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- Title
- A Comparative Study of the Effect of Block Scheduling and Traditional Scheduling on Student Achievement for the Florida Algebra 1 End-of-Course Examination.
- Creator
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Underwood, Arthur, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was on the effect of school schedules on student achievement for ninth-grade students in a Florida school district. Data were collected from two central Florida high schools from the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years. Five one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to ascertain if there was any interaction between school schedules and student achievement. Examined were the interactions (a) between schedule and schools, (b) schedule and male students, ...
Show moreThe focus of this research was on the effect of school schedules on student achievement for ninth-grade students in a Florida school district. Data were collected from two central Florida high schools from the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years. Five one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to ascertain if there was any interaction between school schedules and student achievement. Examined were the interactions (a) between schedule and schools, (b) schedule and male students, (c) schedule and female students, (d) schedule and Black students, and (e) schedule and Hispanic students. The independent variable, school schedule, consisted of two levels: traditional schedule and A/B block schedule. The dependent variable was the spring Algebra 1 End- of-Course Examination (EOC), and the covariate was the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Mathematics Eighth-grade Development Scale Score. School schedule was not significantly related to students' spring Algebra 1 EOC scores, F(1,788) p = .932. School schedule was not significantly related to male students' spring Algebra 1 EOC scores, F(1,392) p = .698. School schedule was not significantly related to female students' spring Algebra 1 EOC scores, F(1,393) p = .579. School schedule was not significantly related to Black students' spring Algebra 1 EOC scores, F(1,186) p = .545. School schedule was not significantly related to Hispanic students' spring Algebra 1 EOC scores, F (1,184) p = .700.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005433, ucf:50406
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005433
- Title
- A Study of The Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model and Student Achievement at 24 Elementary Schools In A Large Suburban School District In Central Florida.
- Creator
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Flowers, Amy, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was to examine the initial year of implementation of the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model and iObservation(&)#174; tool (Learning Sciences International, 2012) as it related to student achievement in the School District of Osceola County, Florida and to determine if the Marzano model improved the ability to determine teacher effectiveness with more accuracy than previous models of teacher evaluation used in the school district. Twelve research questions guided this...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to examine the initial year of implementation of the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model and iObservation(&)#174; tool (Learning Sciences International, 2012) as it related to student achievement in the School District of Osceola County, Florida and to determine if the Marzano model improved the ability to determine teacher effectiveness with more accuracy than previous models of teacher evaluation used in the school district. Twelve research questions guided this study concerning the relationship and predictability between the variables of teacher instructional practice scores, number of observations reported in the iObservation(&)#174; tool, and student achievement in Grades 3-5 using reading and mathematics FCAT 2.0 DSS scores.Linear Regression analysis suggested that for Grade 3 reading and mathematics the instructional practice mean had statistical significance in predicting performance and was a strong predictor of Grade 3 FCAT reading and mathematics performance. Linear Regression analysis suggested that for Grade 3 reading and mathematics the instructional practice mean had statistical significance in predicting performance and was a strong predictor of Grade 3 FCAT reading and mathematics performance. Linear Regression analysis further suggested no statistical significance or predictability for Grades 4, 5 for instructional practice mean and Grades 3,4,5 for observation mean related to FCAT reading and mathematics performance. Caution should be used when attempting to interpret these findings, as this study was based solely on initial year implementation data. Implications for practice are also discussed in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004841, ucf:49711
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004841
- Title
- Respresentation of Hispanic Students in High Incidence Categories in Exceptional Student Education Programs and Educational Environments in K-12 Schools Across the State of Florida.
- Creator
-
Miller, Douglas, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Vasquez, Eleazar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was first passed in 1975 and requires states to have policies in place to prevent misidentification and overrepresentation, and to monitor disproportionate representation by race/ethnicity and disability category. The fundamental premise of this legislation is to ensure that students with disabilities are afforded a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Even with the passage of IDEA, the...
Show moreThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was first passed in 1975 and requires states to have policies in place to prevent misidentification and overrepresentation, and to monitor disproportionate representation by race/ethnicity and disability category. The fundamental premise of this legislation is to ensure that students with disabilities are afforded a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Even with the passage of IDEA, the disproportionate representation of minority students continues to be a national issue.The disproportionate placement of minority students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) began to receive attention prior to IDEA and has been well documented by researchers ever since. Hispanic disproportionality has received less attention in professional literature and has shown to vary depending upon the level of data being analyzed. Early studies analyzing national level data indicate that Hispanic students tend to be underrepresented in many ESE categories, while studies disaggregating state and district level data found that Hispanic students are overrepresented in the high incidence categories. The goals of this study were to determine (a) if a disproportionate representation of Hispanic students existed in the three high incidence categories of Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (EBD), Specific Learning Disabled (SLD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and(b) if Hispanic students already identified for Exceptional Student Education services were disproportionately represented, compared to all other students, in more restrictive educational placements in each of the 67 counties in the state of Florida. Three separate measures were employed to make this determination: the composition index (CI), the risk index (RI), and the risk ratio (RR). An analysis of the data revealed that in several of the school districts Hispanic students were both overrepresented and underrepresented across all high incidence categories. The data also indicated that Hispanic students already identified for ESE services were both overrepresented and underrepresented in several school districts across all educational environments. Also, differences in disproportionality were noted depending upon the measure being utilized for both research questions. Implications for practice and recommendations for further research are presented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004720, ucf:49838
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004720
- Title
- A Study of the Effects of Voluntary Prekindergarten Providers on Kindergarten Readiness.
- Creator
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Drummond, Toni, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
American parents have a myriad of choices when it comes to educating their children, and these choices begin in the very beginning stages of children's educational journey. Where parents decide to have their child spend their early formative years can have far-reaching implications for that child's future. The focus of this research was to examine if a difference exists in kindergarten readiness preparation offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers in the state of Florida. The VPK...
Show moreAmerican parents have a myriad of choices when it comes to educating their children, and these choices begin in the very beginning stages of children's educational journey. Where parents decide to have their child spend their early formative years can have far-reaching implications for that child's future. The focus of this research was to examine if a difference exists in kindergarten readiness preparation offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers in the state of Florida. The VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of public schools were compared to the VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of private learning centers and, more specifically, of Seventh-day Adventist private learning centers. Furthermore, this study was conducted to examine whether a difference exists in the kindergarten readiness between VPK providers in urban and rural counties. This quantitative, non-experimental, causal comparative study explored the Kindergarten Readiness Rates of each of the 5,636 public and private VPK providers in the state of Florida. The Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener was used to assess the kindergarten readiness level of each student. Individual student scores were tracked to the VPK provider that the students attended in order to assign a Readiness Rate for each provider. This screener consisted of the Early Childhood Observation SystemTM (ECHOSTM) and the Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading (FAIR).A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to examine significant differences between public school, private, and Seventh-day Adventist providers. The ANOVA was followed by a Scheffe post-hoc test to determine where differences occurred. The findings revealed that there existed a statistically significant difference in the means of public school and private VPK providers. Public school providers were found to have achieved higher Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates than private providers. It was also found that though Seventh-day Adventist providers had a slightly lower average Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate than public school providers and a slightly higher average than other private providers, this difference was not statistically significant. A two-way factorial ANOVA was performed to examine if significant differences existed in the average Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate when considering both the type of community (urban or rural) where the provider was located and the type of provider (public or private). The findings indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in Provider Readiness Rate when examining the interaction between the provider type and community type.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004833, ucf:49694
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004833
- Title
- Evaluating Faculty and Staff Customer Satisfaction of a Technology Support Office in a Large University in Florida.
- Creator
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Jaffe, Laurence, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Gordon, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study sought to determine customer satisfaction levels of faculty and staff with their technology support office in a large university in Florida. The focus of research was to determine if there were any differences in customer satisfaction based on four demographics: gender, faculty versus staff, educational level and age. An anonymous customer satisfaction survey included 26 Likert-type scale questions measuring 16 service quality dimensions was administered to the population. The 16...
Show moreThis study sought to determine customer satisfaction levels of faculty and staff with their technology support office in a large university in Florida. The focus of research was to determine if there were any differences in customer satisfaction based on four demographics: gender, faculty versus staff, educational level and age. An anonymous customer satisfaction survey included 26 Likert-type scale questions measuring 16 service quality dimensions was administered to the population. The 16 service quality dimensions included 10 dimensions from Zeithaml et al. (1990), five dimensions from Besterfield et al. (1995, 2003), and one dimension, overall satisfaction.Findings showed there was a statistically significant difference in two demographics, gender and faculty versus staff. Regarding gender, there were no differences in 14 of 16 dimensions examined. The two dimensions with differences were tangibles and understanding the customer, with males having lower customer satisfaction than females. Regarding faculty versus staff differences, there were no differences in all the dimensions other than the courtesy dimension for which faculty had a lower level of customer satisfaction level than staff. Regarding educational level and age, there were no differences in any of the 16 dimensions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005186, ucf:50615
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005186
- Title
- An Analysis of a Large Urban School District's Eighth-Grade Summer Reading Camp Curriculum and Student Performance Knowledge Voids.
- Creator
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Sochocki, Eric, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study sought to determine if the 2012 Eighth Grade Summer Reading Campcurriculum was aligned with the students' needs. To determine if curriculum alignmentexisted, the researcher completed a qualitative and quantitative study. The qualitativestudy consisted of interviewing the school district program development team to ascertainhow the curriculum was designed. The quantitative segment involved runningdescriptive statistics for student performance on the Pre-program BenchmarkExamination....
Show moreThis study sought to determine if the 2012 Eighth Grade Summer Reading Campcurriculum was aligned with the students' needs. To determine if curriculum alignmentexisted, the researcher completed a qualitative and quantitative study. The qualitativestudy consisted of interviewing the school district program development team to ascertainhow the curriculum was designed. The quantitative segment involved runningdescriptive statistics for student performance on the Pre-program BenchmarkExamination. The determined student knowledge voids were compared to the amount ofinstructional time spent taught teaching those individual benchmarks to ascertain if thecurriculum was aligned with student need. The curriculum was determined to not bealigned with the performance deficiencies of the students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005264, ucf:50595
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005264
- Title
- A Comparative Analysis of Top Performing Countries in Eighth Grade Mathematics as Measured by 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.
- Creator
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Wilson, Courtney, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one standard deviation of the top performer, the Republic of Korea. The study also revealed that although other countries had their brightest and most advantaged students participate in the assessment, participating students in the United States were disproportionately disadvantaged to the proportion of United States' citizens. Another contributing factor of student success revealed in this study was the size and form of government and financing of the participating countries. While Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Japan have education systems governed and financed by national governments, the United States education system is primarily governed and financed by 50 state governments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005276, ucf:50555
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005276
- Title
- The Effects of the Marzano Observation System Training on the Self-Efficacy of Teacher Observers.
- Creator
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Ashley, Samuel, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research analyzed the effects of the Marzano Teacher Observation training on the self-efficacy of teacher observers. In this study, seventy-four teacher observers reported their self-efficacy in the areas of evaluating student engagement, evaluating classroom management, and evaluating instructional strategies in pre and post surveys. The results of the surveys were analyzed with a paired samples t-test. This study found that the Marzano Teacher Observation system increases the self...
Show moreThis research analyzed the effects of the Marzano Teacher Observation training on the self-efficacy of teacher observers. In this study, seventy-four teacher observers reported their self-efficacy in the areas of evaluating student engagement, evaluating classroom management, and evaluating instructional strategies in pre and post surveys. The results of the surveys were analyzed with a paired samples t-test. This study found that the Marzano Teacher Observation system increases the self-efficacy of teacher observers. This study was delimited to participants of a Marzano Teacher Observation training conducted in the fall of 2014. The findings of this study will inform executive school leaders of the impact Marzano Teacher Observation training has on the self-efficacy of teacher observers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005758, ucf:50109
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005758
- Title
- The Relationship Among Student Demographic Variables and Reported Discipline Referral Categories.
- Creator
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Bair, Timothy, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
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...
Show moreThis 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 year 2009-2010 led to the following findings: (a) males, blacks, and students with low socioeconomic status, were over represented with student discipline referrals of all types; (b) males, blacks, and students with low socioeconomic status, were over represented with subjective discipline referrals; (c) low socioeconomic status males were the major contributors to disproportional distribution for males within the gender group variable, and low socioeconomic blacks were the major contributors to disproportional distribution within the black ethnicity group variable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004353, ucf:49450
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004353
- Title
- The effect of pre-service teaching on student achievement using a co-teaching model at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida.
- Creator
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McHale, Walton, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was focused on the effect of pre-service teaching utilizing a co-teaching model on student achievement at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida. The contribution of university student teachers (i.e., interns) to elementary school achievement was investigated. Specifically explored was the difference between student achievement scores in classes with interns who participated in a co-teaching model and interns in classes that did not employ any...
Show moreThis study was focused on the effect of pre-service teaching utilizing a co-teaching model on student achievement at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida. The contribution of university student teachers (i.e., interns) to elementary school achievement was investigated. Specifically explored was the difference between student achievement scores in classes with interns who participated in a co-teaching model and interns in classes that did not employ any structured approach to intern teaching. The researcher compared seven classes that employed co-teaching, where the university intern teacher and master teacher remained in the class conducting instruction, to seven classes that had a more traditional approach to the intern teaching. The co-teaching intern model did not exert a significant effect, either positive or negative, on student achievement. Also investigated was the effect of an intern, utilizing any model, on student achievement scores, when compared to similar classes without the presence of an intern. The study utilized 14 classes with interns and 13 classes without interns; each group had populations of approximately 285 students. The presence of an intern did not exert a significant effect, either positive or negative, on student achievement. However, the data indicated that the presence of an intern could positively influence mathematics scores.Additionally, the impact of teacher quality and socio-economic status on student achievement in reading and mathematics were explored. The data revealed the value of the individual teacher significantly affected student success in reading and mathematics. In reading, socio-economic status also significantly affected student achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005841, ucf:50912
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005841
- Title
- An investigation into the use of grade retention as an intervention strategy in Volusia County, Florida.
- Creator
-
Porter, Wesley, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Lindsley, Boyd, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was conducted to analyze the performance of 1,493 students in Volusia County from 2003 to 2010, comparing ethnic and socio-economic groups, who had been retained a minimum of one time while enrolled from third grade through 10th grade. This study utilized the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Reading and Mathematic Developmental Test Scale Scores to evaluate student improvement. The groups compared in this study include Black, White and Hispanic students. Higher and...
Show moreThis study was conducted to analyze the performance of 1,493 students in Volusia County from 2003 to 2010, comparing ethnic and socio-economic groups, who had been retained a minimum of one time while enrolled from third grade through 10th grade. This study utilized the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Reading and Mathematic Developmental Test Scale Scores to evaluate student improvement. The groups compared in this study include Black, White and Hispanic students. Higher and lower socio-economic (SES) rates of retention were investigated for the entire population of retained students in Volusia County from 2003-2010. The groups were compared to see if there was a significant difference between each group being retained once, twice, or three or more times.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006377, ucf:51500
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006377
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006937, ucf:51677
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006937
- Title
- An Analysis of the School Board of Brevard County Instructional Personnel Performance Appraisal Instrument and the Validity of its Components.
- Creator
-
Mela, Carol, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the relationship between the professional practices components of the School Board of Brevard County Instructional Personnel Performance Appraisal System Instrument and student achievement as measured by a teacher's value-added measurement score. A Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was the statistical test used to analyze the data. The population included Brevard Public School instructional personnel assigned to Grades 4-10 who taught reading and/or mathematics measured...
Show moreThis study examined the relationship between the professional practices components of the School Board of Brevard County Instructional Personnel Performance Appraisal System Instrument and student achievement as measured by a teacher's value-added measurement score. A Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was the statistical test used to analyze the data. The population included Brevard Public School instructional personnel assigned to Grades 4-10 who taught reading and/or mathematics measured by the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test during the 2011-2012 school year and who received teacher aggregated value-added measurement scores.Findings indicated that there was a small to moderate statistically significant, positive relationship between all eight professional practices component variables and value-added measurement scores. Correlation coefficients ranged from .089 for collaborative inquiry to .218 for quality of instruction. All of the components combined had a correlation of .231, confirming the strength of multiple evaluation measures.Recommendations were provided for future research aimed at further data analysis in Brevard Public Schools as well as other school districts in order to identify the combination of evaluation components that most accurately reflect teaching effectiveness resulting in student learning as well as to pinpoint weaknesses upon which additional training could be based and the fidelity of implementation improved.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004719, ucf:49810
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004719
- Title
- The Role of Invitational Theory on Minority Student Enrollment in Advanced Placement Courses.
- Creator
-
McDonald, Jason, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The number of students enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) classes has been increasing in Florida and across the nation over the last decade. However, this trend is not happening for traditionally underserved groups of students such as African Americans, Hispanics, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. These minority groups are underrepresented in AP classes, while Asian and White students are overrepresented. This trend is alarming because there are qualified minority students...
Show moreThe number of students enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) classes has been increasing in Florida and across the nation over the last decade. However, this trend is not happening for traditionally underserved groups of students such as African Americans, Hispanics, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. These minority groups are underrepresented in AP classes, while Asian and White students are overrepresented. This trend is alarming because there are qualified minority students who have a great chance of being successful in AP classes according to AP Potential(TM) data. For some reason though, these qualified minority and low income students are nevertheless not enrolling in AP classes. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not the extension of inviting messages to enroll in AP courses was dependent upon students' ethnic and/or socioeconomic background. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed to examine how the role of invitational theory affects minority student enrollment in AP classes. Mean scale scores from a survey were used to measure student attitudes about how welcoming and inviting schools were when it came to student recruitment into AP classes. T-tests and an analysis of variance were used to determine if there were differences in attitudes among students currently enrolled in AP classes, students of various economic means, and students of various ethnicities. Results from this study found that students already in AP classes felt very invited to challenge themselves in AP classes by teachers, administrators, parents, and peers. Richer students, Whites, and Asians also felt more invited to join AP classes than did poorer, African American, and Hispanic students, though these results were not statistically significant. To increase enrollment in AP classes, the overwhelming response from students was that schools should advertise the pros and cons of taking an AP class. Future research should examine students' perspectives regarding inviting school cultures in regions outside of the southeastern United States. Researchers should also focus on students in urban high schools as previous research has only examined student attitudes in rural and suburban high schools. Finally, future research should examine inviting school cultures from other stakeholders' perspectives such as parents and teachers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005529, ucf:50329
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005529
- Title
- Impact of the Education Level of Voluntary Prekindergarten Teachers upon Kindergarten Student Readiness Rates.
- Creator
-
Wright, Teresa, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Williams-Fjeldhe, Karri, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study addressed the problem of insufficient information concerning the impact of variability in requirements and credentials for Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) teachers statewide on VPK program quality. This study examined the variance in the professional credentials of VPK lead instructors in Florida school districts and whether or not this variability makes a significant difference in program quality as measured by VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates.Analysis of variance...
Show moreThis study addressed the problem of insufficient information concerning the impact of variability in requirements and credentials for Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) teachers statewide on VPK program quality. This study examined the variance in the professional credentials of VPK lead instructors in Florida school districts and whether or not this variability makes a significant difference in program quality as measured by VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates.Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical tests were conducted, as appropriate, for each of four research questions. Research findings indicated there was no statistically significant difference in the mean VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates based on the professional credentials for VPK lead instructors when controlling for the socio-economic status of the children enrolled at each site.Recommendations were made for future research to replicate the study using a different indicator of program quality, perhaps a measure of student progress throughout the school year. Also, the first groups of students to participate in Florida's voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program are now enrolled in upper elementary grades making a longitudinal study both feasible and worthwhile in evaluating the effectiveness of a large-scale preschool program. The researcher further recommended that the idea of improving the qualifications of the prekindergarten workforce must persist, supported by continued research and adequate funding.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004619, ucf:49928
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004619
- Title
- A Study of Elementary Student Course Completion and Achievement in Virtual and Traditional Format Courses within the Volusia County School District.
- Creator
-
Garzia, Janet, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Gordon, Murray, Barbara, Kennedy, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research study was to determine how elementary students enrolled in virtual education classes performed on state assessments and final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics as compared with students enrolled in traditional classes, and to examine whether there was a difference in the successful course completion rates between the two groups. Five research questions guided this study concerning the relationship of successful course completion, final grades, and FCAT 2...
Show moreThe focus of this research study was to determine how elementary students enrolled in virtual education classes performed on state assessments and final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics as compared with students enrolled in traditional classes, and to examine whether there was a difference in the successful course completion rates between the two groups. Five research questions guided this study concerning the relationship of successful course completion, final grades, and FCAT 2.0 achievement level scores and the variables of virtual and traditional education in the School District of Volusia County. This study is significant, as the movement of virtual learning is driven by economic factors and learning outcomes need to be considered in making instructional delivery decisions.Chi-square analysis suggested no statistical significant difference existed in either Reading or Mathematics successful course completion of students in virtual and traditional settings. Chi-square analyses and a one-sample t-test suggested there was no statistical significant difference in performance of virtual and traditional students on FCAT 2.0 Reading and Mathematics achievement levels. Although the Chi-square analyses showed no statistical significance in performance of virtual and traditional students on final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics, the one-sample t-tests suggested there was a statistically significant difference. When interpreting these results, caution should be taken as the virtual student population was extremely disproportionate to the traditional student population. Implications for practice and recommendations for future study are suggested in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004848, ucf:49713
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004848
- Title
- An analysis of the preparedness of educational institutions to ensure the security of their institutional information.
- Creator
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Ahmed, Vikram, Johnson, Jerry, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Lee, Amiri, Shahram, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze and examine the differences in the preparedness of educational institutions toward ensuring the security of their data by comparing their self-reported perceptions of security risks and their assessments of the corresponding risk-mitigating practices. Factors that were studied with reference to securing institutional data were aligned with the five components of information systems: hardware, software, data, procedures and people. The study...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze and examine the differences in the preparedness of educational institutions toward ensuring the security of their data by comparing their self-reported perceptions of security risks and their assessments of the corresponding risk-mitigating practices. Factors that were studied with reference to securing institutional data were aligned with the five components of information systems: hardware, software, data, procedures and people. The study examined the perceptions of security threats associated with these factors and explored the perceptions of the effectiveness of critical measures with respect to these factors within the constraints applicable to educational institutions. Given the dynamic nature of the threats to information security, this study further explored mechanisms and frequencies with which the different types of educational institutions conduct key security practices and stay up-to-date in their information security policies and procedures. The population of interest for this study consisted of a cross-sectional representation of the following types of educational institutions in the state of Florida: public and private PK-12 institutions, public and private universities, and virtual schools. At every stage of this exploratory study, comparative analyses were conducted. The researcher found no statistically significant differences between the types of educational institutions in their perceptions of security risks. However, in terms of their perceptions of the effectiveness of security measures, frequencies of key security practices and policy updates, budget allocations, and overall assessment of security preparedness, the educational institutions showed statistically significant differences.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007145, ucf:52293
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007145
- Title
- Media Literacy Implementation in Florida: Perceptions of High School Principals and Language Arts Curriculum Leaders.
- Creator
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Ritchie, Andrew, Taylor, Rosemarye, Cartwright, Vickie, Murray, Kenneth, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to measure the extent to which educators in Florida public high schools perceived the Florida Media Literacy Standard to be implemented within their schools. This study also identified strategies that school leaders were using to successfully implement the Florida Media Literacy Standard and any perceived barriers to the implementation process. The Florida Media Literacy Standard was designed to address decision-making and critical thinking skills with regards to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to measure the extent to which educators in Florida public high schools perceived the Florida Media Literacy Standard to be implemented within their schools. This study also identified strategies that school leaders were using to successfully implement the Florida Media Literacy Standard and any perceived barriers to the implementation process. The Florida Media Literacy Standard was designed to address decision-making and critical thinking skills with regards to research, evaluation, and communication with various types of media. The standard was introduced in Florida public schools in 2007 with its inclusion in the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. High school principals and Language Arts Curriculum Leaders (LACLs) in the English/ Language Arts area were participants in this research because of their role in determining curriculum goals in Florida public schools. The Media Literacy Standard Questionnaire was sent to the principal and the department head of the English department in each participating school district. The results of this study suggested that those high school principals and LACLs that completed the Media Literacy Standard Questionnaire perceived the Florida Media Literacy Standard to be implemented in their schools. Over 80% of principals and LACLs reported (")strongly agree(") or (")agree(") with statements that reflected active implementation processes in school classrooms. Principals and LACLS reported use of the school Media Specialist, attendance at professional development and learning sessions, and making use of Professional Learning Communities as valuable strategies toward implementing the Florida Media Literacy Standard. Time and access to technology were two of the most commonly cited perceived barriers to the implementation process. Principals and LACLs both reported limited Media Center access for teachers due to standardized testing practices in Florida public high schools. Although many principals and LACLs reported that they perceived the Florida Media Literacy Standard to be implemented in their schools, the low response rate of 24.18% and conflicting data with regards to perceived barriers raise questions about the extent to which the results of this study can be generalized to the population of Florida public high schools. Further research is recommended to clarify the conflicting responses related to perceived barriers to implementation such as interviewing participants.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004159, ucf:49069
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004159
- Title
- 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.
- Creator
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Fennoy, Donald, Taylor, Rosemarye, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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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...
Show moreThe 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 Reasoning Test scores among different ethnic/racial groups during the 2010-2011 school year. African American student mean scores were significantly lower on the SAT Reasoning Test when compared to all ethnic/racial groups identified in this study, regardless of the independent variable (no AP participation, one AP course, two or more AP courses). However, the results did indicate that African American participation in AP courses was significantly lower than all other ethnic/racial groups in this school district. Additionally, information was provided for school leaders regarding the development of a systematic approach to creating equity and access for African American students to fully engage in a college going culture through participation in Advanced Placement courses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004375, ucf:49445
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004375
- Title
- A Study of the Implementation of the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Florida 2010-2013: A Professional Practice Doctorate.
- Creator
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Marsh, Nicole, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study conducted at the University of Central Florida was of two-fold importance. First, information gathered via this study has served to continually improve the rigor and relevancy of the curriculum and program requirements to issues in education. Second, the research findings from this study served to move forward the national and increasingly international efforts to improve the Ed. D. and other professional practice doctorate programs.The review of literature was organized to present...
Show moreThis study conducted at the University of Central Florida was of two-fold importance. First, information gathered via this study has served to continually improve the rigor and relevancy of the curriculum and program requirements to issues in education. Second, the research findings from this study served to move forward the national and increasingly international efforts to improve the Ed. D. and other professional practice doctorate programs.The review of literature was organized to present an introduction for the conceptual framework of the efforts to distinguish between the Ph. D. and Ed. D. and strengthen the education doctorate overall. The review presented discussions on the history of the doctorate, history and reform models for the professional doctorate, history of the education doctorate, the Ed. D. versus the Ph. D., differentiation of the education doctorates, and the future of the education doctorate. This study was conducted in the University of Central Florida's Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership program, and employed a mixed methods approach. A series of four surveys were developed to gather both quantitative perception rating responses on a Likert scale of either one to four or one to five, as well as qualitative or open responses to enhance context. Means and standard deviations were analyzed to determine perception ratings, and one-way analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences in perceptions between cohorts and over time.This research illustrated that the perceptions of students in the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership program were positive. Student respondents indicated that their reasons for applying to the program are reflected in the program design, the program is aligned well with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's (CPED) Working Principles, and the program was meeting their needs at defined points in the program of study. Implications for practice include using admission and demographic information to inform instructional and advising processes, continuing to gather student perception ratings and open responses to keep the Executive Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Florida aligned with the CPED Working Principles and all programs with the students' needs, and following up with graduates to gather perceptions on the perceived impact of their study.Recommendations for further research include continuing this study in a longitudinal format to gather perceptions and conduct tests for changes in perceptions over time prior to entering the program, at different points throughout the program, and after completing the program. Also, continuing to gather data on the variable of persistence, to determine relationships between whether or not a student remains enrolled in the program and predictor variables including GRE score, undergraduate GPA, and professional position. Similarly, gathering measurements of program viability including graduation rates and time to degree completion to compare with those measurements on program prior to being redesigned as well as evaluating relationships between admission requirements and time to degree completion and graduation rates.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004885, ucf:49669
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004885
