reported for each survey item. Comparable means were studied for each of the six independent variables used in the survey. A broad array of gender equality information was disclosed in the data and literature. This information provided a basis for further research topics on perception on gender equality in higher education administration.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001849, ucf:47375
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001849

Title: PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR INCLUSION PROGRAMS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Creator: Moore, Brian, House, Jess, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The success of exceptional student education, although dependent upon the teachers involved, is largely made possible both by the role the school principal performs and the organizational support provided by the school district. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the sources and components of organizational support required to implement the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classrooms. The provision of resources by administrators, particularly the...
Show moreThe success of exceptional student education, although dependent upon the teachers involved, is largely made possible both by the role the school principal performs and the organizational support provided by the school district. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the sources and components of organizational support required to implement the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classrooms. The provision of resources by administrators, particularly the building principal, is an example of an organizational support that helps students with disabilities learn successfully in this setting. These resources include funding, special curricula, adaptive technology, organizational resources such as time for training, and hiring of additional personnel to assist these students. The role of educational leader in inclusive education has evolved beginning with changes in federal and state legislation that were initiated in the early 1970s. Administrators are legally responsible for the education of students with special needs in the least restrictive environment. This study identifies organizational supports as well as attitudes toward inclusion reported by teachers and principals in a medium sized southwest Florida school district.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000615, ucf:46544
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000615

Title: AN EXAMINATION OF THE SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAM AT A COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY THROUGH THE LENSES OF PROGRAM THEORY AND INSTITUTIONAL THEORY.
Creator: Duff, Cathy, Tubbs, Levester, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Case study design, employing qualitative research methods, was used to document and examine a mandatory service-learning program at a new, comprehensive, public university. The study examined service-learning from multiple perspectives. Institutional theory provided a framework for examining the influence of the environment on the conceptualization, adoption, and implementation of service-learning. Program theory was used to identify and analyze the program's conceptual underpinnings,...
Show moreCase study design, employing qualitative research methods, was used to document and examine a mandatory service-learning program at a new, comprehensive, public university. The study examined service-learning from multiple perspectives. Institutional theory provided a framework for examining the influence of the environment on the conceptualization, adoption, and implementation of service-learning. Program theory was used to identify and analyze the program's conceptual underpinnings, including goals and objectives, intended outcomes for students, and program processes. Knowledge of how a program is supposed to work is useful for developing assessment questions, evaluating institutional effectiveness, and improving program performance. The study included a review of the history of service-learning at the university. Data were collected during the fall 2005 semester and were analyzed using both process and variance modes. Data sources included the following: 35 documents, which spanned the years 1991-2005; interviews with seven faculty members and four academic administrators; and observations of three meetings of service-learning courses, a Government and Not-for-Profit Service Learning Job Fair, and five meetings where service-learning was a primary topic of discussion. Previous studies served as the basis for the following researcher-developed constructs used to code text across data sources: social/civic outcomes, personal outcomes, learning outcomes, and career outcomes. Findings suggest that the goals and outcomes associated with service-learning found in university documents clustered around social and civic involvement, while outcomes reported by faculty during interviews focused on students' personal development and learning related to course content. In general, university documents contained goals and objectives written in vague language, a finding consistent with previous studies.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000978, ucf:46691
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000978

Title: STRENGTHS AND TALENTS OF POTENTIAL ADMINISTRATORS IN ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FLORIDA.
Creator: Anderson, Arthur, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the increased demands on principals and a shortage of qualified, acceptable candidates, school districts that have to replace principals are in a difficult position. These factors, combined with the importance that the principal role has in relation to student achievement, make the identification of potential administrators and the hiring process for new administrators a top priority for all school districts. This study answered the following two major questions; a) what characteristics...
Show moreWith the increased demands on principals and a shortage of qualified, acceptable candidates, school districts that have to replace principals are in a difficult position. These factors, combined with the importance that the principal role has in relation to student achievement, make the identification of potential administrators and the hiring process for new administrators a top priority for all school districts. This study answered the following two major questions; a) what characteristics or talents, as identified by the StrengthsFinder profile, did Orange County Public School principals in 2007 look for in identifying potential school administrators and b) what differences, if any, exist within the existing variables (school level, certification, gender, and prior experiences). The Clifton StrengthsFinder Profile was utilized to identify the strengths or talents of a group of 61 teachers within Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) who were identified by their principals as potential school based administrators. Of those 61 participants in the Aspiring Leader Academy, the following five strengths were most commonly identified: a) Relator (45.9%), b) Achiever (37.8%), c) Responsibility (37.7%), d) Learner (36.1%) and e) Maximizer (25.9%). In comparing talents across demographic data, the talents identified for participants at all levels (elementary, middle, and high) were not statistically different, supporting the notion that talents principals looked for in identifying potential administrators were relatively the same at all three levels.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002412, ucf:47768
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002412

Title: A COMPARISON OF PAPER-PENCIL VERSUS VIDEO-CONFERENCING ADMINISTRATION OF A NEUROBEHAVIORAL SCREENING TEST.
Creator: Duffield, Tyler, Fouty, Homer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Regardless of the reason, many patients/clients do not have access to face-to-face medical, neuropsychological, or mental health consultation, assessment, or treatment (Cowain, 2001). The term Remote Neuropsychological Assessment (RNA) has been proposed by Browndyke to denote the general use of telecommunication and Internet-based technologies in neuropsychological assessment and practice (as cited in Schatz & Browndyke, 2002). RNA (Telemedicine) offers a plausible, potentially cost-effective...
Show moreRegardless of the reason, many patients/clients do not have access to face-to-face medical, neuropsychological, or mental health consultation, assessment, or treatment (Cowain, 2001). The term Remote Neuropsychological Assessment (RNA) has been proposed by Browndyke to denote the general use of telecommunication and Internet-based technologies in neuropsychological assessment and practice (as cited in Schatz & Browndyke, 2002). RNA (Telemedicine) offers a plausible, potentially cost-effective solution to individuals in need of medical, neuropsychological, or mental health consultation, assessment, or treatment that are located in geographical areas away from the specialist (Armstrong, 2006; Berman, 2005; Cowain, 2001; Jacobsen, Sprenger, Andersson, & Krogstad, 2003). The purpose of this study was to examine if test performance for RNA administration of the Cognistat is comparable to test performance for the pencil-paper administration. A one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The main effect for administration modality was not significant, F(9, 126) = .375, p = .945. The present study demonstrated the utility of a widely used neurobehavioral screening test that provides a differentiated profile of cognitive status can now reliably be used through a video-conferencing administration. The importance of this finding is that a more comprehensive detection of deficits in multiple domains of cognitive functioning for screening purposes is now possible remotely.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003943, ucf:48687
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003943

Title: MIDDLE SCHOOL LITERACY COACHES IN FLORIDA: A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG EXPERIENCE, COACHING ACTIVITIES, AND OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO READING ACHIEVEMENT.
Creator: Bowman, Patricia, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the work lives of middle school literacy coaches in central Florida by studying their backgrounds and experiences before assuming the role of literacy coach. Additionally, the beliefs of literacy coaches on what factors influence reading achievement were examined. The responses of 44 participating middle school literacy coaches were used to investigate (a) the academic and professional experiences of each coach, (b) the percentage of...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the work lives of middle school literacy coaches in central Florida by studying their backgrounds and experiences before assuming the role of literacy coach. Additionally, the beliefs of literacy coaches on what factors influence reading achievement were examined. The responses of 44 participating middle school literacy coaches were used to investigate (a) the academic and professional experiences of each coach, (b) the percentage of time spent in 13 literacy coaching activities, and (c) the working factors related to student reading achievement as evidenced on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Data from a web-based survey and personal interviews were used to collect pertinent data to create an awareness and understanding of the work lives of middle school literacy coaches. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic information regarding the coaches. Exploratory regression analyses were performed using time devoted to coaching activities and school performance data to determine existing relationships. Qualitative analyses were used to determine emergent literacy coach themes from survey responses. All data were triangulated to develop case studies for a group of 10 literacy coaches. Narrative descriptions of all coaching and individual school data were presented in the context of schools' percentage of student subgroups that attained Adequate Yearly Progress in 2010. The results of the study indicated that, although literacy coaches believed that modeling lessons was the most influential activity in positively affecting reading proficiency, very little of their time was spent in that activity. Recommendations included professional development for administrators on the use of a literacy coach and for literacy coaches on their usage of time.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003973, ucf:48680
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003973

Title: An Examination of Administrators' Knowledge of the Standards for Mathematical Practice - A Think Aloud.
Creator: Glenn-White, Vernita, Dixon, Juli, Ortiz, Enrique, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Boote, David, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Administrators who observe mathematics teachers need to have knowledge and an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning to effectively evaluate teachers and how their instructional practices relate to student thinking. This research study was conducted to illustrate the importance of understanding the thought process of administrators as they make decisions about teacher effectiveness based on what they notice during observations of mathematics classrooms.The purpose of this study...
Show moreAdministrators who observe mathematics teachers need to have knowledge and an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning to effectively evaluate teachers and how their instructional practices relate to student thinking. This research study was conducted to illustrate the importance of understanding the thought process of administrators as they make decisions about teacher effectiveness based on what they notice during observations of mathematics classrooms.The purpose of this study was to examine what administrators attend to in the instructional environment and how what they notice influences their ability to identify the Common Core State Standards, Standards for Mathematical Practice. A purposive sample of six administrators engaged in cognitive interviews, known as think alouds, while observing two mathematics classroom videos. This study was designed to explore how administrators' instructional leadership knowledge or skills influence what they notice during mathematics instruction.There was evidence that administrators did notice aspects of the instructional environment pertaining to teachers, students, and, content. However, in this study it was found that administrators with an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning attended more to student's mathematical thinking during instruction. It was also found that there was an increase of the administrators' mathematical language and attention to student interactions with mathematics content when the administrators were presented with a tool describing the elements of a classroom engaged in the Standards for Mathematical Practice.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005797, ucf:50034
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005797

Title: Social Media Responsiveness in the Public Sector: A Study of Social Media Adoption in Three Functional Departments of U.S. Cities.
Creator: Seigler, Daniel, Bryer, Thomas, Hu, Qian, Norris Tirrell, Dorothy, Fine, Terri, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Public administration research strongly supports the argument for administrator-citizen collaborations and shows that Web 2.0 social media tools have the potential to increase these collaborations. Some public managers have fully embraced the adoption of social media tools to their fullest collaborative potential while other managers have chosen to limit their full collaborative potential. This study examines four environmental influences to determine if they are the cause of the diverse...
Show morePublic administration research strongly supports the argument for administrator-citizen collaborations and shows that Web 2.0 social media tools have the potential to increase these collaborations. Some public managers have fully embraced the adoption of social media tools to their fullest collaborative potential while other managers have chosen to limit their full collaborative potential. This study examines four environmental influences to determine if they are the cause of the diverse levels of social media adoption among public administrators. A survey of 157 department managers from 261 large cities across the U.S. shows that 82% of the respondents are currently using some form of social media tools to engage citizens. The results show that perceived organizational influences and perceived administrator preconceptions of social media tools are having the greatest impact on the respondents' decision to adopt social media. Provided that response rate bias is not occurring in this study, there are two possible explanations for the results. One possible explanation is that Web 2.0 social media adoption may be following a similar path as the adoption of earlier forms of Web 1.0 e-government tools. The other possible explanation is that managers may be operating within a rational environment when deciding whether or not to adopt Web 2.0 social media tools.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005709, ucf:50115
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005709

Title: An Investigation of Low Performing Central Florida Teacher Evaluation Feedback and Improvement Plans as Related to Value-Added Model Scores and Instructional Practice Scores.
Creator: Butler, Tara, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Lee, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if low performing Central Florida teachers, according to Florida VAM scores, had related instructional practice evaluations that were being used to determine placement on improvement plans in the 2013-14 school year. Additionally, the feedback held within the instructional practice evaluations was analyzed to discover the levels of feedback most frequently rendered by administrative evaluators to the lowest performing teachers. Deidentified data from...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if low performing Central Florida teachers, according to Florida VAM scores, had related instructional practice evaluations that were being used to determine placement on improvement plans in the 2013-14 school year. Additionally, the feedback held within the instructional practice evaluations was analyzed to discover the levels of feedback most frequently rendered by administrative evaluators to the lowest performing teachers. Deidentified data from a population of 528 Central Florida teacher evaluations and improvement plans within the lowest 10% of VAM scores for the 2013-14 school year were gathered from a Florida Department of Education database and public record requests. Data were analyzed to determine if any significant relationship existed between VAM scores and instructional practice scores. A very weak relationship existed between these two variables. Tenured teachers were rated significantly more favorably on summative instructional practice evaluations than nontenured teachers. Within the population, fewer than 1% of low-performing teachers (two total) were prescribed an improvement plan, regardless of tenure or nontenure status. Finally, evaluation feedback was largely low-level without reference to student growth or achievement. Evidence of administrative barriers within the three dimensions of individual conflict avoidance, bureaucratic procedural interferences, and administrative procedural faults were inferred from the literature and subsequent findings. To improve upon the current evaluation system, administrators must be aware of, and well-prepared for the demands of evaluating, remediating, and providing feedback to teaching professionals relative to student achievement and growth in a manner that is simultaneously respectful, candid, fair, timely, and actionable.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006937, ucf:51677
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006937

Title: The individual in Soviet law.
Creator: Josephson, Leon
Date Issued: 1957
Identifier: 2683648, CFDT2683648, ucf:5098
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683648

Title: A VIEW FROM THE FIELD: URBAN SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTORS' PERCEPTIONS OF ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES FOR NEWLY APPOINTED SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS.
Creator: Pratt Marrett, Caroline, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what competencies urban directors of special education perceived to be essential for newly appointed urban special education administrators. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were generated to investigate the underlying factors in competencies perceived by urban special education directors to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators and to investigate the relationship between years of experience as a director of special education and these underlying factors. A factor analysis revealed that there were three underlying factors reported to be essential for newly appointed special education administrators. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the relationship between the years of experience as a director of special education and the underlying factors (Management, Instruction and Change; Supervision of Faculty; and Team Building Skills) was not statistically significant. A post hoc test was conducted to further detect differences in years of experience as an urban director of special education and the underlying factors. The results were sufficient to reject the null hypotheses in both cases.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002120, ucf:47545
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002120

Title: A SURVEY OF PROGRESSIVE AND AFFIRMATIVE EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE SYSTEMS IN FLORIDA'S HOSPITALS.
Creator: Johnson, Mark, Fottler, Myron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Conflict between managers and employees is inevitable in any organization, whether public or private. Often, the source of the conflict is employee non-compliance. Managers are responsible for disciplining those employees whose performance or conduct is sub-standard or inappropriate. Therefore, the ability to effectively address employee non-compliance is an essential skill for all managers. Most employee discipline systems fall into one of three categories: traditional, progressive, and...
Show moreConflict between managers and employees is inevitable in any organization, whether public or private. Often, the source of the conflict is employee non-compliance. Managers are responsible for disciplining those employees whose performance or conduct is sub-standard or inappropriate. Therefore, the ability to effectively address employee non-compliance is an essential skill for all managers. Most employee discipline systems fall into one of three categories: traditional, progressive, and affirmative. Traditional systems were prevalent in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. An autocratic, demanding manager would mete out punishment to non-compliant employees both as an action against the employee and as a warning to other employees. Employees were often terminated for their first offense. With the advent of labor unionism and fair labor practices in the first half of the twentieth century, organizational leaders were required to develop more progressive employee discipline systems which protected employee "due process" and which allowed time and opportunity for improvement by the non-compliant employee. Progressive employee discipline systems are the most prevalent discipline systems in America's workforce today. These systems entail three or four steps, with each successive step usually resulting in more severe penalties for the same offense or more severe offenses. Progressive employee discipline allows the employee an opportunity to respond to non-compliance issues and to try to improve it to the extent required to maintain their position. A new employee discipline system, affirmative discipline, has gained adherents in the private sector primarily. Affirmative employee discipline systems do not use punishment to correct employee non-compliance but instead, ask managers to "coach" and "counsel" the non-compliant employee to better behavior and performance. Rehabilitating the employee's non-compliance is the primary goal of affirmative systems. The emphasis is not only upon the non-compliant employee, but on rehabilitating the "marriage" of non-compliant employee and direct supervisor. Little evidence exists to determine the extent to which progressive and affirmative employee discipline systems are being utilized in the modern organization. No evidence exists that indicates the prevalence of these systems in Florida's healthcare institutions. A survey-based analysis of the use of progressive and affirmative employee discipline systems in Florida's hospitals resulted in respondents indicating frequent utilization of formal progressive employee discipline systems. Designed in three or four steps, these progressive systems allow the employee to improve his/her behavior. Two common tools in progressive systems, the verbal warning and the performance counseling statement, are utilized frequently based upon those respondents surveyed. The use of affirmative employee discipline systems, on the other hand, is relatively rare. The use of written behavior contracts to elicit improved employee compliance is also quite rare. The vast majority of respondents appear to be unfamiliar with the use of written behavior contracts to elicit improved employee compliance.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000738, ucf:46580
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000738

educational leadership (4)	+ -
administration (3)	+ -
leadership (3)	+ -
Education (2)	+ -
Educational Leaders (2)	+ -

School Administration (2)	+ -
administrators (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
educational administration (2)	+ -
feedback (2)	+ -
higher education (2)	+ -
principal practices (2)	+ -
principals (2)	+ -
professional development (2)	+ -
public administration (2)	+ -
student achievement (2)	+ -
students with disabilities (2)	+ -
teacher evaluation (2)	+ -
21st Century School (1)	+ -
ACA (1)	+ -
Administration (1)	+ -
Administration modality (1)	+ -
Administrative (1)	+ -
Administrator-to-teacher feedback (1)	+ -
Administrators (1)	+ -
Allocated Time (1)	+ -
Assessment (1)	+ -
Beliefs (1)	+ -
Bush administration (1)	+ -
Central Florida (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (33)	+ -
Honors Collection (1)	+ -
PRISM: Political & Rights Issues & Social Movements (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (34)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (11)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (4)	+ -
Murray, Kenneth (4)	+ -
Baldwin, Lee (3)	+ -

Johnson, Jerry (3)	+ -
Murray, Barbara (3)	+ -
Wan, Thomas (3)	+ -
Haciomeroglu, Erhan (2)	+ -
House, Jess (2)	+ -
Hu, Qian (2)	+ -
Martin, Suzanne (2)	+ -
Potter, Roberto (2)	+ -
Sumner, Jennifer (2)	+ -
Anderson, Arthur (1)	+ -
Anderson, Kathryn (1)	+ -
Applegate, Brandon (1)	+ -
Baldwin, Gordon (1)	+ -
Blessett, Brandi (1)	+ -
Boote, David (1)	+ -
Border, Harold (1)	+ -
Bowman, Patricia (1)	+ -
Bryer, Thomas (1)	+ -
Buckridge, Hilary (1)	+ -
Butler, Tara (1)	+ -
Crepeau, Richard (1)	+ -
Crupi, Samuel (1)	+ -
Dixon, Juli (1)	+ -
Duff, Cathy (1)	+ -
Duffield, Tyler (1)	+ -

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