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Title: CHANGES TO OPERATIONAL, FINANCIAL, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS DURING MAYORAL TAKEOVERS.
Creator: Shanoff, Mark, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to examine the effects of mayoral control on operational and financial structures within school systems. Furthermore, this study focused on the public perception and political implications of the mayorÃ‚Â's position on local education. The four systems chosen for this study were: Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, and New York City. All four systems were total control districts, which allowed for each mayor to appoint a majority to the...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to examine the effects of mayoral control on operational and financial structures within school systems. Furthermore, this study focused on the public perception and political implications of the mayorÃ‚Â's position on local education. The four systems chosen for this study were: Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, and New York City. All four systems were total control districts, which allowed for each mayor to appoint a majority to the school board and appoint a superintendent or chancellor to oversee the day to day operations of the school district. This study focused on operational and financial structures, which make up a sizable portion of the larger organizational structure. These indicators often drive how services and expenditures eventually affect the core business of these school systems. From an operational perspective, this study was focused on expenditures, both in aggregate form and for instructional related services, pre and post takeover. From a financial perspective, this study focused on changes to revenue sources, return on investment, interest on school debt, and capital outlay. From a political perspective, this study examined the data from the various State of the City addresses over the last four years in each of the four cities, along with polling data available for New York City and the District of Columbia. This study was concluded with a summary of findings, and implications for future research, policy, and practitioners. The research showed that New York City and Boston generally outperformed the District of Columbia and Chicago in the operational and financial metrics used in the study. Furthermore, the number of years a city had been under mayoral control and operational and financial indicators had no significant relationship. It was recommended that future researchers should continue to study the benefit of benchmarking metrics of organizational performance to ensure mayors are held accountable for the reforms they espouse during election cycles. Ultimately, mayorsÃ‚Â' success in managing their school systems will be based on where they prioritize. This research offered a cross section of metrics by which mayors can benchmark their effectiveness as they change operational, financial, and organizational structures to bring about better, overall organizational performance from their school system.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003469, ucf:48957
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003469

Title: The Financial and Logistical Advantages and Disadvantages of Charter School Ownership by Traditional Public School Districts.
Creator: Antmann, John, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to identify the financial and logistical advantages and disadvantages to be realized by public school districts in California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas through the ownership of charter schools. A policy review was completed examining relevant state statutes, department of education administrative rules, and school board policies in each of the four states included in this study. Interviews were completed with the chief financial officer, or their designee,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify the financial and logistical advantages and disadvantages to be realized by public school districts in California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas through the ownership of charter schools. A policy review was completed examining relevant state statutes, department of education administrative rules, and school board policies in each of the four states included in this study. Interviews were completed with the chief financial officer, or their designee, from school districts in each of the four states using a series of structured interview questions. Interviews were conducted over the phone and data was recorded via detailed notes or recordings with transcripts created.Data from the policy review and structured interviews were analyzed using the constant comparison method in order to answer each of the four research questions. The analysis was used to create a comprehensive listing of fiscal and logistical advantages and disadvantages associated with charter school ownership by traditional public school districts.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006253, ucf:51033
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006253

Title: THE EFFECT OF PRE-K EARLY INTERVENTION DURATION ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SOCIALIZATION OPPORTUNITIES OF 3RD GRADE STUDENTS WHO WERE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AT AGES 3 TO 5: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS.
Creator: Lin, Mike Chang-Hui, Wienke, Wilfred, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The study focuses on young children with developmental delays (DD) in a large school district and explores the effects of Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Student Education (Pre-K ESE) duration on 136 students' 3rd grade academic achievement and socialization opportunities. This study specifically examines the 2003 statewide assessment (i.e. Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, FCAT) results of children with DD and their 3rd grade special education status. The literature review showed that...
Show moreThe study focuses on young children with developmental delays (DD) in a large school district and explores the effects of Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Student Education (Pre-K ESE) duration on 136 students' 3rd grade academic achievement and socialization opportunities. This study specifically examines the 2003 statewide assessment (i.e. Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, FCAT) results of children with DD and their 3rd grade special education status. The literature review showed that providing early intervention services for young children ages 3 through 5 with special needs in the public school system has become the movement of both the federal and state educational policies. However, the empirical studies regarding the effects of Pre-K early intervention programs provided within the public school system are few. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to examine the effect of the Pre-K duration (1 year vs. 2 years) on students' 3rd grade performance as measured by FCAT Reading scores, FCAT Math scores, and socialization opportunities (i.e. weekly Non-ESE minutes) while controlling for students' socioeconomic status (i.e. free/reduced price lunch status) and gender. Moreover, a paired sample t test was conducted to examine the difference of the Matrix of Services scores between Pre-K and 3rd grade evaluations. The results of this study provide an insightful picture of Florida Pre-K intervention duration on the performance of children with special needs in public schools.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000672, ucf:46537
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000672

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STERLING QUALITY FRAMEWORK AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN ONE FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Creator: Short, James, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to determine the relationship, if any, between student achievement and the implementation of the Sterling Quality Management System in a southwest Florida school district. A quantitative analysis focused on three sources of data. Two surveys provided by the Florida Sterling Council were used to collect data from school based personnel and student achievement gain scores obtained from the Florida DOE School Accountability Report 2005-2009. In this study, little...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to determine the relationship, if any, between student achievement and the implementation of the Sterling Quality Management System in a southwest Florida school district. A quantitative analysis focused on three sources of data. Two surveys provided by the Florida Sterling Council were used to collect data from school based personnel and student achievement gain scores obtained from the Florida DOE School Accountability Report 2005-2009. In this study, little positive correlation was found between perceived implementation of Sterling practices and student achievement gains. Of a possible score of 5, the total mean implementation score across all groups was found to be 4.14. This meant that the perceived level of Sterling implementation among respondents overall was very high. No significant correlation was found between the total average Sterling implementation mean score and student achievement gains (school points) made between 2005 and 2009. Overall, very few correlations were found to be statistically significant. This suggested the lack of a linear relationship between Sterling implementation and student achievement gains in the schools in the study Following are recommendations for future research. 1. This study could be repeated using a population of multiple school districts in Florida or in different states. 2. This study could be repeated using different measures of student achievement, such as end of course exam results, SAT or ACT scores, or achievement in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs in high schools. 3. This study could be repeated with a population of administrators that includes all school principals and assistant principals. 4. This study could be repeated in a school district that has achieved the Sterling Quality award. 5. This study could be repeated to determine a relationship between Sterling Quality and other school effectiveness measures, such as parent involvement, community support, and teacher retention. 6. Determine the relationship if any that the implementation of Sterling Quality practices at the district level has on student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003441, ucf:48416
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003441

Title: Teachers' Perceptions of Actions to Achieve Equity and Access to Excellence in a Large School District.
Creator: Moss, Sidney, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Hopp, Carolyn, Murray, Kenneth, Platt, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this mixed-method, descriptive study was to determine the teachers' perceptions who were employed in the target school district from 2003 to 2011, regarding school district second-order change leadership decisions, events, and challenges, and the extent to which equity and access to excellence for all students were achieved. Also investigated was the relationship, if any, that existed in achieving equity and access to excellence based on school district second-order change...
Show moreThe purpose of this mixed-method, descriptive study was to determine the teachers' perceptions who were employed in the target school district from 2003 to 2011, regarding school district second-order change leadership decisions, events, and challenges, and the extent to which equity and access to excellence for all students were achieved. Also investigated was the relationship, if any, that existed in achieving equity and access to excellence based on school district second-order change leadership from 2003 to 2011. Teacher perception data were analyzed from a survey presented to teachers in over 16 schools who had been consecutively employed in the target school district from 2003 to 2011. The findings of this research suggest that teachers' perceptions of specific school district leadership decisions, events, and challenges contributed to improving opportunities for students who historically were not provided equitable opportunities for academic achievement and post high school career advancement. Beginning in 2003, the target school district underwent a leadership transition period in which a new superintendent established history-making goals and objectives for the school district. The findings suggest that based on teachers' perceptions, school district efforts provided for greater access to technology, high quality instruction, specific programs of study such as the implementation of magnet programs, and college preparation courses. The greater access provided the opportunity for equity and access to excellence for all students, especially those who historically lacked access and investment with respect to their demographics (race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity). There were limitations to this study. Objectivity may be questioned since the participants were employees of the school district. It was assumed that participants in the study responded accurately and honestly to the questions asked in the interviews and survey.Future research is recommended that would include a larger and more diverse sample. Further recommendations include separate studies to examine the differences between student achievement as a result of school district leadership efforts to attain access to equity and excellence based on college readiness assessment exam scores such as the SAT and/or the ACT, and college or technical school entrance and completion, with regard to student subgroups such as race, ethnicity, and family income.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004727, ucf:49819
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004727

Title: MOTIVATIONS FOR ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN PUBLIC VERSUS PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS.
Creator: Harrison, Joycelyn Lorraine, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research was to increase the knowledge base regarding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software implementation, particularly in the public sector. To this end, factors regarding benefits sought through ERP system implementation and critical factors surrounding successful ERP implementation were identified. In addition, the perception of project team members' satisfaction with modules implemented and their concerns about implementing ERP software were identified in this...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to increase the knowledge base regarding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software implementation, particularly in the public sector. To this end, factors regarding benefits sought through ERP system implementation and critical factors surrounding successful ERP implementation were identified. In addition, the perception of project team members' satisfaction with modules implemented and their concerns about implementing ERP software were identified in this study. The results of this study provided recommendations for public and private sector organizations in order to increase their opportunity for successful ERP system implementation.The literature review and results of this study found suggested that the benefits sought during ERP system implementation were consistent among public and private-sector organizations. Benefits such as increased standardization, better reporting, and reduced operational costs were recognized as goals of ERP implementation. Factors that attributed to successful ERP system implementations were top management support, and knowledgeable project managers and team members. The t-test analyses found differences among the two groups, public and private sector organizations, regarding some benefits sought and the level of satisfaction with some modules.The study included recommendations for organizations to fully research ERP functionality prior to implementation, implement strong change management, use other means of measuring return on investment, ensure employee buy in and top management involvement, and avoid scope creep.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000093, ucf:46126
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000093

Title: An Investigation of the Representation of Middle School English Language Learners (ELLs) in Special Education Programs in a Large Urban School District.
Creator: Lerma, Leah, Stewart, Martha, Biraimah, Karen, Nutta, Joyce, Purmensky, Kerry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The disproportionate representation of ethnically and racially diverse students in special education has been an enduring problem in education for the past four decades. However, most of the research on disproportionality has focused on the ethnic/racial variable; the body of research focusing on the linguistic variable is still slim in comparison. As linguistic diversity in the United States continues to rise, teachers will continue to be challenged to meet the needs of the English Language...
Show moreThe disproportionate representation of ethnically and racially diverse students in special education has been an enduring problem in education for the past four decades. However, most of the research on disproportionality has focused on the ethnic/racial variable; the body of research focusing on the linguistic variable is still slim in comparison. As linguistic diversity in the United States continues to rise, teachers will continue to be challenged to meet the needs of the English Language Learners in their classrooms. However, many teachers feel unprepared to deal with this diversity and have difficulty discriminating whether a student's poor performance is due to linguistic or cognitive factors. Consequently, many English Language Learners are misidentified and misplaced in special education programs. The purpose of this study was to analyze the representation of English Language Learners in special education high incidence disability categories in a large, urban school district in Florida. Cross-tabulations and chi-square statistics were used to analyze the distribution of special education students by ethnicity/race, home language, ESOL status, and English proficiency level; risk ratio and relative risk ratio statistics were used to determine whether the district's English Language Learners showed under, equal, or over-representation in special education high incidence disability categories. The results indicated that English Language Learners were at the greatest risk for being identified as Specific Learning Disabled when compared to the other disability categories, and English Language Learners with intermediate English proficiency levels were at a higher risk for being identified and placed in special education high incidence disability categories when compared to beginning and advanced level English Language Learners.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004127, ucf:49121
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004127

Title: A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SECOND-ORDER CHANGE LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS OF PRINCIPALS AND SCHOOL GRADES OF FLORIDA TITLE I ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Creator: La Cava, Gonzalo, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between second-order change leadership behaviors and the grade assigned to schools in large urban districts by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). A total of 101 Title I elementary school principals from large urban school districts with 60+% students on Free and Reduced School Lunch participated in the study. Specifically, this study analyzed 7 of the 21 second-order change factor responsibilities. They include (a)...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between second-order change leadership behaviors and the grade assigned to schools in large urban districts by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). A total of 101 Title I elementary school principals from large urban school districts with 60+% students on Free and Reduced School Lunch participated in the study. Specifically, this study analyzed 7 of the 21 second-order change factor responsibilities. They include (a) knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, (b) optimizer, (c) intellectual stimulation, (d) change agent, (e) monitoring/evaluating, (f) flexibility, and (g) ideals/beliefs. The findings of this study were delineated through an examination of the data as it was related to the following questions: (a) What are the differences, if any, in the Principal Actions Survey scores of Title I elementary principals based on the 2008 school grade, according to the FLDOE? (b) What relationship, if any, exists among professional demographics of the principals (years at the school, years as an educator, years as an administrator prior to becoming a principal, years as a principal, highest degree earned, age, gender) and the second-order change leadership behaviors? (c) What are the differences, if any, in the second-order change leadership behavior subgroup scores based on the 2008 school grade according to the FLDOE? Although Research Question 1 had no statistical significance, principals who had a higher mean on the Principal Actions Survey led A and B-rated schools. Statistical significance was found in Research Question 2 for the second-order change leadership behavior of Change Agent and Ideals/Beliefs. Though statistical significance was not found in Research Question 3, each mean score for each sub-group in each grade group indicated consistent answers between Strongly Agree and Agree, which demonstrated a large degree of agreement. Additionally, comments from telephone interviews with selected principals determined that these leadership behaviors could positively impact elementary schools and the field of education. Recommendations of the study were to: (a) Conduct a follow-up study to gather the perceptions of teachers from the same Title I schools regarding their principals' second-order change leadership behaviors, (b) conduct a similar study with principals in Title I middle and high school settings, (c) conduct a qualitative study on second-order change leadership behaviors of non-Title I elementary, middle, and high school principals, (d) engage in further research to investigate professional development activities that may assist principals in enhancing second-order change leadership behaviors and improve instruction, (e) investigate the relationship between principals' second-order change leadership behaviors and achievement of Adequate Yearly Progress (f) replicate the study in states other than Florida (g) explore the relationship between second-order change leadership behaviors of district administrators and their district's academic success.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002876, ucf:48031
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002876

Title: EDUCATIONAL VISION IN FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICTS: VISION ALIGNMENT AND LEADERSHIP STYLE.
Creator: Sikkenga, Cindy, House, Jess, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to address a gap in the organizational leadership research related to the sharing, or alignment, of leadership vision across organizational levels, with a focus on educational vision alignment in Florida K-12 public school districts. The study also sought to determine to what extent, if any, there were differences among Florida school districts exhibiting different levels of educational vision alignment. The broad question addressed by the current research was...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to address a gap in the organizational leadership research related to the sharing, or alignment, of leadership vision across organizational levels, with a focus on educational vision alignment in Florida K-12 public school districts. The study also sought to determine to what extent, if any, there were differences among Florida school districts exhibiting different levels of educational vision alignment. The broad question addressed by the current research was this: To what degree are the educational visions of superintendents and principals aligned within Florida K-12 public school districts? The following research questions further guided the study: 1. What common themes can be found in the published vision statements of the 67 Florida K-12 public school districts? 2. To what extent, if any, do Florida K-12 public school district superintendents and their respective principals agree with one another on the importance of the common themes found in Florida school districts' published vision statements? 3. What is the relationship, if any, between educational vision alignment levels in Florida K-12 public school districts and principals' perceptions of their superintendents' leadership styles? 4. To what extent, if any, are there differences among Florida K-12 public school districts exhibiting different levels of educational vision alignment? The Florida Educational Vision Questionnaire Superintendent Form (FEVQ-S), a researcher developed questionnaire, was administered to all 67 Florida K-12 public school district superintendents. With superintendent approval, two additional questionnaires were administered to a sample of 242 principals in 23 school districts. The Florida Educational Vision Questionnaire Principal Form (FEVQ-P) and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form 5X Rater (MLQ-5X) (Avolio, Bass, & Jung, 1999) were returned fully completed by 105 principals in 21 districts. A total of 81 principal responses in 20 districts were usable, yielding overall usable response rates of 29.9% (superintendents) and 33.5% (principals). Comparisons of FEVQ responses of superintendents and principals in each school district were made using a researcher developed measure, the Educational Vision Alignment Index (EVAI). Within each district, the EVAI was compared with the superintendent's leadership style as measured by the principals' responses to the MLQ-5X. School districts were then compared using data obtained from the FEVQ demographic items, the Florida School Indicators Report (FSIR) (FLDOE, 2003a), the 2004 School Grades by District Report (FLDOE, n.d.), and the online Florida Public School Superintendents report (FLDOE, 2005c). The FSIR contains data on district characteristics such as operating costs, per pupil expenditures, school staff composition, student membership, student mobility rates, student stability rates, and teacher descriptors. The 2004 School Grades by District report contains both the school grades for each district and the total number of schools per district. The Florida Public School Superintendents report contains general school district information and superintendent status (i.e., elected or appointed) information. Detailed data analyses related to each of the four research questions indicated that: 1. Several common themes can be found in the published vision statements of the 67 Florida K-12 public school districts, 2. Florida K-12 public school district superintendents and their respective principals agree with one another on the importance of some of these common themes, 3. Several relationships exist between the educational vision alignment levels in Florida K-12 public school districts and principals' perceptions of their superintendents' leadership styles, and 4. There are differences among Florida K-12 public school districts exhibiting different levels of educational vision alignment. The current study illustrated that in Florida K-12 public school districts whose superintendents were perceived to be transformational leaders, a strong alignment of educational vision between the superintendents and their principals was also apparent, particularly in those districts having elected superintendents. Using the two researcher developed tools, the Florida Educational Vision Questionnaire (FEVQ) and the Educational Vision Alignment Index (EVAI), it was shown that this alignment pertained to specific content items, or themes, derived from an analysis of the educational vision statements of the 67 Florida school districts. These results indicate that the current emphasis in Florida on the development of transformational leaders who are knowledgeable in techniques for developing and communicating shared visions is therefore warranted.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001349, ucf:46995
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001349

Title: An Analysis of School-District Level Policy and Guidelines Related to English Language Learners' Enrollment and Achievement in Advanced Courses.
Creator: Ceballos, Marjorie, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Nutta, Joyce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of school district policy, guidelines, and practices related to the enrollment and achievement of English learners (EL) in advanced coursework in middle school and high school in a large urban school district in the United States. There is a dearth of research on the effect that school district-level policies, guidelines, and practices have on the enrollment and achievement of ELs in advanced courses in middle school and high school....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of school district policy, guidelines, and practices related to the enrollment and achievement of English learners (EL) in advanced coursework in middle school and high school in a large urban school district in the United States. There is a dearth of research on the effect that school district-level policies, guidelines, and practices have on the enrollment and achievement of ELs in advanced courses in middle school and high school. Existing research on ELs provides information on this group's academic achievement on national and state standardized measurements of achievement (Walqui (&) Pease-Alvarez, 2012) such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, and other state standardized assessments in the United States. However, there is an absence of research concerning this group's achievement in advanced courses at the middle school and high school levels. Moreover, there is also an absence of research on this group's achievement on college-level examinations (e.g., Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate). This study contributed to the body of knowledge on the impact of educational policy, guidelines, and recommended practices on student acceleration, specifically the acceleration of ELs through their enrollment and achievement in advanced coursework at the middle school and high school level in the United States. The analysis of this group's enrollment and achievement consisted of (1) an examination of the group's enrollment from 2009-2014 in advanced coursework in grades 6-12, (2) an analysis of this group's achievement in advanced coursework from 2009-2014 in grades 6-12, and (3) an examination of school district policy via school district policy and guideline documents and school-based curriculum guides. Initial findings from the analysis completed point to an uneven EL course enrollment in advanced coursework in mathematics, English, science, and social studies across the 57 schools included within the study from 2009-2014. At the high school level, EL course enrollment in advanced coursework is small; the high school with the highest proportion of EL course enrollment had 9.7 percent EL course enrollment. Overall, EL course enrollment comprised 4.5 percent of advanced course enrollment in 19 high schools. At the middle school level, however, EL advanced course enrollment was proportionately larger; the middle school with the highest proportion of EL course enrollment had 25.3 percent EL advanced course enrollment. Overall, EL course enrollment comprised 7.0 percent of advanced coursework course enrollment in 38 middle schools. In terms of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) EL course enrollment, AP EL course enrollment was 3.0 percent from 2011-2014 and IB EL course enrollment was 0.2 percent from 2012-2014.EL achievement in advanced coursework as measured by final letter grade in advanced courses was high; EL high school achievement by final letter grade achievement of A, B, or C was 85 percent and EL middle school achievement by final letter grade of A, B, or C was 91 percent in advanced courses. In Advanced Placement exam scores, EL score of 3 or higher was 54 percent, while non-EL score of 3 or higher was 47 percent. In IB, EL score of 4 or higher was 71 percent, while non-EL score of 4 or higher was 81 percent. Analysis of school district policy and guideline documents and school curriculum guides emphasized the central role of the school district in ensuring that schools followed national and state laws applicable to ELs in the United States. The school district policy and guideline documents analyzed guaranteed ELs' equal access to academic programs within the school district but only made one specific reference to enrollment of ELs in advanced coursework in the form of Advanced Placement. School curriculum guides analyzed demonstrated elements of access to advanced coursework for ELs. The curriculum guides analyzed contained varying degrees of identified access elements, demonstrating schools' autonomy in determining the academic trajectories of their students within the parameters of applicable national and state laws.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006279, ucf:51598
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006279

Title: A Comparison of Sixth Grade Student Achievement in Reading and Mathematics at School Transition Year.
Creator: Roseboom, Julie, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, Beattie, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study contributed information for consideration as school districts determine grade span configuration as part of school design. The problem addressed was the extent to which student achievement may be impacted by the transition from one school to another from fifth to sixth grade in Florida public schools in order to provide data to school policy makers and school district administrators and add to the body of knowledge on the grade level configuration that contributed the most to...
Show moreThis study contributed information for consideration as school districts determine grade span configuration as part of school design. The problem addressed was the extent to which student achievement may be impacted by the transition from one school to another from fifth to sixth grade in Florida public schools in order to provide data to school policy makers and school district administrators and add to the body of knowledge on the grade level configuration that contributed the most to student achievement in sixth grade. This was a causal-comparative study using quantitative data to analyze student scores at the school level for reading and mathematics on the 2014 Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) 2.0 assessment to explore the difference in achievement for sixth grade students with no school transition compared to those who had school transitions during middle school. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to examine if a difference existed in the dependent variables of sixth-grade reading and mathematics achievement as measured by school mean developmental scale scores and the school percentage of students making learning gains on the FCAT 2.0 between schools with sixth grade as the transition year and without sixth grade as the transition year. The analyses were controlled for the covariates of the school percentages of socio-economic status as determined by free and reduced lunch rate, English Learner status, and exceptional student education status. Findings signified that schools with no school transition between fifth and sixth grade in Florida public schools had higher sixth-grade mean scores in reading and mathematics as measured by school mean developmental scale scores and in reading as measured by the percentage of school learning gains. This study offers insight into what grade configuration is more likely to positively impact student achievement during the middle grades and supports students remaining in an elementary setting with fewer transitions during the middle grades to most benefit reading and mathematics achievement. Findings are useful to school boards, superintendents, and school district administrators interested in educational policy development and research on transition especially when restructuring school grade configurations and building new school sites.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006545, ucf:51347
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006545

Title: Middle Grades Science in Florida: A Comparison of Student Achievement in Comprehensive and Subject-specific Science Courses 2013-2017.
Creator: Moore, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Storey, Valerie A., Gao, Su, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As with U.S. student achievement on national and international science assessments, Florida's 8th grade student achievement on the 2013(-)2017 8th grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) 2.0 Science/Statewide Science Assessment (SSA) was stagnant. To break this stagnation, many Florida school districts have changed middle grades science course offerings from traditional, subject-specific, discipline-based, layered, or field-specific science courses to comprehensive, integrated,...
Show moreAs with U.S. student achievement on national and international science assessments, Florida's 8th grade student achievement on the 2013(-)2017 8th grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) 2.0 Science/Statewide Science Assessment (SSA) was stagnant. To break this stagnation, many Florida school districts have changed middle grades science course offerings from traditional, subject-specific, discipline-based, layered, or field-specific science courses to comprehensive, integrated, spiraled, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, thematic, or general science courses. There was a lack of research showing if either type of science course improved student achievement on standardized science assessments. Controlling for school district student population, low socio-economic status (SES) student percentage, and English learner (EL) percentage, this study compared the 2013(-)2017 8th grade FCAT 2.0 Science/SSA school district mean scale scores of two groups of school districts: those that offered comprehensive science courses and those that offered subject-specific science courses. Scores for three student groups were analyzed: all students, low SES students, and ELs. No statistically significant differences were found in school district mean scale scores or pass rates between the two school district groups. The comprehensive group mean scale scores were numerically higher, while the subject-specific group mean pass rates were numerically higher. The subject-specific group had statistically significantly higher raw scores for life science and physical science. The comprehensive group had wider dispersions of mean scale scores and pass rates, suggesting inconsistencies in implementation of comprehensive science courses. The primary implication of this study is that educational leaders should not expect to improve student science achievement simply by changing the type of science course offering. Changes should be made with consideration to student needs, school district demographics, teacher professional development and support, course structure and coherence with standards, and the need for flexibility in teacher assignments.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007410, ucf:52710
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007410

school district (3)	+ -
English Language Learners (2)	+ -
superintendent (2)	+ -
8th grade science (1)	+ -
Advanced Placement and English learners (1)	+ -

Charter School (1)	+ -
Developmental Delays (1)	+ -
Developmental Scale Scores (1)	+ -
EL (1)	+ -
ELLs (1)	+ -
ERP (1)	+ -
ERP Implementation (1)	+ -
Early Intervention (1)	+ -
Education Finance (1)	+ -
Educational Decision Making (1)	+ -
Educational Policy Development (1)	+ -
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