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Title: Exploring High Performing Second Grade Students' Reading Achievement and Time Spent on i-Ready with Their Motivation to Read.
Creator: Webb, Chloe, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Kelley, Michelle, Wenzel, Taylar, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The motivation to read plays a key role in any student's reading development and success. In the context of 21st century literacies and learning, students engage in reading with print and digital texts and read in traditional and multimodal settings. This situated thesis explored the topic of second grade students' motivation to read through the lens of reading performance and time spent reading and improving their reading skills using i-Ready. Fourteen second grade students in a Central...
Show moreThe motivation to read plays a key role in any student's reading development and success. In the context of 21st century literacies and learning, students engage in reading with print and digital texts and read in traditional and multimodal settings. This situated thesis explored the topic of second grade students' motivation to read through the lens of reading performance and time spent reading and improving their reading skills using i-Ready. Fourteen second grade students in a Central Florida elementary school classroom received the Motivation to Read Profile- Revised (MRP-R) (2013), an established survey, that is designed to gauge elementary school age students' motivation to read. In addition, the researcher selected the top 25% students who showed progress in reading using i-Ready results from Diagnostic 1 and Diagnostic 2 and conducted one informal conversation interview about their motivation to read. The MRP-R (2013) data was analyzed using elementary statistics in the areas of reader self-concept and value of reading. The informal conversational interview data was analyzed in terms of themes in the area of value of reading(-)i.e., other sources/books students like to read, if they like to read electronic sources or print ones, and what they read when they use the Internet. In summary, this study may guide myself as a teacher, and potentially other teachers, to make connections between what students are motivated to read and selecting text(s) for them to read when on i-Ready. The ultimate value of this study lies in guiding teacher instruction and decisions to maximize student motivation to read. The results from this study showed that the group that spent the most time was more positively motivated to read than the remaining second graders. However, the group that showed the most growth was not more or less motivated to read.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007113, ucf:51934
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007113

Title: Curriculum-Embedded Reading Tests as Predictors of Success on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in Reading.
Creator: Johnson, Nicole, Wilson, Nancy, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTWith the passing of the No Child Left Behind legislation (2001), individual states have been required to administer standardized tests to measure students' academic achievement in several academic areas, including reading comprehension. Many schools are using curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests to assess students' progress in achieving grade level expectations before the administration of state standardized test. This study used de-identified student data on curriculum...
Show moreABSTRACTWith the passing of the No Child Left Behind legislation (2001), individual states have been required to administer standardized tests to measure students' academic achievement in several academic areas, including reading comprehension. Many schools are using curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests to assess students' progress in achieving grade level expectations before the administration of state standardized test. This study used de-identified student data on curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests and the state standardized reading test, FCAT 2.0 to assess the correlation between a specific curriculum-based measure and the FCAT 2.0. The researcher used Pearson and Spearman Correlation to assess the predictive relationship of the curriculum-embedded reading tests and FCAT 2.0 reading. Strong correlations were found between the two assessments which educators may find useful when planning and differentiating reading comprehension instruction throughout the school year.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004282, ucf:49522
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004282

Title: Exploring the Trends Between the Reading Attitudes and Habits of Children and their Parents at a Community Reading Camp.
Creator: Patterson, Darlshawn, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Wenzel, Taylar, Samuel, Dana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Reading attitude plays a vital role in the academic achievement of students. This thesis reports findings from a study of how parents' reading attitudes and habits may influence their children's reading attitudes and habits. Students and parents attending a metropolitan university's Saturday Reading Camp (SRC) in the United States participated in this study. Participants completed a survey that examined participants' reading attitudes and habits. Results from this study showed minor...
Show moreReading attitude plays a vital role in the academic achievement of students. This thesis reports findings from a study of how parents' reading attitudes and habits may influence their children's reading attitudes and habits. Students and parents attending a metropolitan university's Saturday Reading Camp (SRC) in the United States participated in this study. Participants completed a survey that examined participants' reading attitudes and habits. Results from this study showed minor similarities between the reading attitudes of parents and their children. However, there were more significant similarities between the reading habits of parents and their children.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006901, ucf:51721
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006901

Title: Utilizing iPads to Enhance Student Engagement in Vocabulary Learning: A Case Study.
Creator: Park, Sarah, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Kelley, Michelle, Wilson, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: According to research evidence, the relationship between vocabulary and reading proficiency is so powerful that it is a valuable predictor of reading comprehension and academic achievement in the later school years (Scarborough, 2011). The major contributor to reading problem is the vocabulary demand of texts that students are assigned in school (Mckeown, Corsson, Arts, Sandora, (&) Beck, 2012). National Assessment of Education Progress (National Center for Education Statistics, 2012) stated...
Show moreAccording to research evidence, the relationship between vocabulary and reading proficiency is so powerful that it is a valuable predictor of reading comprehension and academic achievement in the later school years (Scarborough, 2011). The major contributor to reading problem is the vocabulary demand of texts that students are assigned in school (Mckeown, Corsson, Arts, Sandora, (&) Beck, 2012). National Assessment of Education Progress (National Center for Education Statistics, 2012) stated the essential link between the words students know and students' ability to use those words to understand what they read. Therefore, researchers and educators have both agreed the importance of minimizing vocabulary gaps in order for students to be able to succeed academically and deal with rigorous content (Sparks, 2013). This case study examined the effects of how utilizing an iPad would enhance a student's engagement in vocabulary learning. A third grade student performing below grade level in reading comprehension and vocabulary participated in this study. The research took place at the University of Central Florida, College of Education, Reading Clinic. This research study concentrated on five different iPad applications that focused on enhancing the student's engagement in ways to use the iPad to engage students with vocabulary learning. The data obtained from this research were gathered through pre and post vocabulary test developed by the researcher to assess the student's learning gains. In addition, multiple sources such as attitude pre and post survey, game results, and observations were also collected. At the end of the research, the participant displayed tremendous learning gains in vocabulary. In addition, the researcher concluded that utilizing an iPad significantly enhanced the student's engagement in vocabulary learning.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005042, ucf:49966
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005042

Title: English Language Arts Preservice and Inservice Teacher's Knowledge about How to Use eTextbooks and Open Educational Resources to Support Students' Comprehension: A Case Study.
Creator: Smith, Lourdes, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Roberts, Sherron, Damico, Nicole, Wilson, Nance, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this qualitative, descriptive case study was to (a) investigate the knowledge English Language Arts preservice and inservice teachers had about eTextbooks and Open Educational Resources (OERs) and (b) how they planned to use that knowledge to develop their current/future 6-12 grade students' comprehension and content knowledge. Included within the study were specifics regarding how eTextbooks and OERs can be used to support adolescent learners and how online comprehension skills...
Show moreThe focus of this qualitative, descriptive case study was to (a) investigate the knowledge English Language Arts preservice and inservice teachers had about eTextbooks and Open Educational Resources (OERs) and (b) how they planned to use that knowledge to develop their current/future 6-12 grade students' comprehension and content knowledge. Included within the study were specifics regarding how eTextbooks and OERs can be used to support adolescent learners and how online comprehension skills can be developed. Data were analyzed in order to determine themes related to the use and planning for eTextbooks and OERs in the secondary ELA classroom. Data sources for this study included the participant interviews, document analysis, and a focus group interview. Findings revealed that participants (N=6) were both excited and apprehensive about using technology and that although they had some personal experiences with eTextbooks and OERs, they would need more specific support in helping their future or current students to develop online reading comprehension skills. Implications and recommendations are offered for preservice teacher educators, classroom teachers and professional developers, researchers, and publishers.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006797, ucf:51922
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006797

Title: Developing and Validating the Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs Assessment Matrix.
Creator: Kennedy, Analexis, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Gill, Michele, Jahani, Shiva, Johnson, Jerry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a needs assessment matrix for secondary specialized literacy professionals that identified the professional learning needs of literacy coaches. This tool was developed in order to inform school districts and secondary specialized literacy professionals about the types of professional learning support they will need for them to effectively meet the literacy needs of teachers in secondary schools. The Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate a needs assessment matrix for secondary specialized literacy professionals that identified the professional learning needs of literacy coaches. This tool was developed in order to inform school districts and secondary specialized literacy professionals about the types of professional learning support they will need for them to effectively meet the literacy needs of teachers in secondary schools. The Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs Assessment Matrix (SLPNAM) was created using a variety of methods. A synthesis of literature regarding school improvement, adolescent literacy, 21stcentury skills, adult learning, literacy coaching and the 2017 International Literacy Association's Standards for Specialized Literacy Professionals was used to provide the conceptual framework for the SLPNAM. The SLPNAM items were developed by interviewing coaching and content experts, going through several iterations before the final instrument was developed. Construct validity was established through exploratory factor analysis, and internal reliability was determined through Cronbach's Alpha. Sixty-four participants from 18 school districts in Florida responded to the SLPNAM. Data analysis indicated that the SLPNAM had a high level of internal reliability, and data reduction was used to ensure that items correlated with constructs it was intended to correlate with. Data from the exploratory factor analysisof the SLPNAM confirmed that construct validity was established. The results from this study provide opportunities for school districts to differentiate professional learning for literacy professionals. It also provides data for school administrators to define the role of the coach and assists secondary literacy professionals in setting professional learning goals specific to their roles.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007825, ucf:52826
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007825

Title: Using argument as a bridge between literacy and science: An intervention study in a science methods course for elementary preservice teachers.
Creator: Grysko, Rebeca, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Gao, Su, Roberts, Sherron, Fang, Zhihui, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an intervention on teaching science as argument within a science methods course on elementary preservice teachers' (PSTs') (a) understandings of the nature of science (NOS), (b) knowledge about argumentation, (c) complexity of their written explanations, and (d) ability to incorporate components of the framework for teaching science as argument to support students' literacy and science learning. This mixed-methods study utilized an...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an intervention on teaching science as argument within a science methods course on elementary preservice teachers' (PSTs') (a) understandings of the nature of science (NOS), (b) knowledge about argumentation, (c) complexity of their written explanations, and (d) ability to incorporate components of the framework for teaching science as argument to support students' literacy and science learning. This mixed-methods study utilized an embedded quasi-experimental design with a treatment (n = 20) and control group (n = 25). The treatment group instructor, who completed an eight-week professional development course, implemented the intervention protocol across a 12-week period. Throughout the intervention, emphasis was placed on three key components of teaching science as argument (i.e., argument structure, public reasoning, and the language of science). The control group instructor, who did not partake in any professional learning activities, implemented business-as-usual instruction. Results from a repeated measures MANOVA revealed that, although the intervention did not have a significant impact on PSTs' knowledge of argumentation, PSTs who received the intervention did demonstrate a significant increase in their understanding of the NOS and in the complexity of their written explanations, as compared to PSTs who did not receive the intervention. Furthermore, analysis of PSTs' written lesson plans revealed several themes (i.e., opportunities for students to collect and analyze data, use of scaffolds for helping students construct scientific explanations, emphasis on the use of text to support scientific inquiry, and attention to developing students' science vocabulary) consistent with the framework for teaching science as argument. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence illustrating the effectiveness of intentionally designed teacher preparation experiences for developing PSTs' knowledge, beliefs, and practices for supporting students' engagement in scientific explanation and argument.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007643, ucf:52477
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007643

Title: The Effect of a Metalinguistic Approach to Sentence Combining on Written Expression in Eighth Grade Science for Students who Struggle with Literacy.
Creator: Telesca, Lynne, Ehren, Barbara, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Kong, Anthony Pak Hin, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Recent data indicate that less than 50% of American secondary students are able to demonstrate grade-level proficiency in reading, writing, and science (National Center for Educational Statistics [NCES], 2007, 2011, 2012a, 2012b). Secondary students' are expected to develop advanced literacy skills, especially in writing, in order to be ready for college and careers. Students are expected to develop these advanced literacy skills, within all academic subjects. In other words, they are...
Show moreRecent data indicate that less than 50% of American secondary students are able to demonstrate grade-level proficiency in reading, writing, and science (National Center for Educational Statistics [NCES], 2007, 2011, 2012a, 2012b). Secondary students' are expected to develop advanced literacy skills, especially in writing, in order to be ready for college and careers. Students are expected to develop these advanced literacy skills, within all academic subjects. In other words, they are expected to develop disciplinary literacy skills. The statistics are alarming overall, but they are particularly alarming in the area of science. Students need strong literacy skills, including written expression, to be prepared for employment opportunities in science fields, which currently are being filled by graduates of other industrialized nations, who have a more advanced skill set. This loss of occupational opportunity poses a threat for the U.S. to remain globally competitive in science innovation and advancement, which ultimately secures economic prosperity. Despite these staggering concerns, there is little research conducted to evaluate effective instructional methods to develop complex writing skills in academic disciplines such as science.To address this critical issue, the present study examined the effects of a metalinguistic approach to the writing intervention of sentence combining with eighth-grade students who struggle with literacy. The researcher conducted the study in a typical science classroom in an urban American school setting. The focus of the intervention was to increase students' metalinguistic awareness of science text, to improve written sentence complexity in science, as well as the written expression and determination of comparison and contrast of science content. The study employed a quasi-experimental design. The participants consisted of an experimental group (two classes) who received the treatment during typical science instruction and a comparison group (three classes) who did not receive treatment, but participated in their typical science instruction. There were four participating teachers and 84 participating students. The researcher conducted the study over a period of seven weeks within regularly scheduled science classes. Twenty intervention sessions were conducted for a length of 20 minutes each, totaling 400 minutes or 6.6 hours. Hierarchical repeated measures ANOVA and hierarchical repeated measures MANOVA analyses revealed that the experimental group performed significantly better than the comparison group on their ability to determine similarities and differences (compare and contrast) related to science content, with a medium effect. The experimental group achieved a slightly higher marginal mean over the comparison group on their ability to combine sentences, with a small effect. Multiple statistical analyses revealed a trend of higher marginal means in favor of the experimental group over the comparison group on several measures of written sentence complexity on both the science compare and contrast writing prompt (small-medium effect) and the science expository essay (medium to large effect). One experimental class also demonstrated higher scores in their overall sentence correctness on science expository essay as compared to all the other classes. These findings suggest that sentence combining, utilizing a metalinguistic approach, may hold promise as an effective writing intervention in a content area classroom, for secondary students who struggle with literacy. Furthermore, the findings suggest that a metalinguistic approach to sentence combining can be successfully embedded within a content area class, which may result in increased concept knowledge and writing skills in that academic discipline. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005891, ucf:50897
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005891

Title: A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Impact of Explicit Instruction of Science Text Structures on Eighth-Grade English Learners' and Non-English Learners' Content Learning and Reading Comprehension in Three Inclusive Science Classrooms.
Creator: Rivera, Jelitza, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Nutta, Joyce, Witta, Eleanor, Ehren, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of explicit instruction of science comparison and contrast macro text structures plus micro text structures on the content learning, sentence comprehension, and reading comprehension of eighth-grade English Learners (ELs) and non-English Learners (non-ELs) in three inclusive science classrooms. Although the results of this study did not show significant differences between groups in sentence comprehension, reading...
Show moreThe focus of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of explicit instruction of science comparison and contrast macro text structures plus micro text structures on the content learning, sentence comprehension, and reading comprehension of eighth-grade English Learners (ELs) and non-English Learners (non-ELs) in three inclusive science classrooms. Although the results of this study did not show significant differences between groups in sentence comprehension, reading comprehension, or science content learning, the treatment group increased and maintained their science content learning scores over time, while the scores of the comparison group declined from post-test to delayed post-test. In addition, the researcher sought to determine whether sentence combination scores were a predictor of reading comprehension scores. The results showed that sentence combination scores were good predictors for reading comprehension.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005875, ucf:50864
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005875

Title: Principals' Perceptions on Educating Elementary Students who are Gifted.
Creator: Cumming, Ingrid, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Ellis, Amanda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Students who are gifted need student centered academic challenges and authenticproblems to spark reflection and enhance student outcomes. When academic needs are not met,students who are gifted may not reach their full academic potential and may lose motivation for learning. A primary reason for students who are gifted to underachieve in academics is equated to school factors including lack of instructional resources, social/emotional support, and teacherswho are unprepared to teach students...
Show moreStudents who are gifted need student centered academic challenges and authenticproblems to spark reflection and enhance student outcomes. When academic needs are not met,students who are gifted may not reach their full academic potential and may lose motivation for learning. A primary reason for students who are gifted to underachieve in academics is equated to school factors including lack of instructional resources, social/emotional support, and teacherswho are unprepared to teach students who are gifted. The purpose of this phenomenologicalresearch study is to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of participating elementary school principals in an urban school district. The research questions explore elementary school principals' perceptions of the implementation of practices, programs and instructional methodsthat support their programs for students who are gifted and the teachers of students who are gifted.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005937, ucf:50822
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005937

Title: An Applied Organizational Analysis of School Factors Affecting Technology Integration within the Context of Literacy Instruction.
Creator: Rawlinson, D'Ann, Boote, David, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Little, Mary, Pawlas, George, Behrens, Cherie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to analyze the organizational factors affecting technology integration within the context of literacy instruction at a single school site that was preparing to implement a 1:1 mobile device initiative in all K-5 classrooms the following academic year. This was achieved through conducting an organizational analysis using a multi-frame model developed by Bolman and Deal (2008). This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods research design...
Show moreThe purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to analyze the organizational factors affecting technology integration within the context of literacy instruction at a single school site that was preparing to implement a 1:1 mobile device initiative in all K-5 classrooms the following academic year. This was achieved through conducting an organizational analysis using a multi-frame model developed by Bolman and Deal (2008). This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods research design consisting of teacher and administrator interviews, a quantitative and qualitative survey, and classroom observational data. One main evaluation question was designed to frame this organizational analysis: What organizational factors support and impede technology integration within the context of literacy instruction? To answer the main evaluation question, the evaluator collected data to answer six evaluation sub-questions. The evaluation sub-questions were developed to ensure that data was being collected among Bolman and Deal's (2008) four frames. In the context of integrating technology into literacy instruction, the data collected in this study suggest that the organizational strategies and issues within the human resource frame are impacting, and are impacted by, the organization's political, structural, and symbolic practices. The teachers' lack of opportunities to develop the requisite knowledge, experience, and skills needed to integrate technology into literacy instruction seem to have impacted the teachers' level of technology integration as well as their levels of concern. Data from this organizational analysis indicated that the lack of time was a major obstacle in learning how to integrate mobile devices into literacy instruction. The school's current team-based organizational model, while supporting other aspects of their education practices, may create structural and political barriers to effectively implement the 1:1 mobile device initiative. Observations and interviews suggested that the school values technology to support basic literacy skills, but not the transformative role of technology on literacy in today's society. Using all four frames of the Bolman and Deal's (2008) model allows an organization to look beyond one frame, such as developing human resources through professional development, when working towards implementing a school-wide initiative effectively. Although tailored professional development is necessary for teachers to learn how to integrate technology into literacy instruction, the professional development will not be effective without greater stability in the instructional staff, and focused political and structural solutions that will support the instructional staff's professional learning and implementation.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005989, ucf:50768
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005989

Title: The Lived Experiences of Elementary Students with Disabilities Self-Advocating Through Speaking and Writing.
Creator: Massengale, Lindsey, Dieker, Lisa, Pearl, Cynthia, Vasquez, Eleazar, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Writing and self-advocacy skills are important for all students, including individuals with disabilities. Within the K-12 setting, those skills are taught, but emphasis changes as students progress through the grade levels. At the elementary level, writing is more prominent; whereas, in high school, self-advocacy becomes a focus. In this study, the researcher used a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences and preferences of elementary students with disabilities and...
Show moreWriting and self-advocacy skills are important for all students, including individuals with disabilities. Within the K-12 setting, those skills are taught, but emphasis changes as students progress through the grade levels. At the elementary level, writing is more prominent; whereas, in high school, self-advocacy becomes a focus. In this study, the researcher used a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences and preferences of elementary students with disabilities and their use of self-advocacy strategies in the inclusive setting, both in writing and speaking. The phenomenon was explored over an eleven-week period in a second grade, inclusive classroom. The conceptual framework for the study was the theoretical framework of self-advocacy by Test, Fowler, Wood, Brewer, and Eddy (2005). The child development of Piaget (1964) and disability theory of Tashakkaori and Teddlie (2003) served as secondary frameworks. The data collected are reflective of the self-advocacy experiences and preferences of two students with disabilities, their parents and classroom teacher. The themes of knowledge of self, knowledge of rights, effective communication skills, and leadership skills are discussed in detail. Implications for practice within the elementary classroom and recommendations for future research for students with disabilities in the inclusive environment are provided.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006351, ucf:51565
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006351

Title: Developing and Validating the Elementary Literacy Coach Self-Efficacy Survey.
Creator: Ulenski, Adam, Gill, Michele, Kelley, Michelle, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Puig, Enrique, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the task-specific self-efficacy beliefs of elementary literacy coaches. In order for this to happen, a synthesis of literature regarding literacy coaching tasks including the International Literacy Association's standards for literacy coaches were used to write several items on the survey. In addition, the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale and the researcher's experiences as an elementary literacy coach were used to...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the task-specific self-efficacy beliefs of elementary literacy coaches. In order for this to happen, a synthesis of literature regarding literacy coaching tasks including the International Literacy Association's standards for literacy coaches were used to write several items on the survey. In addition, the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale and the researcher's experiences as an elementary literacy coach were used to write other items on the survey. Experts in the field of literacy coaching and self-efficacy provided content validity. Construct validity was established through correlation statistics with other established instruments that were previously determined as valid. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the Elementary Literacy Coach Self-Efficacy (ELCSE) survey to determine the underlying constructs the instrument was intended to measure.Data analysis indicated that the ELCSE has a high level of internal reliability and correlated with areas it was intended to correlate with and with areas it was not intended to correlate with, it did not. Data from factor analysis confirmed that the ELCSE measures one construct as intended. Thus, construct validity was established.The results from this study provide opportunities to assess and understand the beliefs of elementary literacy coaches regarding tasks specific to their roles. Additionally, the ELCSE survey offers opportunities to provide training or professional development specific to the needs of elementary literacy coaches. The use of the ELCSE in a practical K-12 educational setting offers school districts and administrators the opportunity to identify tasks the elementary literacy coach feels they would need more support in performing.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006812, ucf:51785
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006812

Title: Exploring Interactions between Adult English Learners and Their TeachLivE Digital Character Peers.
Creator: Yan, Ting, Nutta, Joyce, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Bai, Haiyan, Mihai, Florin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Peer interaction is an important part of language learning. The results of previous studies showed advantages and disadvantages of peer interaction between native speakers and English learners. Using the educational simulation platform TeachLivE as the interaction platform, this qualitative descriptive case study explored the possibilities of bridging the gap between classroom language practice and real-life second language communication. The study recruited eight participants for a task...
Show morePeer interaction is an important part of language learning. The results of previous studies showed advantages and disadvantages of peer interaction between native speakers and English learners. Using the educational simulation platform TeachLivE as the interaction platform, this qualitative descriptive case study explored the possibilities of bridging the gap between classroom language practice and real-life second language communication. The study recruited eight participants for a task-based interaction project. Using conversation analysis, the study revealed details in communication between adult English learners and their digital character peers. During the interactions, the participants were actively involved and the most frequent communication patterns were collaborative and cooperative. The analysis of interviews of participants and the interactor explored the factors that influenced the communication patterns between the young adult English learners and their digital peers. The results showed that the communication experience with digital characters was authentic and the virtual platform was critical to build the confidence of English learners' language use. Moreover, the multiple digital characters manipulated by interaction protocols were also helpful to create a scaffolding effect for practicing oral communication for the English learners.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006823, ucf:51761
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006823

Title: A Framework for Transforming Elementary Literacy Coaches' Professional Learning.
Creator: Forsythe, Lenora, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Hopp, Carolyn, Puig, Enrique, Roberts, Sherron, Zugelder, Gina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Elementary literacy coaches serve as one component in a professional learning system tosupport teacher learning. This dissertation in practice intended to highlight the need for an effective professional learning system for elementary literacy coaches that will enable them to impact teacher and student learning. The pilot study explored needs and perspectives of professional learning opportunities for elementary literacy coaches in a central Florida school district. Findings from the pilot...
Show moreElementary literacy coaches serve as one component in a professional learning system tosupport teacher learning. This dissertation in practice intended to highlight the need for an effective professional learning system for elementary literacy coaches that will enable them to impact teacher and student learning. The pilot study explored needs and perspectives of professional learning opportunities for elementary literacy coaches in a central Florida school district. Findings from the pilot study, along with literature surrounding the topic, resulted in the design of A Framework for Elementary Literacy Coaches' Professional Learning. This Framework utilized components from existing resources to develop access points for literacy coaches' professional learning. Access points included choice in coaching cycles, collaborative learning communities among coaches, and differentiated learning opportunities for literacy coaches to build their repertoire of literacy content knowledge and coaching skills. Theoreticalcontributions of adult learning and the sociocultural learning perspective within the Framework ensured literacy coaches' choice, ownership, and embedded learning opportunities. Suggested use for this dissertation in practice is to inform professional learning practices for in-service and pre-service elementary literacy coaches to ensure continued growth in coaching skills and literacy knowledge.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006300, ucf:51610
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006300

Title: EXAMINING ELEMENTARY PRESERVICE TEACHER EFFICACY TO TEACH WRITING IN A TITLE 1 SCHOOL: A MIXED METHOD STUDY OF A SCHOOL-BASED TEACHER EDUCATION COURSE INTERVENTION.
Creator: Blanch, Norine, Roberts, Sherron, Lue, Martha, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Zugelder, Bryan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As the demographics of the United States change, barriers persistently thwart efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of ethnicity, academic ability, or family circumstance, have equal opportunities to learn. Diminished retention rates of effective educators in Title 1 schools, elevated rates at which students from low-income families are taught by inexperienced or unqualified teachers and insufficient preparation of preservice teachers (PSTs) to teach in Title 1 schools are three...
Show moreAs the demographics of the United States change, barriers persistently thwart efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of ethnicity, academic ability, or family circumstance, have equal opportunities to learn. Diminished retention rates of effective educators in Title 1 schools, elevated rates at which students from low-income families are taught by inexperienced or unqualified teachers and insufficient preparation of preservice teachers (PSTs) to teach in Title 1 schools are three such barriers. Policy reform organizations interested in improving the effectiveness of teacher education programs nationwide suggest forging strong clinical partnerships between universities and schools by relocating coursework to school-based settings that more closely resemble the reality of today's classrooms. PSTs, 27 in total, participated in a school-based teacher education intervention situated in a Title 1 school in central Florida to examine the influences of this intervention on PSTs efficacy for culturally responsive teaching and their sense of efficacy for teaching writing to students of diversity in a Title 1 school. Preliminary results indicated that while some PSTs tended to overestimate their efficacy for teaching students of diversity in Title 1 schools prior to the intervention, the school-based course disrupted that reality. Through weekly teaching experiences, PSTs' misconceptions about Title 1 schools, and their own pedagogical practices were challenged. Results yielded a purportedly more efficacious group of PSTs as measured by quantitative survey research and post qualitative responses in this mixed method study.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006265, ucf:51049
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006265

Title: Effects of Collaboration Between Speech-Language Pathologists and Third-Grade Teachers on Student Vocabulary Outcomes.
Creator: Mitchell, Mary, Ehren, Barbara, Towson, Jacqueline, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A persistent literacy crisis continues to be reflected in international (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2013), national (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2015), and local literacy outcome data. Educators, including speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are called upon to collaborate to support students who struggle with academic language/literacy. However, few studies have operationally defined collaboration and investigated the effects of...
Show moreA persistent literacy crisis continues to be reflected in international (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2013), national (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2015), and local literacy outcome data. Educators, including speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are called upon to collaborate to support students who struggle with academic language/literacy. However, few studies have operationally defined collaboration and investigated the effects of collaboration on student achievement. As a result, there is insufficient guidance for educators about ways to design, implement, and assess the effectiveness of collaboration models, defined in terms of their effects on student outcomes.There were two main objectives of this research. The first objective was to investigate whether literacy partnerships between SLPs and third-grade general education teachers, who used a systematic collaboration protocol, yielded better vocabulary outcomes for students than teachers instructing without collaborating with SLPs. The second objective of the study was to examine collaborators' progress toward adopting the collaboration protocol. The quasi-experimental design involved a collaboration treatment condition (n = 2 collaborative pairs; n = 34 students) and a comparison condition (n = 2 non-collaboration teachers; n = 34 students). In both conditions, similar versions of a specific vocabulary technique were implemented over seven weeks. Students' vocabulary knowledge was measured at pretest and posttest using three researcher-created vocabulary assessments adapted from previous measures in vocabulary research. A two-factor split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant interaction effect on the Words-in-Context measure. The significant effect from pretest to posttest within the entire matched group changed as a result of condition; the group mean increase in the students' scores from pretest to posttest was higher in the collaboration condition than the comparison condition. Additional key findings were: (a) a statistically significant increase in group mean scores from pretest to posttest on all three measures within the entire matched group (n = 68) and (b) non-significant interactions between the collaboration and comparison groups on two of the vocabulary measures (Synonyms and Non-Examples). When Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated within each condition, there were large effects for all three tasks in the collaboration condition. In the comparison condition, there were large effects for the Synonyms task, and medium effects for the Words-in-Context and Non-Example tasks. The findings of this study also revealed that collaborators achieved high fidelity of the collaboration protocol within a seven-week collaboration segment. Collaborators demonstrated Routine use of a specific collaboration protocol according to the tools of the Concerns Based Adoption Model (Hall (&) Hord, 2015); however, they expressed concerns around managing the task demands of the collaboration protocol. Taken as a whole, these findings are promising. Collaboration between SLPs and third-grade general education teachers using a systematic collaboration protocol with a specific vocabulary technique resulted in student vocabulary gains; on one measure, the gains were significantly larger than those made by students in classrooms where teachers did not collaborate with SLPs. The findings have potential to inform a research and practice agenda for SLPs and other educators in schools. Clinical implications and specific research directions are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006767, ucf:51870
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006767

Title: A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY DESIGN: USING CLOSE READING TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE U.S. HISTORY COMPREHENSION.
Creator: Tinsley, Maureen, Hopp, Carolyn, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Williams-Fjeldhe, Karri, Vitale, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice presents a research-based model for staff development utilizing the elements of a professional learning community. The focus of this problem of practice was determined through an analysis of one high school's reading data indicating that 36% of the student body was reading below grade level according to the state assessment test for reading. Researchers have noted that reading demands for college and careers have increased (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2011;...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice presents a research-based model for staff development utilizing the elements of a professional learning community. The focus of this problem of practice was determined through an analysis of one high school's reading data indicating that 36% of the student body was reading below grade level according to the state assessment test for reading. Researchers have noted that reading demands for college and careers have increased (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2011; Barton, 2000; Common Core State Standards, 2014). If students do not develop reading proficiency to graduate with a high school diploma, they are at risk of limited career choices without college and possible unemployment. Drawing upon a review of related literature in reading education, adolescent literacy, disciplinary literacy, and staff development, a professional learning community model was proposed to address improvement in teacher capacity by demonstrating the knowledge, dispositions, and skills of pedagogical knowledge of the Common Core State Standards (Florida Department of Education, Language Arts Florida Standards, 2014) and the use of close reading techniques to increase reading comprehension of U.S. History students. This design utilizes the five elements of the DuFour (2010) model of a professional learning community including (a) focus of learning; (b) collaborative culture; (c) collaborative inquiry; (d) commitment to continuous improvement; and (e) results oriented mindset. A logic model further delineates the priorities, program plan, and intended outcomes for the implementation of this model.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005429, ucf:50409
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005429

Title: The Effect of Question-Answer Relationships on Ninth-Grade Students' Ability to Accurately Answer Comprehension Questions.
Creator: Stafford, Tammy, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Xu, Lihua, Boote, David, Wilson, Nance, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This experimental research study examined the effects of the Question-Answer Relationships (QAR) taxonomy on ninth-grade students' ability to answer comprehension questions. Participants included 32 incoming ninth-grade students who were required to attend summer school due to poor attendance, grades, and/or standardized test scores. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group participants received one week of initial strategy instruction...
Show moreThis experimental research study examined the effects of the Question-Answer Relationships (QAR) taxonomy on ninth-grade students' ability to answer comprehension questions. Participants included 32 incoming ninth-grade students who were required to attend summer school due to poor attendance, grades, and/or standardized test scores. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group participants received one week of initial strategy instruction followed by three weeks of maintenance activities. Results indicated that the strategy had a negative effect on students' question-answering ability and raised questions regarding comprehension instruction, length of interventions, and the role of scaffolded support for a target population of adolescent readers. Discussion of the results revolves around interventions, QAR instruction, reading ability, and motivation of the participants.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004605, ucf:49921
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004605

Title: An exploration of secondary science grade teachers' written artifacts about their experiences with an online professional development in reading research and instruction: A grounded theory study.
Creator: Woodhall, Carmen, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Lambie, Glenn, Swan, Bonnie, Haggerty, Dorothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Classroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school...
Show moreClassroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school and high school science teachers who took the 14-week course. This grounded theory research used the reflective assignment, a comprehensive, 10-week, job-embedded assignment of 62 science teachers, to generate categories and themes about the reading challenges they perceived in their own classrooms, what strategies and tools they chose to remedy those challenges, and the perceived changes they saw in their students and themselves. The theory that was derived from the data speaks to how effective, job-embedded reading professional development can impact the knowledge, motivation, and instructional practice of science teachers in the classroom.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004618, ucf:49932
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004618

disciplinary literacy (3)	+ -
elementary school (3)	+ -
literacy (3)	+ -
content area reading (2)	+ -
elementary education (2)	+ -

iPad (2)	+ -
middle school (2)	+ -
professional learning (2)	+ -
science (2)	+ -
writing (2)	+ -
1:1 mobile device initiative (1)	+ -
Case Study (1)	+ -
Collaboration (1)	+ -
Content Reading (1)	+ -
Culturally Responsive Teaching Self Efficacy (1)	+ -
Digital Literacy (1)	+ -
ELA (1)	+ -
ESL (1)	+ -
ESOL (1)	+ -
Elementary Preservice Teacher (1)	+ -
English Language Arts Education (1)	+ -
English as a second language (1)	+ -
English learners (1)	+ -
Literacy in science (1)	+ -
Metacognition (1)	+ -
New Literacy (1)	+ -
OERs (1)	+ -
Qualitative Research (1)	+ -
Question-Answer Relationships (1)	+ -
Reading (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (24)	+ -
Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki (24)	+ -
Boote, David (4)	+ -
Roberts, Sherron (4)	+ -
Bai, Haiyan (3)	+ -

Ehren, Barbara (3)	+ -
Kelley, Michelle (3)	+ -
Little, Mary (3)	+ -
Wilson, Nance (3)	+ -
Wilson, Nancy (3)	+ -
Damico, Nicole (2)	+ -
Dieker, Lisa (2)	+ -
Gill, Michele (2)	+ -
Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie (2)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (2)	+ -
Nutta, Joyce (2)	+ -
Puig, Enrique (2)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (2)	+ -
Wenzel, Taylar (2)	+ -
Xu, Lihua (2)	+ -
Becht, Kathleen (1)	+ -
Behrens, Cherie (1)	+ -
Blanch, Norine (1)	+ -
Butler, Lorrie (1)	+ -
Cardullo, Victoria (1)	+ -
Cumming, Ingrid (1)	+ -
Ellis, Amanda (1)	+ -
Fang, Zhihui (1)	+ -
Ferreira, Paloma (1)	+ -
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