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- Title
- THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS.
- Creator
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Adams, Athena, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The study was conducted to determine the disparity between the academic achievement of African American students and the academic achievement of white American students in the state of Florida, and more specifically, in five high schools in Orange County Public Schools. The term "African American" included all students who self-identified as that race upon enrollment into an Orange County public school. The study included male and female African American students from different socio-economic...
Show moreThe study was conducted to determine the disparity between the academic achievement of African American students and the academic achievement of white American students in the state of Florida, and more specifically, in five high schools in Orange County Public Schools. The term "African American" included all students who self-identified as that race upon enrollment into an Orange County public school. The study included male and female African American students from different socio-economic levels. The term "differences in academic achievement" is most commonly referred to as "achievement gap." Additionally, this study sought to determine the relationship, if any, in the achievement of African American students' academic achievement in five high schools in Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Florida. In addition, the purpose was to identify differences in achievement level based upon the school attended, gender, socio-economic levels, class size, and qualifications of the teachers. The methods and procedures used to determine if there was an achievement gap between African-American and white American high school students was to review: (a) gain in African-American students on the reading portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, from the 2003-2004 administration to the 2004-2005 administration in five Orange County public high schools, (b) difference between African-American students' 2004-2005 reading portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test percentage at proficient (level 3 and above) and white American students in five public high schools in Orange, (c) the relationship between African-American students' 2004-2005 reading portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test percent at proficient (level 3 and above) and the school poverty rate in all public high schools in Orange County, (d) the characteristics of schools making gains in reading. There were four conclusions based on the review of literature, as well as the data collected from the five high schools. Under the provision and penalties attached to the No Child Left Behind legislation, there was a noticeable gap in achievement between African-American students and their white American counterparts in each of the examined schools over a two year time period. In schools with a greater percentage of white students, African-American students, overall, performed at a higher level. The achievement gap was narrower and the percent at proficient and above was higher for all students in schools where white students represented a greater percentage of the students. In schools with a lower percentage of students on free and/or reduced lunch, the percent of students reading at proficient or above was higher and the achievement gap was less between African-American students and their white counterparts. Furthermore, the data indicated that as the percent of students on free and reduced lunch at a given school increases, the rate of those reading at proficient and above for African-American students was lower. In schools with a wide array of diversity, students overall have higher achievement scores. Based on the data in the study, the school with the highest rate of student proficient and above, was the school with the greatest diversity population of students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002148, ucf:47511
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002148
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF THE PERCEIVED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT SCORES.
- Creator
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Fisher, Thomas, Magann, Douglas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this inquiry was to examine the possible extent to which specific, identifiable leadership characteristics of Central Florida school principals differ between middle and high school administrators, and to examine if these leadership characteristics display a relationship, either positively or negatively, with the obtainment of student scores on state measures of education accountability (FCAT reading scores). Data from the research sample were collected through the...
Show moreThe purpose of this inquiry was to examine the possible extent to which specific, identifiable leadership characteristics of Central Florida school principals differ between middle and high school administrators, and to examine if these leadership characteristics display a relationship, either positively or negatively, with the obtainment of student scores on state measures of education accountability (FCAT reading scores). Data from the research sample were collected through the administration of a modified version of the Audit of Principal Effectiveness (APE), a survey instrument developed by Dr. Jerry Valentine through the Middle Level Leadership Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Valentine & Bowman, 1984). The survey instrument used for this study contained 52 statements regarding principal leadership characteristics divided into two domains (organizational environment and educational program). The organizational environment domain (questions 1-37) establishes the ability of the principal to nurture the on-going climate of the school through development of positive interpersonal relations among the staff members and effective daily operational procedures for the school. The second domain, educational program, ascertains the principal's ability to serve as the educational leader of the school through active involvement in instructional leadership and curriculum development. Teachers were asked to rate their principal on a 9-point Likert-type scale (1 = not effective, 5 = moderately effective, 9 = very effective) on the extent they perceived the principal to be effective in that leadership skill. A sufficient number of surveys (minimum of 7) were returned from teachers at 60 schools (35 middle schools and 25 high schools) out of a possible 104 for a response rate of 57.7%. The investigation found the following: 1) There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores representing teacher perceptions of principal leadership on either the organizational environment or educational program domains of the (APE) between middle schools and high schools; 2) There was no statistically significant correlation, when middle school and high school principals were treated as one group, between the mean scores representing teacher perceptions of principal leadership on either the organizational environment or educational program domains of the APE and student achievement; 3) There was a statistically significant negative (inverse) correlation between FCAT reading percentage and low-SES percentage for all schools; 4) As teacher rating mean scores on the APE organizational environment domain increased, the negative (inverse) correlation between FCAT reading percentage and low-SES percentage decreased but not at statistically significant levels; and 5) A positive correlation between teacher rating mean scores and FCAT reading percentage was indicated for high school principals on both the organizational environment and educational program domains of the APE. These correlations were not statistically significant at the higher alpha required for multiple correlation tests, but they were positive and the correlation for the organizational environment domain approached significance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000400, ucf:46345
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000400
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL CULTURE AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
- Creator
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Vislocky, Karen, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was developed to produce data about the cultures of selected Florida middle schools. The research was intended to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy as related to student achievement. The focus for this study was provided through three research questions: (a) to determine to what extent middle schools scoring in the top half and the bottom half on the modified version of Wagner and Masden-Copas' School...
Show moreThis study was developed to produce data about the cultures of selected Florida middle schools. The research was intended to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy as related to student achievement. The focus for this study was provided through three research questions: (a) to determine to what extent middle schools scoring in the top half and the bottom half on the modified version of Wagner and Masden-Copas' School Culture Triage Survey differed on various demographic elements; (b) to determine what differences, if any, existed between the cultures of the selected Florida middle schools and student achievement as measured by the percentage of middle school students scoring at level 3 and above on the 2004-2005 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading portion; and (c) to determine what relationships, if any, existed among the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy) and student achievement. The population of this study was comprised of instructional personnel employed at one of the six participating middle schools in Osceola County School District, Florida during the 2004-2005 school year. One middle school chose not to participate in the study. Data were generated from the six middle schools using a self-administered survey. Based on an extensive review of literature and the research findings, it was concluded that sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students that attended schools with higher culture scores produced higher FCAT reading scores. The reverse was also true: sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students that attended schools with lower culture scores produced lower FCAT reading scores. There was a relationship between the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy) and the reading achievement of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000905, ucf:46732
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000905
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTION ON STUDENT MOTIVATION AND ACHIEVEMENT.
- Creator
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Nugent, Tisome, McGee, Janet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this research was to determine the value and impact of student-teacher interactions in relation to student motivation and achievement. It was further intended that the results of this study would add to the body of knowledge and resources available to enhance the learning experience and influence student success. In order for this to happen, student and teacher perceptions of their interactions were analyzed, as well whether or not this interaction significantly impacted...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to determine the value and impact of student-teacher interactions in relation to student motivation and achievement. It was further intended that the results of this study would add to the body of knowledge and resources available to enhance the learning experience and influence student success. In order for this to happen, student and teacher perceptions of their interactions were analyzed, as well whether or not this interaction significantly impacted motivation and achievement. The results of this study provided strong arguments in favor of equipping teachers with the appropriate resources and assistance to appropriately meet the needs of their students beyond academic instruction. The slightly negative relationship between motivation and achievement isolated the issue at hand: finding ways to capitalize on these relationships, which will act as catalysts for student achievement The literature review and results of this study found that teacher-student relationships are crucial to student success. Pearson Correlation analysis proved positive correlations between teacher-student interaction and motivation, as well as positive teacher-student interaction and achievement. It however, illustrated a negative relationship between motivation and achievement. Suggested uses for the study included the development of workshops for educators and administrators that may have a positive effect on the proven significance of the teacher-student relationship problem. The results suggest the need for teachers to be provided with appropriate resources and assistance to meet the needs of their students beyond academic instruction. It also suggests providing students and teachers with measurable and attainable goals to create experiences with and exposure to success. Further, there needs to a balance where all students are challenged and where the students who need additional assistance are provided with the appropriate scaffolds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002884, ucf:48034
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002884
- Title
- An Analysis of the Effect of Involuntary Mobility on Student Achievement as Measured by the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
- Creator
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Mullins, Mark, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Schafer, Karen, Carter, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study examined the impact of involuntary mobility on the academic achievement of tenth grade students in a Central Florida school district. Students of involuntary mobility were selected as the result of new attendance boundaries due to new high school construction. Students were compared against non-mobile peers at schools of like demographics (i.e. poverty level and ethnicity). Mobility status (involuntary or no mobility) was the independent variable. The dependent variable, academic...
Show moreThis study examined the impact of involuntary mobility on the academic achievement of tenth grade students in a Central Florida school district. Students of involuntary mobility were selected as the result of new attendance boundaries due to new high school construction. Students were compared against non-mobile peers at schools of like demographics (i.e. poverty level and ethnicity). Mobility status (involuntary or no mobility) was the independent variable. The dependent variable, academic achievement, was measured by students’ tenth grade developmental scale scores in reading and mathematics on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Students’ ninth grade test scores were used as a covariate to control for students’ prior achievement and isolate the impact of mobility. Additional subgroups (minority and poverty) were compared to determine if involuntary mobility had a more significant impact on these groups. Finally, a hierarchical linear regression was used to determine if a model for reading and mathematics could be used to predict future academic performance for students of involuntary mobility. Findings showed consistently there was no statistically significant difference in the achievement performance among groups or subgroups and the subject tests of reading and/or mathematics with one exception. There was a statistically significant difference in mathematics achievement in the all students group when comparing those students of involuntary mobility with students of stability. Students of mobility actually indicated a modest level of higher achievement than non-mobile peers. The hierarchical linear model was found to be marginally significant for predicting achievement among involuntary mobility students in the area of mathematics, but not necessarily in reading. Future research recommendations include broadening the research to additional grade-levels. This research only considered the impact of achievement on high school students. Future research should consider similar impact on students at both the elementary and/or middle school levels. Qualitative measures would provide additional information, particularly the perceptions and experiences that stakeholders have throughout the involuntary mobility process. Other at-risk subgroups, particularly those of residential mobility and/or previous retention, provide additional considerations that would add to this body of research. Finally, involuntary mobility as the result of school closings would provide additional insight as this factor often has public negative perceptions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004144, ucf:49055
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004144
- Title
- Elementary Reading Coaches in Florida: A Study of their Background, Experiences, Coaching Activities, Time, and Other Factors Related to Reading Achievement.
- Creator
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Zugelder, Gina, Wegmann, Susan, Taylor, Rosemarye, Roberts, Sherron, Clements, Taylar, Puig, Enrique, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the daily work lives of elementary reading coaches in central Florida by studying their background, academic and professional experiences. The beliefs and perceptions of the reading coaches on factors that influence reading achievement were examined. The responses from 96 participating elementary reading coaches were used to investigate (a) the relationship between demographic information, professional experiences, and academic...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the daily work lives of elementary reading coaches in central Florida by studying their background, academic and professional experiences. The beliefs and perceptions of the reading coaches on factors that influence reading achievement were examined. The responses from 96 participating elementary reading coaches were used to investigate (a) the relationship between demographic information, professional experiences, and academic background of the reading coach, (b) the percentage of time reading coaches engaged in specific coaching activities, and (c) the linkage between coaching activities and change in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test developmental scale scores. Data from a web-based survey and personal interviews were used to collect pertinent data to understand the daily work lives of the elementary reading coaches and bring awareness to perceptions, successes and hindrances to the role and the impact on reading achievement. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic, professional and academic information about the reading coaches. Multiple regression analyses were performed using time allocated to coaching activities and the change in reading achievement to determine existing relationships. Developmental scale score change was examined from the baseline year to the third year. Qualitative analyses were used to determine reading coach themes from the survey responses. Participant profiles, calling on the tenets of case study methodology, were developed based on the triangulated data. Narrative descriptions of coaching data for the participant profiles were organized by years of teaching experience of the reading coach. The results of the study indicated that reading coaches perceived coach-teacher collaboration to be the most influential activity affecting reading achievement. This perception was not congruent with finding of time spent and change on reading achievement. Recommendations were presented including a formalized understanding of the daily work lives of reading coaches by school districts, administrators and the reading coaches themselves.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004286, ucf:49530
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004286
- Title
- CLASS SIZE REDUCTION: IS IT WORTH THE COST?A META-ANALYSIS OF THE RESEARCH.
- Creator
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Camacho, Christopher, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ethnicity, gender, grade level and content area mediate the relationship between class size and student achievement. Twenty six educational research studies were collected for this meta-analysis. A meta-analytical approach using like data sets were used to report the most accurate information. Fixed and random effect models were used to ensure the distribution across different studies. A total of three studies were meta-analyzed...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ethnicity, gender, grade level and content area mediate the relationship between class size and student achievement. Twenty six educational research studies were collected for this meta-analysis. A meta-analytical approach using like data sets were used to report the most accurate information. Fixed and random effect models were used to ensure the distribution across different studies. A total of three studies were meta-analyzed for this research. The studies included in this research examined class size and student achievement for students in grades K-7. This research examined whether there was a mediating effect on ethnicity, gender, grade level, and content area in the class size and student achievement studies collected and correlated. The results indicate that smaller class size does have a positive impact on student achievement when mediated by ethnicity, grade level, and content area. When examining ethnicity as a mediating factor, a stronger correlation exists for minority students than for whites. When examining grade level as a mediating factor results indicate that a stronger correlation exist for lower grades K-3 than upper grades 4-7. A stronger correlation is present in the content area of reading as compared to other content areas when it was used as a mediating factor. When examining gender as a mediating factor, the largest effect sizes were reported for females in reading as opposed to males in math, both for first grade. These results correlate with those presented in other mediator sections of the study. The results found in this research will contribute to the literature concerning class size and student achievement and will help inform educational policy makers regarding class size as an educational issue.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001029, ucf:46813
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001029
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF THE SCHOOL CHOICE PROVISION, WITHIN THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND LEGISLATION, ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS AND ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF TITLE I SCHOOLS IN COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Kirkland, Lynn, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110 (U.S. Congress), was passed by Congress in response to perceived failure of the public school system to effectively educate students, particularly disadvantaged students in the United States. The relationship of NCLB school choice to student achievement has not been clearly established. This causal-comparative study examined the following: (a) FCAT mathematics and reading achievement gains of targeted fourth through eighth grade...
Show moreThe No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110 (U.S. Congress), was passed by Congress in response to perceived failure of the public school system to effectively educate students, particularly disadvantaged students in the United States. The relationship of NCLB school choice to student achievement has not been clearly established. This causal-comparative study examined the following: (a) FCAT mathematics and reading achievement gains of targeted fourth through eighth grade NCLB choice students and a comparison group of eligible non-choosers with matching demographic characteristics; (b) the pre-test academic ability levels of NCLB choice students in fourth grade through eighth grade as compared with the achievement levels of eligible non-choosers, and; (c) differences in the ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics of choice students versus eligible non-choosers in kindergarten through eighth grade, and the impact of those differences on the demographic composition of individual schools. Differences in the achievement gains and in the pre-test achievement levels of NCLB choice students and the comparison groups were not statistically significant. NCLB choice students tended to have different ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics from their non-choosing peers. The effect of NCLB choice on Title I students and schools was discussed, and NCLB choice implementation issues were identified.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002915, ucf:48014
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002915
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF A RESPONSIBILITY-BASED CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM ON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SCHOOL CLIMATE AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN EAST AFRICA.
- Creator
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HOWARD, TERRY, ROBINSON, EDWARD, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the control group classes did not receive these lessons. Twelve responsibility-based lessons were presented to students in the experimental group. Student academic grades in six different academic subjects, effort scores in six different academic courses, and student attitude concerning school climate constituted the dependent variable. The literature review and the general results of this study indicate that there are many factors that may influence student academic performance, effort or attitude. Various character education programs which have been designed to be integrated into school curricula as part of pre-existing courses or as stand alone programs have had varying levels of success. There is limited quantitative data available to support the claims that many existing programs make related to their effectiveness. The data collected from this study were also inconclusive making it difficult to generalize the findings beyond the scope of this study. While certain middle school grade levels showed statistically significant improvement in some academic disciplines or effort improvement in some subjects it would not be appropriate to generalize the findings based on this investigation. Implications of this study and suggestions for future investigations are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000620, ucf:46518
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000620
- Title
- AN ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF SCHOOL CULTURE WITH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES.
- Creator
-
Quiambao, Joan, Magann, Douglas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was developed to generate data about the overall culture of selected central Florida middle schools in Osceola County. It was designed to enhance the existing body of knowledge on collaboration, collegiality and self-efficacy, as related to the academic achievement of students with specific learning disabilities. This study focused on two research questions: (a) to determine how well the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegiality and teacher efficacy) predict...
Show moreThis study was developed to generate data about the overall culture of selected central Florida middle schools in Osceola County. It was designed to enhance the existing body of knowledge on collaboration, collegiality and self-efficacy, as related to the academic achievement of students with specific learning disabilities. This study focused on two research questions: (a) to determine how well the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegiality and teacher efficacy) predict the placement of middle school students with specific learning disabilities in general education or special education (resource and separate class)settings and (b) to determine what relationships (if any) exist between the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegiality and teacher efficacy) and FCAT Reading and Mathematics scores of middle school students with specific learning disabilities. Secondary analyses consisted of (a) analyzing and comparing the three areas of school culture across the selected schools and (b) analyzing and comparing FCAT Reading and Mathematics scores of middle school students with learning disabilities across general education, resource and separate class educational settings. The population of this study consisted of seventh and eighth grade middle school students with specific learning disabilities during the 2003 - 2004 school year in the selected middle schools in Osceola County Public Schools, Kissimmee, Florida. To control for the high mobility rate, only those students who attended the same middle school since grade 6 were selected. Twenty-five general education and five exceptional education teachers were randomly selected from each of the four selected middle schools. FCAT Reading comprehension and Mathematics problem solving percentile rank scores for all selected students with specific learning disabilities over a four-year period (2001 through 2004). According to a review of professional literature research findings, the researcher concluded that (a) none of the three key areas of school culture (collaboration, collegilaity or teacher efficacy) predicted the placement of middle school students with specific learning disabilities in general education or special education (resource or separate class) educational settings and (b) there were no relationships between any of the three key areas of school culture and FCAT Reading and Mathematics scores for middle school students with specific learning disabilities in the sample population. Secondary analyses revealed (a) strong overall cultures in the selected middle schools, as overall culture scores in collaboration, collegiality and teacher efficacy ranged from the mid 2nd quartile to mid 3rd quartile; (b) statistically significant differences between Reading and Mathematics FCAT scores for students in general education as opposed to those in resource or separate class placements. (No statistically significant differences were found between FCAT Reading and Mathematics scores of students in resource room or separate class placements.)
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000194, ucf:46154
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000194
- Title
- Multiple-Case Study and Exploratory Analysis of the Implementation of Value-Added Teacher Performance Assessment on Eighth Grade Student Achievement in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
- Creator
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Carter, James, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Gordon, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The goal of this research was to analyze the academic impact of the implementation of the Value Added Assessment Model. The researcher analyzed the Value Added Assessment Models in the three Value Added Assessment Model states that had implemented the Value Added Assessment Model for more than five years. Additionally, the research was done by analyzing the academic impact as measured by the eighth grade reading NAEP and the eighth grade mathematics NAEP. The researcher paired the three...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to analyze the academic impact of the implementation of the Value Added Assessment Model. The researcher analyzed the Value Added Assessment Models in the three Value Added Assessment Model states that had implemented the Value Added Assessment Model for more than five years. Additionally, the research was done by analyzing the academic impact as measured by the eighth grade reading NAEP and the eighth grade mathematics NAEP. The researcher paired the three states that had implemented Value Added Assessment Model for more than five years, with three demographically matched states that had not implemented Value Added Assessment Model. The states were matched as follows: Ohio (Value Added Assessment Model implementing state) with Michigan (non Value Added Assessment Model state), Pennsylvania (Value Added Assessment Model implementing state) with Virginia (non Value Added Assessment Model state) and Tennessee (Value Added Assessment Model implementing state) with Georgia (non Value Added Assessment Model state). The mean composite scale score in NAEP from the following categories of students were compared and analyzed: 1) All students 2) White students 3) Black students 4) National School Lunch Program Eligible Students 5) National School Lunch Program Ineligible Students 6) Exceptional Education students. The results of the study indicated that the impact of Value Added Assessment Model on academic impact as measured by the eighth grade reading NAEP and the eighth grade mathematics NAEP was negligible.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005468, ucf:52862
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005468
- Title
- ELEMENTARY TEACHERSÂÂÂÂ' PERCEIVED MATHEMATICS ANXIETY AND TEACHING EFFICACY IN RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENTSÂÂÂÂ' MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT.
- Creator
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Sasser, Jennifer, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was to determine to what extent, if any, there were relationships among elementary teacher anxiety about learning mathematics, their anxiety about the mathematics they teach, their mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs, and their studentsÂÂÂÂ' mathematics achievement. The researcher also investigated potential intervening variables such as gender, grade level taught...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to determine to what extent, if any, there were relationships among elementary teacher anxiety about learning mathematics, their anxiety about the mathematics they teach, their mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs, and their studentsÂÂÂÂ' mathematics achievement. The researcher also investigated potential intervening variables such as gender, grade level taught, level of college degree, and years of teaching experience, that may influence these relationships. Teachers (N = 119) from 11 elementary schools in a west central Florida school district participated in this study and completed the Mathematics Anxiety and Teaching Efficacy Survey. Survey data on mathematics anxiety and teaching efficacy were analyzed and correlated with mathematics achievement data, as measured by the 2009 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) mathematics subtest. Through a review of the research results and related literature, the researcher concluded that there was not a statistically significant relationship between teachersÂÂÂÂ' perceived mathematics anxiety, anxiety about teaching mathematics, and student achievement. However, mathematics teaching efficacy was significantly correlated in a positive direction with student achievement. Review of the data also revealed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between teachersÂÂÂÂ' perceived mathematics anxiety and anxiety about teaching mathematics. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between anxiety about teaching mathematics and mathematics teaching efficacy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003274, ucf:48521
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003274
- Title
- The use of video game achievements to enhance player performance, self-efficacy, and motivation.
- Creator
-
Blair, Lucas, Bowers, Clint, Cannon-Bowers, Janis, McDaniel, Rudy, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A taxonomy of achievement design features that exist currently in video game systems was created in order to evaluate the current the state of the art in achievement design. From the taxonomy of design features multiple mechanisms of action that influence player behavior were identified. These mechanisms lead to a predictive model that can guide the designs of achievements in order to improve performance, self-efficacy and motivation in players.Expected, unexpected, and incremental...
Show moreA taxonomy of achievement design features that exist currently in video game systems was created in order to evaluate the current the state of the art in achievement design. From the taxonomy of design features multiple mechanisms of action that influence player behavior were identified. These mechanisms lead to a predictive model that can guide the designs of achievements in order to improve performance, self-efficacy and motivation in players.Expected, unexpected, and incremental achievements were tested. Notifications occurring before and after earning an achievement were also tested. In addition to testing individual mechanisms of action a (")combined achievement(") was created with multiple mechanisms added that were hand-picked. For testing purposes the model was applied to achievements that were inserted into an instructional game. The results of the study revealed that individual mechanisms of action had little effect on players while multiple mechanisms in a combined achievement caused significant improvements in several categories. The limitations of the current study, as well as, plans for future study are also discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004471, ucf:49297
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004471
- Title
- Investigating gender differences in student preferences for and achievement with educational games.
- Creator
-
Regan, Damon, Hirumi, Atsusi, Atkinson, Thomas, Robinson, Edward, Witta, Eleanor, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the choice behavior and achievement of male and female high school students who are given an option of taking a 36 week American History course in either a game-based format or a web-based format. It was hypothesized that (a) males would enroll more frequently in the game-based course than females, (b) there would be no significant difference in achievement between males and females in the game-based course or across course formats, and (c) there...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the choice behavior and achievement of male and female high school students who are given an option of taking a 36 week American History course in either a game-based format or a web-based format. It was hypothesized that (a) males would enroll more frequently in the game-based course than females, (b) there would be no significant difference in achievement between males and females in the game-based course or across course formats, and (c) there would be no significant interaction between gender and the selection of course format.The study consisted of a sample of 7,962 11th grade students who enrolled in American History during the 2009/2010 school year at the Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Students planning to take 11th grade American History at FLVS were given the choice of enrolling in a game-based class format or a standard web-based online class format. A chi-square test of independence was used to analyze enrollment rates. An independent t test was used to analyze achievement based on gender in the game-based course. A two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze achievement data based on gender across course formats, enrollment, and the interaction of gender and enrollment.The chi-square results indicated that there is a relationship between gender and enrollment. Males chose to enroll in the game-based format of the course more frequently than females and females chose to enroll in the web-based format of the course more frequently than males. The independent t test results indicated that there is no significant difference in achievement based on gender in the game-based course. The ANOVA results indicated that there are significant differences in achievement based on gender as well as enrollment, but there are no significant differences in achievement based on the interaction of gender and enrollment. Implications for researchers, teachers, administrators, game developers, and funders are provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004235, ucf:49519
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004235
- Title
- ACHIEVEMENT GAPS THROUGHOUT THE EDUCATION PIPELINE: TRACKING THE TRENDS BEFORE AND AFTER THE FLORIDA EDUCATION GOVERNANCE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 2000.
- Creator
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EMAS, RACHEL, KIEL, DWIGHT, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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To assess the effectiveness of the Florida Education Governance Reorganization Act of 2000, I analyze the achievement gaps across different levels of the education pipeline: elementary, secondary, and postsecondary. This paper evaluates three objectives of Florida's new system: strengthening of foundation skills, improvement of college and career readiness, and the expansion of opportunities for postsecondary degrees, by asking: Has the introduction of a PreK-20 seamless system in Florida...
Show moreTo assess the effectiveness of the Florida Education Governance Reorganization Act of 2000, I analyze the achievement gaps across different levels of the education pipeline: elementary, secondary, and postsecondary. This paper evaluates three objectives of Florida's new system: strengthening of foundation skills, improvement of college and career readiness, and the expansion of opportunities for postsecondary degrees, by asking: Has the introduction of a PreK-20 seamless system in Florida reduced the educational achievement gaps between students, compared to Texas, which has not instituted a seamless system? At the elementary level, the analysis looks at 4th and 8th grade National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) average scale scores, from 1998 to 2007, of White, African-American, and Hispanic students and those students eligible and ineligible for the National School Lunch Program. At the secondary level, a comparison is made between the Advanced Placement passing rates of White, African-American, and Hispanic students from 1997 to 2008. At the postsecondary level, this paper examines the proportion of professional, master, and doctoral degrees awarded to White, African-American, and Hispanic students from 1995 to 2007. Results show that although Florida has raised the level of achievement for White, African-American, and Hispanic students in the past ten years, disparities between these groups still exist in NAEP scores, AP passing rates, and the proportion of graduate degrees conferred. Therefore, while the state has made progress towards its three goals, achievement gaps still remain in several levels of Florida's PreK-20 education system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002705, ucf:48175
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002705
- Title
- THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STATE CERTIFIED, GRADUATE DEGREED, AND NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS AS DETERMINED BY STUDENT GROWTH IN READING.
- Creator
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Gardner, David, Murray, Kenneth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Federal, state, and local government agencies are promoting merit pay systems that are tied to student achievement. The main problem facing governments, school districts, and educators is that money is hard to come by in the current market and choosing where to spend merit pay monies to receive a maximum rate of return on the investment realized in increased student achievement is difficult to determine. This study did explore the student achievement results of third, fourth, and fifth grade...
Show moreFederal, state, and local government agencies are promoting merit pay systems that are tied to student achievement. The main problem facing governments, school districts, and educators is that money is hard to come by in the current market and choosing where to spend merit pay monies to receive a maximum rate of return on the investment realized in increased student achievement is difficult to determine. This study did explore the student achievement results of third, fourth, and fifth grade state certified, graduate degreed, and National Board Certified teachers in Brevard and Seminole County Public Schools as compared to those of other teachers within and across these schools. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of state certified, graduate degreed, and National Board Certified teachers. For this study teacher effectiveness was defined by their studentsÂÂ' Lexile Framework for Reading scores from the 2008-2009 school year. The hypothesis is that the Lexile Framework for Reading data demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference between the learning gains of the students between groups. Overall, the findings indicate that there was a statistically significant difference between the learning gains of the students between groups; however, that change could not be attributed to the factor of teacher category. Specific teacher education levels or certifications did not make any difference in the learning gains as measured by the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI), among 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students in Brevard or Seminole County Public Schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003113, ucf:48637
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003113
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF TEACHER IDEOLOGY ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE AS RELATED TO POVERTY AND ETHNICITY.
- Creator
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Webb, Jessica, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study was conducted to explore the impact of teacher ideology on student performance. A definition of teacher ideology was drawn from the pupil control ideology, PCI, created by Willower, Eidell and Hoy (1967). Research concerned with teacher ideology has suggested that there is a definite difference between the custodial ideology and the humanistic ideology (Gaffney, 1997). In particular, the custodial teacher views rules and regulations as a priority, while the humanistic teacher views...
Show moreThis study was conducted to explore the impact of teacher ideology on student performance. A definition of teacher ideology was drawn from the pupil control ideology, PCI, created by Willower, Eidell and Hoy (1967). Research concerned with teacher ideology has suggested that there is a definite difference between the custodial ideology and the humanistic ideology (Gaffney, 1997). In particular, the custodial teacher views rules and regulations as a priority, while the humanistic teacher views the student as the priority. Factors which influenced student achievement, such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and behavior in relation to how teacher ideology affects student performance were investigated. More specifically, the researcher investigated whether teacher ideology had any effect on student achievement of the entire student body, on student achievement of economically disadvantaged students, and on student achievement of non-white students. In addition to achievement, the effect of teacher ideology on student behavior was also investigated. A slightly positive relationship was found between teacher ideology as indicated by the PCI score, and the percentage of students making learning gains. This learning gain was evident in mathematics scores for all students, economically disadvantaged students, and non-white students. A learning gain was only evident among non-white students in reading. The results demonstrated the need for professional development on teacher ideology and its effects. This study has also indicated the need for further research into iv the effects of teacher ideology on classroom management and teaching styles. The researcher determined that due to a limited number of responses, further research is needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003218, ucf:48570
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003218
- Title
- The Experiences of School Leaders who Promote Achievement Among Students with Disabilities.
- Creator
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Wells, Eric, Martin, Suzanne, Boote, David, Little, Mary, Steinke, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Stagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school...
Show moreStagnant outcomes for students with disabilities has resulted in an era where results-driven accountability is emerging as the driving force for special education leadership. Students who receive special education services significantly lag behind their non-disabled peers in their performance on required statewide, standardized assessments. The achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers is significant and pervasive. School leadership is central to school performance (Waters, Marzano, (&) McNulty, 2003). Very few researchers have investigated that experience as it relates to high achievement for students with disabilities. Yet, policy in the field has shifted to emphasize outcomes for students with disabilities (Hehir, 2014). As such, it has become critical to examine the experience of those who have successfully helped their schools produce high levels of achievement among students with disabilities. The purpose of the study was to document the lived experiences of school leaders who were helping their population of students with disabilities achieve high outcomes on state required testing. The researcher interviewed principals who had led their schools to achieve exemplary results with students with disabilities according to the AMO data maintained by the FLDOE. Results and discussion are included for each of the research questions along with implications of the findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006417, ucf:51475
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006417
- Title
- The Impact of Access to Books on the Reading Motivation and Achievement of Urban Elementary Students.
- Creator
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Trimble Spalding, Lee-Anne, Hynes, Michael, Kelley, Michelle, Hoffman, Bobby, Clark, Margaret, Williams, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research was to study the association that reading motivation and reading achievement have with increased access to books provided by the non-profit program Book Trust, could have on urban elementary students, specifically second graders being educated in a large school district in Central Florida. Teacher data collection sheets, the Motivation to Read Profile (MRP): Reading Survey and the Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) were used to measure the...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to study the association that reading motivation and reading achievement have with increased access to books provided by the non-profit program Book Trust, could have on urban elementary students, specifically second graders being educated in a large school district in Central Florida. Teacher data collection sheets, the Motivation to Read Profile (MRP): Reading Survey and the Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) were used to measure the aforementioned associations. Findings revealed that increased access to books in these elementary schools did not have a statistically significant impact on reading motivation or reading achievement scores. In addition, teachers' demographic data, such as age, number of years teaching or highest degree held, did not impact their student reading achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004611, ucf:49933
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004611
- Title
- A Study of the Impact of Brevard Public School's Peer Coaching Model on Student Achievement Outcomes and Teacher Evaluation Results.
- Creator
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Pace, Debra, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Thedy, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study investigated the effectiveness of a sustained professional development initiative, Brevard's Peer Coaching Model, on improving teacher performance and student achievement in a large Central Florida school district. The study analyzed professional practices scores and value-added scores for teachers who participated in a minimum of six of nine days of professional learning before the study, after year one of the training, and after year two of the training to evaluate growth in...
Show moreThis study investigated the effectiveness of a sustained professional development initiative, Brevard's Peer Coaching Model, on improving teacher performance and student achievement in a large Central Florida school district. The study analyzed professional practices scores and value-added scores for teachers who participated in a minimum of six of nine days of professional learning before the study, after year one of the training, and after year two of the training to evaluate growth in professional practices and student achievement, and also compared the scores of BPCM participants to the scores of teachers who did not participate in the study. The findings of the study replicated those of previous researchers who found that peer coaching generally has a positive impact on improving teacher practice but limited impact on student achievement. Both professional practices scores and value-added results improved over the course of the study, during and after implementation of BPCM. However, the results were not statistically significant when comparing improvements of value-added results for BPCM participants with the VAM scores of the population of Brevard Public Schools teachers who did not participate in the professional development. BPCM participants showed significant growth over the course of the study and demonstrated stronger improvements in observation scores when compared to the non-BPCM teachers. The most significant growth occurred after the first year of the BPCM training, with smaller levels of growth in year two. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research were provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005678, ucf:50159
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005678
