View All Items

Title: A CASE STUDY: ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION.
Creator: Marshall, Neleffra, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study was a heuristic, descriptive case study of the Alternative Certification Program in 4 central Florida counties. The purpose of this study was to: (a) identify the awareness of the existence of the reported alternative certification components implemented by 4 counties in Florida, and identify any additional components; (b) determine the importance of the targeted teaching criteria needed for successful teaching as identified in the literature to the ACP teacher, principal and...
Show moreThis study was a heuristic, descriptive case study of the Alternative Certification Program in 4 central Florida counties. The purpose of this study was to: (a) identify the awareness of the existence of the reported alternative certification components implemented by 4 counties in Florida, and identify any additional components; (b) determine the importance of the targeted teaching criteria needed for successful teaching as identified in the literature to the ACP teacher, principal and coordinator; (c) determine the advantages/disadvantages of the program as viewed by the ACP participants, principals, and coordinators; (d) identify how many of the 4 counties kept data on participants entering and leaving the program; (e) determine how many participants exited the ACP before completion; and (f) identify if a particular subject area had a higher percentage of ACP teachers. The study was based on data gathered using the Alternative Certification Program Survey, a survey created by the researcher. The population for this study was 4 public school districts in central Florida. The completed surveys yielded a usable return rate of 41% (N= 258). The researcher conducted the data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results were presented as a whole, as well as disaggregated and presented by county. Analysis of the data revealed: (a) that the awareness of the ACP components varied between counties and respondent groups of teacher participants, principals, and coordinators; (b) the teachers and principals did not agree on rating the importance of the teaching criteria needed for an ACP teacher to be successful, and the coordinators rated all the criteria equally; (c) the perceptions of advantages of the ACP differed between the teacher participants, principals, and coordinators; (d) the perceptions of disadvantages of the ACP differed between the teacher participants, principals, and coordinators; (e) three of the counties kept entrance and exit data on the ACP; (f) one county had <1% non-completion rate for ACP participants; and (g) highest number of ACP participants were entering into the subject areas of math and science. Conclusions, recommendations for future research, and recommendations for alternative certification in central Florida were made. One recommendation for further research was for a study to be replicated with ACP teachers hired for another school year, and repeated in future years, to gather information concerning awareness of the existence of the ACP components, importance of teaching criteria needed for successful teaching, and advantages/disadvantages of the program as perceived by the teacher participants, principals, and coordinators. Another recommendation for future research was to replicate and conduct this study in other Florida counties in order to compare results with those of this study concerning the Alternative Certification Program.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001388, ucf:47003
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001388

Title: WITHOUT A CAMERA.
Creator: Kulbaba, Brian, Robinson, E. Brady, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The method for creating my art is a matter of experimental process, manipulation of photographic elements, and time spent. I am a photographer in a digital age that does not use a camera. My moment of creativity occurs without the snap of a shutter, but relies on my understanding and control of the chemical components of photography. My work deconstructs the notion of duplication commonly found in photography. The procedure can be repeated but the results are variable. The process of creating...
Show moreThe method for creating my art is a matter of experimental process, manipulation of photographic elements, and time spent. I am a photographer in a digital age that does not use a camera. My moment of creativity occurs without the snap of a shutter, but relies on my understanding and control of the chemical components of photography. My work deconstructs the notion of duplication commonly found in photography. The procedure can be repeated but the results are variable. The process of creating my work often results in a multitude of prints, but the pieces that I select as art capture a number of instinctive characteristics which convey an emotion or message to me. When I present my photographs I offer the viewer an experience--an opportunity to see the work through my mind's eye as it makes sense to me. It is within this open dialogue that the work is complete: part process, part intuitive participation.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002100, ucf:47554
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002100

Title: COLLABORATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN SUPERFUND ENFORCEMENT:DOES THE RESOLUTION APPROACH VARY BY COMMUNITY-LEVEL SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS?.
Creator: Collins, Mary, Marshall, Brent, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examines environmental dispute resolution as applied to Superfund site cleanup and how the use of collaborative dispute resolution approaches, in particular Alternative Dispute Resolution and Community Involvement, are related to a community's socioeconomic and demographic profile. It examines the sociodemographic characteristics of residents living in census tracts containing Superfund sites in relation to the type of dispute resolution technique used. I hypothesize that...
Show moreThis research examines environmental dispute resolution as applied to Superfund site cleanup and how the use of collaborative dispute resolution approaches, in particular Alternative Dispute Resolution and Community Involvement, are related to a community's socioeconomic and demographic profile. It examines the sociodemographic characteristics of residents living in census tracts containing Superfund sites in relation to the type of dispute resolution technique used. I hypothesize that collaborative dispute resolution techniques, as opposed to traditional settlement and/or litigation, are less likely to occur in Superfund communities with high poverty levels and high minority populations than in those with low poverty levels and low minority populations. Although minority and lower class communities are less likely to be placed on the National Priorities List (NPL), are slower to be cleaned up once on the NPL, and experience lower quality cleanups (O'Neil 2005; Sigman 2001; Omohundro 2004), the findings of this research indicate that the dispute resolution processes studied here do not contribute to such environmental clean up injustices. Minority status and poverty levels do not impact the likelihood that collaborative dispute resolution will be used in settling Superfund disputes. This analysis does show a significant correlation between education and the use of collaborative dispute resolution. Superfund communities in which residents have low educational attainment are less likely to use collaborative dispute resolution. Low educational levels may be the paramount disadvantage to overcome in the use and successful implementation of collaborative dispute resolution.
Show less
Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002118, ucf:47532
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002118

Title: ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION:AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ACCORDING TO PRINCIPALS' PERSPECTIVE.
Creator: Torres, Nelson, Murray, Kenneth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) have been established in 47 states across the country, including Florida, to help alleviate the teacher shortage many public school districts have been experiencing during the last two decades. This teacher shortage has been reported to be more prevalent in areas where fully qualified and committed teachers are most needed. Current literature has identified areas such as inner-city schools, at-risk and minority students, bilingual education,...
Show moreABSTRACT Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) have been established in 47 states across the country, including Florida, to help alleviate the teacher shortage many public school districts have been experiencing during the last two decades. This teacher shortage has been reported to be more prevalent in areas where fully qualified and committed teachers are most needed. Current literature has identified areas such as inner-city schools, at-risk and minority students, bilingual education, math and physical sciences, and the special education field as the educational areas where the shortage is most significant. Faced with this dilemma, states have instituted ACPs as unconventional ways to attract and recruit potential teacher candidates from professional fields outside the profession of education and assist them in becoming fully certified and highly qualified teachers. The objective of any ACP is to provide an alternate way for an interested professional to become a teacher without going back to a college or university. Therefore, any ACP functions as a supplement to traditional college education programs in preparing prospective teacher candidates. The focus of this study is the Alternative Certification Programs established by the public school districts in the state of Florida as required by state statutes. It was designed to assess the effectiveness of such programs based on the perspectives, attitudes, and perceptions that selected public school principals have on these programs and on alternatively certified teachers. These principals were identified and selected by their respective school districts. A questionnaire, created in part by the researcher, was used to identify the perspectives, attitudes, and perceptions public school principals have on ACPs and alternatively certified teachers. Data on the different ACPs were collected directly from the different public school districts and from Internet Web sites established by the districts. The researcher contacted 67 Florida public school districts requesting information on their respective ACPs and asked them to select and identify three school principals who had experience with alternatively certified teachers to participate in a survey concerning their attitudes, perceptions, and perspectives about alternatively certified teachers and the alternative certification programs. The researcher asked that the three principals be selected one each from the grade levels of elementary, middle, and high school. Findings indicated that the alternative certification programs throughout the State of Florida are producing highly qualified teachers whose overall performance has been rated as equal to or better than that of newly hired traditionally certified teacher. These findings are based on the responses provided by the principals who completed and returned the 20-item questionnaire and on other existing literature and data on the state's alternative certification program. The overall impression from the principals' responses is that they are satisfied with the quality work and performance of their alternatively certified teachers.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001420, ucf:47060
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001420

Title: Ellipsometric Measurements of Alternative Fuels.
Creator: Nash, Leigh, Vasu Sumathi, Subith, Kapat, Jayanta, Ahmed, Kareem, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Alternative jet fuels will be important in the future to ensure cleaner burning, reliable, and reasonably priced air transportation. One important property that must meet certification standards is the fuel's thermal stability, or its ability to withstand heating before breaking down. Jet fuels are used as engine coolants, and thermally unstable fuels can form deposits in the fuel delivery systems, leading to a loss of fuel flow. In the past, the thermal stability of a fuel was rated using a...
Show moreAlternative jet fuels will be important in the future to ensure cleaner burning, reliable, and reasonably priced air transportation. One important property that must meet certification standards is the fuel's thermal stability, or its ability to withstand heating before breaking down. Jet fuels are used as engine coolants, and thermally unstable fuels can form deposits in the fuel delivery systems, leading to a loss of fuel flow. In the past, the thermal stability of a fuel was rated using a color standard method. The color of the deposit left on a metal tube that had been heated and exposed to a test fuel were matched with a color standard to rate the level of deposition, and thus the fuel's thermal stability. Ellipsometry, which is an optical technique that uses changes in a beam of light's polarization after it reflects off a sample to determine the thickness of any film on that sample, has recently been implemented to improve the thermal stability characterization standard.Various aspects of the ellipsometric method have been investigated in this work. In addition, several thermal stability studies were carried out. The effect of increasing temperature on the thermal stability of Sasol Iso-Paraffinic Kerosene, Jet A, JP-8, and Gevo jet fuel have been analyzed, and the effect of varying levels of the additive naphthalene in Sasol IPK has also been investigated. Various theoretical optical models have been evaluated for their ability to predict deposit thickness. Finally, attempts to validate these measurements were made using scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometric tube rating, interferometric tube rating, and reference tubes. The analysis carried out in this work was used to make recommendations for improving the thermal stability test standard.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0007130, ucf:52323
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007130

Title: IMPLEMENTING THE SPEAKALL! IPAD APP & INTERVENTION PROTOCOL WITH A CHILD WITH AUTISM: A PILOT STUDY.
Creator: Downs, Olivia, Kent-Walsh, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The ability to communicate is essential for children with developing language systems, and ultimately to being successful academically and eventually vocationally. In a world where communication is vital, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a disadvantage and require additional options to express themselves; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies have presented promising options for helping these children communicate. One technology option that has...
Show moreThe ability to communicate is essential for children with developing language systems, and ultimately to being successful academically and eventually vocationally. In a world where communication is vital, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a disadvantage and require additional options to express themselves; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies have presented promising options for helping these children communicate. One technology option that has proven to be of particular interest to families of children with ASD involves the use AAC iPad apps. Research has been conducted in AAC, ASD, and music, but there is limited research to date, which integrates these three areas. This investigation was designed to address the lack of evidence-based AAC app interventions specifically designed to meet the communication needs of children with ASD. This pilot study will serve to further the evidence available to date indicating that SpeakAll! can be effectively implementing in 1:1 interventions using food reinforcers. This intervention adapts the SpeakAll! intervention protocol in a classroom setting with natural music activities to aid in functional communication.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004807, ucf:45443
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004807

Title: USE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: A PILOT SURVEY.
Creator: Ortiz Cintron, Hector, Allred, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Meeting patient expectations in relation to pain management is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. However, previous research has demonstrated that pain is highly prevalent, especially during the four months prior to death. Poorly controlled pain contributes to cognitive failure, depression and an inability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, pain and symptom management are often inadequate for patients placed in hospice care. The purpose of this study is to...
Show moreMeeting patient expectations in relation to pain management is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. However, previous research has demonstrated that pain is highly prevalent, especially during the four months prior to death. Poorly controlled pain contributes to cognitive failure, depression and an inability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, pain and symptom management are often inadequate for patients placed in hospice care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perspectives of hospice nurses on complementary and alternative therapies to determine if there is an educational need in order to aide in the management of chronic pain in older adults. A survey was developed in order to determine the nursing perceptions of complementary and alternative therapies. A total of 24 participants were recruited. The survey targeted 28 complementary and alternative therapies most commonly used as defined by National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM). Each therapy was ranked on several aspects including perceptions, personal experience, and present knowledge and training. After completing the survey it was found that all participants were either eager or open to use some complementary and alternative therapies in their workplace, in spite of having an educational barrier on how to implement them, and wanted these therapies to become available to patients, families, and staff.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004567, ucf:45167
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004567

Title: USE OF VEGETATIVE MULCH AS DAILY AND INTERMEDIATE LANDFILL COVER.
Creator: Haddad, Assal, Reinhart, Debra, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Management of yard waste is a significant challenge in the US, where in 2008 13.2% of the 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) was reported to be yard waste. This study describes research conducted in the laboratory and field to examine the application of vegetative mulch as daily and intermediate landfill cover. Mulch was found to exhibit stronger physical properties than soil, leading to a more stable landfill slope. Compaction of mulch was found to be significantly greater than...
Show moreManagement of yard waste is a significant challenge in the US, where in 2008 13.2% of the 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) was reported to be yard waste. This study describes research conducted in the laboratory and field to examine the application of vegetative mulch as daily and intermediate landfill cover. Mulch was found to exhibit stronger physical properties than soil, leading to a more stable landfill slope. Compaction of mulch was found to be significantly greater than soil, potentially resulting in airspace recovery. Degradation of mulch produced a soil-like material; degradation resulted in lower physical strength and hydraulic conductivity and higher bulk density when compared with fresh mulch. Mulch covers in the field permitted higher infiltration rates at high rain intensities than soil covers, and also generated less runoff due to greater porosity and hydraulic conductivity as compared to soil. Mulch covers appear to promote methane oxidation more than soil covers, although it should be noted that methane input to mulch covers was more than an order of magnitude greater than to soil plots. Life cycle assessment (LCA) showed that, considering carbon sequestration, use of green waste as landfill cover saves GHG emissions and is a better environmental management option compared to composting and use of green waste as biofuel.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003605, ucf:48880
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003605

Title: PROGRAM COMPLETERS' PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHER PREPAREDNESS IN PLANNING, INSTRUCTION, AND PROFESSIONALISM IN FLORIDA: A COMPARISON OF DISTRICT ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS, TRADITIONAL PROGRAMS, AND EDUCATOR PREPARATORY INSTITUTES.
Creator: Heald-Oldham, Lucile, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this research, data collected by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 program completers of the following three Florida teacher preparation programs were compared: the Initial Teacher Preparation Programs (ITP) of approved colleges and universities, District Alternative Certification Programs (DACP), the Educator Preparatory Institutes (EPI). A factor analysis was performed to identify factors perceived by program completers as important to their...
Show moreIn this research, data collected by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 program completers of the following three Florida teacher preparation programs were compared: the Initial Teacher Preparation Programs (ITP) of approved colleges and universities, District Alternative Certification Programs (DACP), the Educator Preparatory Institutes (EPI). A factor analysis was performed to identify factors perceived by program completers as important to their preparedness to teach. The factors that most closely supported completers' perceptions of Florida teacher preparation programs regarding successful preparation for the classroom were: Planning and Instruction; Assessment, Communication and Research; Professional Responsibility and Ethical Conduct; and Use of Technology. Differences perceived by program types indicated that completers of the traditional program, initial teacher preparation (ITP),were significantly more satisfied with their preparedness to face the challenges of the classroom than were completers of school district programs (DACP) and community college programs (EPI. Although the teachers in all groups believed that their preparation ranged between effective and highly effective, the scores of the ITP group reflected significantly higher mean scores and ratings closer to highly effective than the DACP and the EPI groups.Conclusions, implications for policy and practice, and recommendations for future research were offered.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003572, ucf:48919
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003572

Title: YOGIC DIFFUSION: THE EFFECTS OF YOGIC PRACTICE AND PHILOSOPHY ON BELIEFS ABOUT COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE.
Creator: Siven, Jacqueline, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research is a qualitative study that aimed to anthropologically explore the effects of consistent long-term yogic practice on the acceptance and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among yoga practitioners at a South Florida yoga center. I wished to determine, through in-depth interviews, whether or not yogic practice affects acceptance of CAM. The main objective was to interview individuals from a single yoga center that have practiced yoga at least once per week...
Show moreThis research is a qualitative study that aimed to anthropologically explore the effects of consistent long-term yogic practice on the acceptance and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among yoga practitioners at a South Florida yoga center. I wished to determine, through in-depth interviews, whether or not yogic practice affects acceptance of CAM. The main objective was to interview individuals from a single yoga center that have practiced yoga at least once per week for at least one year concerning their beliefs about CAM, yoga, and health. This project will begin to fill the gap in social science, in general, and specifically, the anthropological literature. Scholars of various backgrounds have discussed elements of yogic practice and philosophy that were integral to my understanding of the data. The health benefits of yoga as CAM, the associations between yoga and beliefs about health, and the association between yoga and Indian philosophy and medicine have each been explored. However, anthropological scholarship discussing the effects of consistent, long-term yogic practice on the acceptance of other CAM's or Western biomedicine has not been examined.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003692, ucf:48807
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003692

Title: A TRANSCULTURAL PERSPECTIVE ON NONPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Leyva, Amanda W, Edwards, Joellen, Upvall, Michele, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic...
Show moreDespite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic electronic search comprised the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycINFO and SAGE Research Methods. Searches were limited to English language, peer reviewed, and research articles between 2007 and 2017. A second search was performed through global Healthcare Organizations websites. The World Bank's country classifications by income level were adopted to present the findings. This review found that passing el calor to the newborn, yoga; and cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, family, and bright light therapies are successful interventions. Further, seclusion periods were identified as adequate interventions only when women voluntarily adopt the practice and have family support, with less social restrictions. While other non-pharmacological treatments' effectiveness was not ascertained, this thesis encourages healthcare professionals to integrate cultural traditions congruent with clients' preferences. Recommended nursing interventions and suggestions for improvement of current practice are also discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000370, ucf:45916
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000370

Title: THE EFFECT OF ALTERNATIVE LABOR POSITIONS VERSUS THE LITHOTOMY POSITION ON BIRTHING OUTCOMES: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.
Creator: Gaffka, Kelsey, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Traditionally, the lithotomy position is the most commonly used birthing position in western cultures. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes when alternative labor positions are used. Implications for future use of alternative labor positions were explored. Peer reviewed, English-language research articles published from 2009 to 2015 were included for synthesis. Study results revealed that the lithotomy position is linked to...
Show moreTraditionally, the lithotomy position is the most commonly used birthing position in western cultures. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes when alternative labor positions are used. Implications for future use of alternative labor positions were explored. Peer reviewed, English-language research articles published from 2009 to 2015 were included for synthesis. Study results revealed that the lithotomy position is linked to multiple negative maternal outcomes. Birthing in a water pool or in a lateral position has been linked to more optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to other positions. Health care providers, and nurses in particular, should be educated on the benefits and consequences of both the lithotomy position and alternative labor positions. Using this evidenced based research, health care professionals can educate women and families as they encounter the birthing process. Further research is needed to identify additional birthing outcomes of labor positions, specifically neonatal outcomes of the lithotomy position. In addition, research on innovative obstetric monitoring techniques will expand the opportunity to use alternative labor positions while protecting the mother and fetus.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000094, ucf:45509
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000094

Title: ENHANCING COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE USE OF AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION IN PATIENTS STATUS POST TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.
Creator: Greene, ReAnna, Amidei, Christina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Patients who suffer from traumatic brain injury often face communication deficits during their hospital stay. This thesis intended to examine approaches the nurse can use to facilitate communication in collaboration with the speech-language pathologist. A review of literature was conducted to examine current research on the most effective devices used to facilitate communication in this patient population. Research revealed that low-technology devices were the most effective means of...
Show morePatients who suffer from traumatic brain injury often face communication deficits during their hospital stay. This thesis intended to examine approaches the nurse can use to facilitate communication in collaboration with the speech-language pathologist. A review of literature was conducted to examine current research on the most effective devices used to facilitate communication in this patient population. Research revealed that low-technology devices were the most effective means of communicating in the hospital setting. Barriers to effective communication were identified as lack of time, education and access to the devices. Recommendations for future research include developing a documentation component that emphasizes nursing assessment and intervention through collaboration with the SLP. Additional recommendations for research include the examination of impact of AAC use on patient satisfaction and outcomes. Communication using AAC is necessary in order to improve patient outcomes for traumatic brain injured individuals. This can be achieved through increased collaboration with the SLP, and increased nursing knowledge of the available devices and their implementation.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003859, ucf:44702
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003859

Title: COMMUTING IN PORTLAND OREGON: THE ADVANTAGES OF LIVING WITHIN A TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT BY COMPARING ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND HEALTH FACTORS.
Creator: Simpson, Kyle, Hawkins, Christopher, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Transportation is a function that affects nearly all life decisions, but is often not given much thought by the average individual throughout their daily routines. Most of this complacency streams from the mainstream development patterns in the United States that have changed little from the end of World War II. During the immediate post-war years a perfect mix for suburban living came together: the mass production of automobiles, guaranteed mortgages from the federal government through the G...
Show moreTransportation is a function that affects nearly all life decisions, but is often not given much thought by the average individual throughout their daily routines. Most of this complacency streams from the mainstream development patterns in the United States that have changed little from the end of World War II. During the immediate post-war years a perfect mix for suburban living came together: the mass production of automobiles, guaranteed mortgages from the federal government through the G.I. Bill, and in 1956 the passage of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. These factors, along with the dominate social paradigm that the "American Dream" was to have a personal front and back yard, helped profoundly transform development in the country. Over half a century later, the United States is now experiencing the consequences of this sprawled, auto-dependent development pattern. Energy prices have increased substantially over the past decade, which were only contained momentarily by a worldwide recession that was arguably caused by the same development patterns. Environmental consequences are becoming increasingly evident, ranging from contaminated storm-water runoff, to global climate change. Similarly, mental and physical health has degraded rapidly, with a soaring depression and obesity rates. The United States can, and should do better than this. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) offers a solution to help alleviate many of the complex issues that many communities must address. While there is no perfect template, TOD is an important step forward for the overall quality of life for individuals throughout the nation. This report will look at the steps that have been taken in the Portland Oregon Metropolitan Area to discourage sprawl development, measuring the effects of their actions on environmental, economic and health factors.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004431, ucf:45143
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004431

Title: A Study of the Influence of the Restorative Justice Model on Out-of-School Suspensions in a Large Urban School District.
Creator: Agard, Brian, Johnson, Jerry, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Larsen, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether the Restorative Justice model influenced the number of days that students were suspended out-of-school or the number of out-of-school suspension incidents. In addition, the researcher analyzed whether the Restorative Justice model had different impacts for the subgroups of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch (FRL), English Learners (EL), students qualifying for exceptional student education services (ESE), and three...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether the Restorative Justice model influenced the number of days that students were suspended out-of-school or the number of out-of-school suspension incidents. In addition, the researcher analyzed whether the Restorative Justice model had different impacts for the subgroups of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch (FRL), English Learners (EL), students qualifying for exceptional student education services (ESE), and three ethnic subgroups (White, Black, and Hispanic) in an urban school district in Central Florida for the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students for the seven school years from 2010-2011 to 2016-2017. Primary data analysis strategies were descriptive statistics and visual analyses utilizing an interrupted time series design. The findings can be helpful in informing decision makers if the Restorative Justice model is having a positive influence on decreasing out-of-school suspension incidents and/or out-of-school suspension days.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007144, ucf:52325
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007144

Title: Sustainable Transportation at the University of Central Florida: Evaluation of UCF Rideshare Program, Zimride.
Creator: Defrancisco, Joseph, Radwan, Ahmed, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Harb, Rami, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As the second-largest university in the United States, UCF has experienced the largest enrollment in its history. A more densely populated campus has in turn caused increased traffic congestion. Despite increased parking permit fees and newly constructed parking garages, traveling and parking on campus is unpredictable. In effort to reduce congestion on campus, a rideshare program was implemented in Summer 2010. Several universities across the nation have successfully used carpooling as a...
Show moreAs the second-largest university in the United States, UCF has experienced the largest enrollment in its history. A more densely populated campus has in turn caused increased traffic congestion. Despite increased parking permit fees and newly constructed parking garages, traveling and parking on campus is unpredictable. In effort to reduce congestion on campus, a rideshare program was implemented in Summer 2010. Several universities across the nation have successfully used carpooling as a viable alternative mode to manage traffic and parking demand. This thesis evaluates the UCF rideshare program, Zimride, using stated- and revealed-preference surveys. Preliminary results indicate most students prefer to commute to campus using their own car and without incentives there is no reason to change mode choice, regardless of associated costs(-)e.g. decal cost, parking time and frustration. Despite 70% of respondents considering themselves environmentally friendly and over 80% are aware of savings in money and productive by using alternative modes, 70% still use their car to commute to campus. Using Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the observed variables were organized into three (3) latent variables based on the correlation among them. The SEM results of the revealed-preference survey indicate current travel behavior significantly influences attitudes towards carpooling and demographics have a significant effect on current travel behavior. It was also found that demographics influences attitudes towards carpooling at a non statistically significant level.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004226, ucf:48996
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004226

Title: THE EFFICACY OF EFFORT: DIFFERENCES IN TEACHERS' SENSE OF EFFICACY BASED ON TYPE OF TEACHER TRAINING AND NUMBER OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
Creator: Shane, Julie, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current federal reforms require a highly-qualified teacher in every classroom to promote higher levels of student performance. In an attempt to provide a sufficient and sustainable number of highly qualified teachers in the workforce, alternative certification training programs have come alongside traditional college of education training programs. Proponents of alternative certification programs contend the process of on-the-job training will potentially address the problem of teacher...
Show moreCurrent federal reforms require a highly-qualified teacher in every classroom to promote higher levels of student performance. In an attempt to provide a sufficient and sustainable number of highly qualified teachers in the workforce, alternative certification training programs have come alongside traditional college of education training programs. Proponents of alternative certification programs contend the process of on-the-job training will potentially address the problem of teacher shortages. However, opponents see these programs as an inadequate training process with future ramification for both teachers and students. As more and more classroom teachers are choosing alternative certification routes, there is growing uncertainty as to whether or not this is an effective way to train teachers. There is a substantial body of research that indicates a teacherÃ‚Â's self efficacy beliefs can be an indicator of his or her performance in the classroom. Evidence demonstrates a relationship between teachersÃ‚Â' beliefs about their personal ability to affect studentsÃ‚Â' achievement and the outcomes of both the teachersÃ‚Â' and the studentsÃ‚Â' efforts (Tschannen-Moran & Woolfolk Hoy, 2007). By identifying strengths and weaknesses in self-efficacy beliefs, it is possible to provide interventions such as professional development or peer mentoring to increase an individualÃ‚Â's sense of efficacy, which could then improve his or her teaching performance, and ultimately improve student achievement. The purpose of this research study was to identify and describe the differences between (1) the self-efficacy beliefs of teachers from traditional college of education programs and from alternative certification programs in order to identify patterns or correlations between type of training and teachersÃ‚Â' sense of efficacy, and (2) the self efficacy beliefs of novice, experienced, and expert teachers in order to determine patterns or correlations between years of experience and teachersÃ‚Â' sense of efficacy. This research study investigated the self-efficacy beliefs of 125 high school teachers in Brevard County, Florida, with either college of education training or alternative certification training and with either novice, experienced, or expert classroom teaching experience. The first part of the study analyzed teachersÃ‚Â' responses to the 24 items on Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk HoyÃ‚Â's TeachersÃ‚Â' Sense of Efficacy Scale; the second part analyzed 6 researcher-designed items referring to teacher training programs and personal classroom experience. The three subscales that directed the items on the questionnaire were Efficacy for Student Engagement, Efficacy for Instructional Strategies, and Efficacy for Classroom Management. Factor analyses indicated 21 of the 24 items from the current research study loaded on the same three factors identified on the TeachersÃ‚Â' Sense of Efficacy Scale. The 6 items created specifically for this study loaded into two factors identified appropriately as training program and classroom experience. A reliability analysis resulted in a total alpha coefficient of .9271 for the 24 items on the TeachersÃ‚Â' Sense of Efficacy Scale for the 125 participants in the current research study which is consistent with an alpha of .94 in previous studies using the same scale. A total alpha coefficient of .6973 was determined for the 6 researcher-designed items. Findings from the t-tests and ANOVAs indicated that there was no relationship between self-efficacy beliefs of college of education trained teachers and alternative certification trained teachers; few relationships between novice, experienced, and expert teachers; and few interaction effects between type of teacher training and number of years of classroom experience. While the results of the study did not reveal statistically significant differences in the teacher groups, the teachersÃ‚Â' responses and comments indicated personal classroom experiences created higher levels of self-efficacy than teacher training programs. Contrary to the researcherÃ‚Â's expectations and conventional wisdom, both alternative certification teachers and novice teachers perceived themselves to be efficacious in the classroom. One possible explanation for the failure to reach statistically significant differences in the type of training and years of experience variables is that there simply are not distinct differences. Generally teachers with alternative certification training are immersed in programs that provide on-the-job training and support from a mentor, and as experts in their field of study, they exhibit self-assurance in their classroom behaviors. Commonly novices enter teaching with high expectations and they bring innovative practices and a fresh outlook to the classroom. Another possible explanation for the failure to reach statistically significant differences is the over-representation of some groups which could possibly have skewed the results. From the group of 125 participants, 86 teachers had college of education training while only 39 had alternative certification training. There were 79 expert teachers with ten or more years of experience, 35 experienced teachers with four to nine years, and only 11 novice teachers with three or less years. While the results of the research study did not offer statistically significant differences in the groups of teachers, there is much practical significance to be gained for district and school-level personnel in planning professional development opportunities. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses in teachersÃ‚Â' self-efficacy beliefs, professional development and peer support can be provided to address the unique needs of each teacher group. Recommendations were made for a synthesis of current practices from both college of education programs and alternative certification programs: a series of half-day internship experiences with relevant content coursework could be combined with on-the-job experience and mentoring support based on current alternative certification programs. This research study lacks generalizability, so further research should include middle school and elementary teachers, and teachers from other counties and states. Because teachersÃ‚Â' self-efficacy beliefs are personal and not necessarily reflective of actual practice, an investigation of the relationship between perceived self-efficacy beliefs and observed classroom effectiveness should be investigated.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003268, ucf:48558
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003268

Title: Toward the Red Shore.
Creator: Bomhoff, Gary, Rushin, Patrick, Roney, Lisa, Thaxton, Terry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A fictional novel utilizing third person limited narration from the perspective of the primary character, Ilya Kollide, who narrates the story as though it were happening in his head as it occurred, with frequent embellishments. He has come to live near an old mansion on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, named Neimasaurus, to find an antiquated, dusty world of faded aristocracy. Temporarily orphaned at the age sixteen by the recent death of his parents, he has traveled four thousand miles to live...
Show moreA fictional novel utilizing third person limited narration from the perspective of the primary character, Ilya Kollide, who narrates the story as though it were happening in his head as it occurred, with frequent embellishments. He has come to live near an old mansion on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, named Neimasaurus, to find an antiquated, dusty world of faded aristocracy. Temporarily orphaned at the age sixteen by the recent death of his parents, he has traveled four thousand miles to live with his last living relative, an uncle named Demetri, whom he has never met. The year is 1990, only this is not a world where the rule of the Tsar was supplanted by the Soviet Union. Instead, it is a logical exploration of what Russia might resemble, had communism never taken root. While the fantastical may or may not occur, depending upon how the reader chooses to interpret the point of view of the narrator, the setting in and of itself is not meant to be fantastical. Ilya discovers that all the servants who work there are deaf, as is his uncle and his own now deceased parents, whom he carries around in an urn after mixing their ashes together. While working at the great estate of the Neimasaurus family, Ilya discovers a surprising numbers of stories and people who both parallel his own experiences and serve as allegorical warnings toward his future mistakes in life. He becomes obsessed with the idea that he is to blame for his parents' death and sets out on a quest to bring redemption to the wounded inhabitants of the estate, only to discover that not everyone wants to be helped. In fact, they want him dead. They see him as an allegory, just as he sees them. To the young man Shoji Yamano, Ilya represents everything he was, and can no longer be. As such a reflection, he resolves to shatter Ilya like a mirror. The novel charts Ilya's personal growth from a neurotic wreck, incapable of normal interaction with people, to a young man capable of not just self-sacrifice, but an understanding of what it actually means to literally sacrifice himself for the well-being of someone he barely knows. He learns to value time spent with others rather than dwelling within a narcissistic and lonely fantasy world.?
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004976, ucf:49591
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004976

Title: A COMPARISON OF ROUTES TO CERTIFICATION:INSTRUCTIONAL DECISIONS AND TEACHER PREPARATION.
Creator: Trogan, Amy, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research study examined whether there is a relationship between teacher preparation and instructional practice. The dataset for this study was the1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). Specifically, variables created in SASS from the information provided by the Public School Teacher Questionnaire were utilized. The teacher population sample for this research study was derived from these data and then separated into two groups (alternatively and traditionally-certified teachers)...
Show moreThis research study examined whether there is a relationship between teacher preparation and instructional practice. The dataset for this study was the1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). Specifically, variables created in SASS from the information provided by the Public School Teacher Questionnaire were utilized. The teacher population sample for this research study was derived from these data and then separated into two groups (alternatively and traditionally-certified teachers) based on certification variables within the dataset. The study conducted was a correlational study with instructional practices variables extracted from the dataset. Using Chi Square Goodness of Fit statistical tests, the data were analyzed to determine if teacher preparation influences instructional practice. Therefore, the research questions for this research study were: 1. Is there a statistically significant relationship between whether teachers are alternatively-certified or traditionally-certified and the extent to which they use state or district standards to guide instructional practice in their main teaching assignment? 2. Is there a statistically significant relationship between whether teachers are alternatively-certified or traditionally-certified and whether they use groupings of students in their classroom to teach students who learn at different rates? 3. Is there a statistically significant relationship between whether teachers are alternatively-certified or traditionally-certified and the extent to which they use the information from state or local achievement tests to group students into different instructional groups by achievement or ability? 4. Is there a statistically significant relationship between whether teachers are alternatively-certified or traditionally-certified and the extent to which they use the information from state or local achievement tests to assess areas where they need to strengthen their content knowledge or teaching practice? 5. Is there a statistically significant relationship between whether teachers are alternatively-certified or traditionally-certified and the extent to which they use the information from state or local achievement tests to adjust their curriculum in areas where their students encountered problems? Overall, while there were statistically significant relationships between certification type and various instructional practices, the effect sizes were very small (ranging from -.005 to .036). This suggests that the statistical significance may be an artifact of the large sample size and that there may be little practical significance. Therefore, a relationship was not found between the type of teacher preparation program and instructional practice.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003750, ucf:48763
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003750

Title: Effects of symbol type on naming and identification of graphic symbols by typically developing three, four, five and six-year olds children.
Creator: Resnick, Pamela, Kent-Walsh, Jennifer, Schwartz, Jamie, Zraick, Richard, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Speech-language pathologists and educators face unique challenges in assessing the language skills of children with complex communication needs due to the wide array of impairments with which these individuals present. For example, most receptive language assessment tools require that children either point to or label line drawings to determine whether or not they comprehend the depicted concepts; task demands such as these preclude administering such assessment tools with children who are...
Show moreSpeech-language pathologists and educators face unique challenges in assessing the language skills of children with complex communication needs due to the wide array of impairments with which these individuals present. For example, most receptive language assessment tools require that children either point to or label line drawings to determine whether or not they comprehend the depicted concepts; task demands such as these preclude administering such assessment tools with children who are unable to physically point to or verbally label presented stimuli. In light of these challenges, the use of eye tracking technologies has become particularly appealing since this alternate response mode reduces the behavioral demands associated with standardized assessment procedures. Another challenge clinicians and educators face as they strive to ensure accurate receptive language assessment results with children who have complex communication needs is the type of stimuli utilized in such assessments. When individuals with cognitive delays are presented with stimuli that may not be comprehensible to them, there is a risk of under-estimating language comprehension abilities (Emerson, 2003). Given the documented challenges that individuals with disabilities often have in identifying constructs depicted by the types of line drawings typically included in receptive language assessment tools (e.g., Mirenda (&) Locke, 1989; Mizuko, 1987), there is a critical need to include recognizable stimuli in assessment tools in order to determine this population's true receptive language capabilities. Beyond this potential to improve the validity of receptive language assessments, improvement in assessment practices such as these also have potential positive implications for effective AAC technology selection and AAC treatment planning.The current investigation examined the effect of symbol type (color photograph symbols1 vs. SymbolStix(&)copy;2 color line drawing symbols) on identification and naming of graphic symbols for nouns, verbs and adjectives in typically developing three, four, five and six-year old children. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with counterbalance for experimental stimuli (color photograph symbols1 vs. SymbolStix(&)copy;2 symbols) and task (identification task vs. naming task). Eighty-nine participants completed the identification and naming tasks with both examined symbol types (color photograph symbols1 vs. SymbolStix(&)copy;2 symbols) on two different days. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to examine the effects of symbol type on both accuracy and rate of identification, and on accuracy of naming. Bivariate correlation was completed to determine the relationship between participants' touch and eye identification rates, and to determine the relationship between identification accuracy and eye rate. Mean scores revealed that all participants achieved higher accuracy for the identification and naming tasks with color photograph symbols1, and that participants evidenced faster touch and eye identification rates for the color photograph symbol1 condition. These findings suggest that color photograph symbols1 are more transparent and thus more easily identifiable. Therefore, potential future assessment modifications include the incorporation of color photograph symbols1 as stimuli and eye gaze as a selection option within AAC assessment tools. Overall, results of this study have the potential to change the way speech-language pathologists and educators assess the receptive language skills of children with complex communication needs to yield more accurate assessment results.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006909, ucf:51701
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006909

alternative certification (4)	+ -
alternative fuels (3)	+ -
AAC (2)	+ -
alternative (2)	+ -
autism (2)	+ -

complex communication needs (2)	+ -
consciousness (2)	+ -
traditional certification (2)	+ -
ARG (1)	+ -
AT (1)	+ -
Agent (1)	+ -
Agent-Causal (1)	+ -
Agent-Cause (1)	+ -
Alternate Possibilities (1)	+ -
Alternating Direction Method (1)	+ -
Alternative (1)	+ -
Alternative Currencies (1)	+ -
Alternative Dispute Resolution (1)	+ -
Alternative Fuels (1)	+ -
Alternative Possibilities (1)	+ -
Alternative Process (1)	+ -
Alternative Teacher Certification (1)	+ -
Alternative Transportation (1)	+ -
Alternative Vehicle Technologies (1)	+ -
Alternative Water Resources (1)	+ -
Alternative certification (1)	+ -
Alternative for Deutschland (1)	+ -
Alternative to Suspension (1)	+ -
Altruism (1)	+ -
Angela Merkel (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (34)	+ -
Honors Collection (10)	+ -

English (43)	+ -
Engilsh (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (44)	+ -
Kent-Walsh, Jennifer (4)	+ -
Reinhart, Debra (3)	+ -
Bai, Haiyan (2)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (2)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner