Current Search: professionalization (x)
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- Title
- A SURVEY OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS REGARDING TEACHERS' PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION.
- Creator
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Inge, Richard, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was twofold: First, to gather perspectives of randomly selected administrators and teachers in two central Florida school districts concerning the participation of teachers in professional development (PD), and secondly, to determine if there was a significant differences in the amount of participation of teachers from different academic departments in these activities. Results indicated that a teacher's assignment to a particular academic department has a...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was twofold: First, to gather perspectives of randomly selected administrators and teachers in two central Florida school districts concerning the participation of teachers in professional development (PD), and secondly, to determine if there was a significant differences in the amount of participation of teachers from different academic departments in these activities. Results indicated that a teacher's assignment to a particular academic department has a relationship to the amount of PD involvement. Results also suggested that building principals' perceptions concerning teacher support of and participation in these activities were moderately accurate. Data were collected using two survey instruments developed by the researcher. The Professional Development Questionnaire for Teachers contained 22 items developed to gather teachers' perceptions concerning: (a) their participation in PD, (b) the relevance of the PD activities they had been involved in, (c) the process used to select these activities, (d) the monitoring efforts of their administrators concerning teacher involvement in these activities, and (e) information about the number of hours they were involved in PD between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2004. The Professional Development Questionnaire for Building Principals collected data from administrators at the same schools as those of the teachers surveyed. Building principals were asked their perceptions concerning: (a) teacher participation in PD, (b) the effectiveness of PD, (c) the selection of activities, and (d) the fund sources used to provide PD for their teachers. A total of 433 teachers and 38 building administrators comprised the sample population. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data collected. In addition, information was collected from respondents using comments they included in the surveys. The implications for policy and procedure drawn from this study were: (a) school administrators' need to develop a plan to more closely monitor the participation of their teachers in PD and (b) the availability of PD opportunities should be equitable for all teachers regardless of their academic department assignment. Suggestions for future research and educational practices were also provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000407, ucf:46413
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000407
- Title
- Are You My Profession? Mentoring, OCBs, and Professional Identity.
- Creator
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Fullick, Julia, Jentsch, Kimberly, Jentsch, Florian, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence that academic major advisors and informal mentors can have on an individual's identification with a professional organization and their ensuing level of involvement in that professional organization. The present study is unique in that it is among the few to examine mentoring and OCBs in the context of a voluntary professional organization. Participants were 309 individuals with a doctoral degree who are members of the Society...
Show moreThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence that academic major advisors and informal mentors can have on an individual's identification with a professional organization and their ensuing level of involvement in that professional organization. The present study is unique in that it is among the few to examine mentoring and OCBs in the context of a voluntary professional organization. Participants were 309 individuals with a doctoral degree who are members of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), a large professional organization with 7,847 total members (in 2011). The specific type of OCB investigated in this study was voluntary service as a member of committees within the professional organization. Results indicated that individuals' identification with a particular professional organization was stronger if their academic advisor had engaged in greater OCBs within the organization (i.e., chaired a greater number of committees) and if they had one or more informal mentors who were also members of the same professional organization. Those with a greater number of informal mentors in addition to their academic mentor engaged in greater OCBs within the organization (i.e., participated as a member of more committees). Finally, those reporting at least one informal mentor in addition to their academic advisor engaged in greater OCBs within the organization if their informal mentors had engaged in a greater number of OCBs and when those multiple mentors were more balanced with regard to their to their professional setting (i.e., academia or practitioner). Implications for theory and practice will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004501, ucf:49281
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004501
- Title
- An analysis of student achievement outcomes of teachers who have earned the Reading Endorsement offered through Brevard Public Schools compared to those who earned the Reading Endorsement through other means, and those who have not earned a Reading Endorsement.
- Creator
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Chancellor, Carrie, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Spadaccini, Becky, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study sought to determine relationships between the independent variables of teaching years of experience and participation in Reading Endorsement professional development offered through Brevard Public Schools and the dependent variables of student outcome measures, as determined through teacher aggregated reading Value Added Model (VAM) scores. The significance of the study was that it will add to the literature by being the first study of its kind for the Brevard Public School...
Show moreThis study sought to determine relationships between the independent variables of teaching years of experience and participation in Reading Endorsement professional development offered through Brevard Public Schools and the dependent variables of student outcome measures, as determined through teacher aggregated reading Value Added Model (VAM) scores. The significance of the study was that it will add to the literature by being the first study of its kind for the Brevard Public School District. This study will also provide information as to the reading instruction preparation effectiveness examined through student performance outcomes. This study used multiple statistical procedures to analyze the data in order to answer four research questions. A bivariate correlation, an analysis of variance, an independent samples T-Test, and a factorial analysis of variance were used. The study's findings demonstrated that there was not a correlation between the years of teaching experience and the teachers' VAM scores of the targeted population, yet when categorically grouped teachers with six or greater years of teaching experience had statistically significant greater VAM scores than those with less years of experience. There was not a statistically significant difference among teachers of varying Reading Endorsements.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004827, ucf:49756
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004827
- Title
- An investigation of master's level counselor education admissions criteria: The predictive validity of undergraduate achievement and aptitude on the attainment of counseling competence.
- Creator
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Kendrick, Emma, Hagedorn, William, Hundley, Gulnora, Lambie, Glenn, Robinson, Edward, Ieva, Kara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this research was to examine the relationship between the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) admissions criteria and the prediction of future counseling competencies in four domain areas; knowledge, counseling skills, professional dispositions, and professional behaviors. The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) provided the measure for knowledge, paired with the Counseling Competencies Scale (CCS), measuring counseling...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to examine the relationship between the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) admissions criteria and the prediction of future counseling competencies in four domain areas; knowledge, counseling skills, professional dispositions, and professional behaviors. The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) provided the measure for knowledge, paired with the Counseling Competencies Scale (CCS), measuring counseling skills, professional dispositions, and professional behaviors. Three types of correlational analyses (Multiple-linear Regression, Pearson Product Moment, and Canonical) were used to test the relationships between the variables and subscales. Overall, significant models were produced in areas consistent with past research: GRE and UGPA scores show a relationship to CPCE scores but not the CCS skills assessment. The author concluded that counselor educators should review their admissions criteria and ensure that the value that they place on the GRE and UGPA criteria is backed by research. Recommendations for future research should focus on the use of alternate admissions criteria which assess applicants for personal characteristics and other qualities considered necessary for a counselor to be successful.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004395, ucf:49364
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004395
- Title
- Defining and Building Excellence: A Model for Professional Development at Arete Charter School.
- Creator
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Kerness, Shloe, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Hayes, Grant, Robinson, Edward, Knight, Monica, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In the U.S., there is increased awareness that what teachers know and are able to do play a significant role in the achievement of their students (Sanders (&) Rivers, 1996). Consequently, there is an unprecedented interest in improving instruction, a job that is normally assumed by the schools and school districts where teachers are employed. However, long-established professional development options provided by school districts usually fail to have any significant positive impact on teachers...
Show moreIn the U.S., there is increased awareness that what teachers know and are able to do play a significant role in the achievement of their students (Sanders (&) Rivers, 1996). Consequently, there is an unprecedented interest in improving instruction, a job that is normally assumed by the schools and school districts where teachers are employed. However, long-established professional development options provided by school districts usually fail to have any significant positive impact on teachers' instructional practices and often have the unintended consequence of making teachers feel more like workers on an assembly line than professionals doing emotionally complicated work (Borko (&) Putnam, Cohen (&) Hill, 1995; Darling-Hammond, 2009. Aret(&)#233; Charter School, a rapidly growing charter school franchise, does not currently have a clearly defined model of professional development that supports its unique instructional model. Results of the Standards Assessment Inventory 2 and higher than average teacher attrition due to both voluntary and involuntary leavers indicate that a change initiative is needed. With little time and limited resources available for professional development, it is of particular importance to develop an unambiguous model for teacher learning at Aret(&)#233; that leads to program choices with a high probability of increasing teacher capacity as well as improving student learning. The purpose of this dissertation in practice is to advance/promote a viable model for professional development at Aret(&)#233; Charter School that will (")alter the professional practices, beliefs, and understanding of school persons toward an articulated end(") (Griffin, 1983, p. 2). A model for professional development utilizing the Partnership Approach (Knight, 2007, 2011) and aligned to Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Development with the goal of humanizing the profession and offering a clearly articulated philosophy and set of actions is presented. Core elements of the model include the principal as a designer, instructional coaching, workshops that make an impact, intensive learning teams, and partnership communication that, when used together, results in humanizing professional learning that is both focused and leveraged to not only sustain school success but propel it forward. This model has implications for other schools struggling with teacher professional learning including how to maximize professional development to enhance teacher repertoires while simultaneously utilizing it to humanize the profession.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005360, ucf:50500
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005360
- Title
- The impact of ongoing science professional development on standardized assessments of student achievement.
- Creator
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Torres, Leah, Murray, Kenneth, Storey, Valerie A., Doherty, Walter, Everett, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to identify how ongoing science professional development impact students' achievement on standardized assessments. The students' end-of-year assessment and State Science Assessment data were collected from a Central Florida school district. The student data were divided into categories based on teachers' participation in on-going professional development opportunities. The teachers were categorized by the number of types of professional development opportunities...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify how ongoing science professional development impact students' achievement on standardized assessments. The students' end-of-year assessment and State Science Assessment data were collected from a Central Florida school district. The student data were divided into categories based on teachers' participation in on-going professional development opportunities. The teachers were categorized by the number of types of professional development opportunities they attended. The mean assessment scores of students whose all teachers did or did not participate were calculated, and t-tests were run to find the significance between the means. There was no significance in the difference between the means student scores of the participants and the non-participants in the science professional development opportunities. Two sub group data, 8th-grade free and reduced lunch students whose teacher attended one professional development, and 7th-grade students who scored a Level 3 on FSA mean scores on the science assessments scores were higher with significance in the 2015-16 school year, and were not higher the on the science assessments with significance in the 2014-15 school year.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006810, ucf:51800
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006810
- Title
- A Framework for Transforming Elementary Literacy Coaches' Professional Learning.
- Creator
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Forsythe, Lenora, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Hopp, Carolyn, Puig, Enrique, Roberts, Sherron, Zugelder, Gina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Elementary literacy coaches serve as one component in a professional learning system tosupport teacher learning. This dissertation in practice intended to highlight the need for an effective professional learning system for elementary literacy coaches that will enable them to impact teacher and student learning. The pilot study explored needs and perspectives of professional learning opportunities for elementary literacy coaches in a central Florida school district. Findings from the pilot...
Show moreElementary literacy coaches serve as one component in a professional learning system tosupport teacher learning. This dissertation in practice intended to highlight the need for an effective professional learning system for elementary literacy coaches that will enable them to impact teacher and student learning. The pilot study explored needs and perspectives of professional learning opportunities for elementary literacy coaches in a central Florida school district. Findings from the pilot study, along with literature surrounding the topic, resulted in the design of A Framework for Elementary Literacy Coaches' Professional Learning. This Framework utilized components from existing resources to develop access points for literacy coaches' professional learning. Access points included choice in coaching cycles, collaborative learning communities among coaches, and differentiated learning opportunities for literacy coaches to build their repertoire of literacy content knowledge and coaching skills. Theoreticalcontributions of adult learning and the sociocultural learning perspective within the Framework ensured literacy coaches' choice, ownership, and embedded learning opportunities. Suggested use for this dissertation in practice is to inform professional learning practices for in-service and pre-service elementary literacy coaches to ensure continued growth in coaching skills and literacy knowledge.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006300, ucf:51610
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006300
- Title
- Closing the Gaps in Professional Development: A Tool for School-based Leadership Teams.
- Creator
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Sampayo, Sandra, Boote, David, Hayes, Grant, Vitale, Thomas, Flanigan, Jacquelyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The field of professional learning in education has been studied and added to extensively in the last few decades. Because the importance of learning in authentic contexts through professional dialogue has become so important, high quality, school-based professional learning is vital to building capacity at the school level. Unfortunately, the literature on professional development (PD) does not provide much guidance on how to bridge theory and practice at the school level, creating a gap....
Show moreThe field of professional learning in education has been studied and added to extensively in the last few decades. Because the importance of learning in authentic contexts through professional dialogue has become so important, high quality, school-based professional learning is vital to building capacity at the school level. Unfortunately, the literature on professional development (PD) does not provide much guidance on how to bridge theory and practice at the school level, creating a gap. With the goal of PD ultimately being to improve teacher performance and student learning, the problem with this gap is that school-level professional development is arbitrarily planned, resulting in variable outcomes. I propose the reason for this is schools lack a comprehensive framework or tool that guides the design of a quality professional learning plan. This problem was identified in Orange County Public School and this dissertation in practice aims at developing a solution that accounts for the district's specific contextual needs. My proposed solution is the design of an integrative tool that school leaders can use to guide them through the professional development planning process. The School-based Professional Learning Design Tool incorporates the professional development standards in planning, learning, implementing, and evaluating outlined in the Florida Professional Development System Evaluation Protocol. It also guides leaders in taking an inventory of the culture and context of their school in order to plan PD that will be viable given those considerations. The components of the Tool guide teams through assessing school teacher performance and student achievement data to help identify focus groups; determining gaps in learning through root cause analysis; creating goals aligned to gaps in performance; and selecting strategies for professional learning, follow-up support, and evaluation. The development of the Tool was informed by the extant literature on professional development, organizational theory, state and national standards for professional development, and principles of design. The Tool is to be completed in four phases. Phases one and two, the focus of this paper, include the literature review, organizational assessment, design specifications, and the first iteration of the Tool. In the next phases, the goals are to solicit feedback from an expert panel review, create a complete version of the Tool, and pilot it in elementary schools. Although the development of the Tool through its final phases will refine it considerably, there are limitations that will transcend all iterations. While the Tool incorporates best practices in professional development, the lack of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of specific PD elements in the literature renders this Tool only a best guess in helping schools plan effective professional development. Another limitation is that the Tool is not prescriptive and cannot use school data to make decisions for what strategies to implement. Taking these limitations into consideration, the use of this Tool can significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of professional development in schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005883, ucf:50889
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005883
- Title
- The Role of Occupational Branding in the Professionalization of Technical Communication.
- Creator
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Thomas, Chelsea, Jones, Dan, Flammia, Madelyn, Bell, Kathleen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study investigates the relationship between professional identity and professional status by exploring the quest for professionalization within technical communication. An established professional identity is crucial to an occupation's professionalization process, as it enables members of a given field to create a common sense of being and facilitates a recognizable personal and collective identity. Such recognition is vital to an occupation's rise to professional status, as it creates a...
Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between professional identity and professional status by exploring the quest for professionalization within technical communication. An established professional identity is crucial to an occupation's professionalization process, as it enables members of a given field to create a common sense of being and facilitates a recognizable personal and collective identity. Such recognition is vital to an occupation's rise to professional status, as it creates a distilled image of the ideal practitioner for outsiders and forms the basis upon which claims of expertise may be made. By constructing the meaning surrounding their profession, members are able to portray an image which designates their knowledge as a scarce expertise and their profession as the appropriate source for the services they provide.A lack of professional identity constitutes the primary factor hindering technical communication from realizing the professionalization process, as it prevents the formation of practitioners' common sense of being, promotes the absence of identifiability and precludes the possibility of recognition by larger society. Without an established professional identity, the field cannot formulate a culturally-relevant perception of its role, claim professional expertise or jurisdiction over their work, or achieve the social and cultural legitimacy necessary in order to increase its professional status. By implementing processes of occupational branding within the professional project, efforts involving the construction of collective professional identity will increase professional status by enabling a group's management of professional meaning, facilitating the creation of an occupational brand and assisting in value production.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006189, ucf:51137
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006189
- Title
- FACULTY DEVELOPMENT IN MEMBER INSTITUTIONS OF THE FLORIDA FACULTY DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM: STRATEGIC PLANS, EVALUATION MODELS, ORGANIZATION, AND FUNDING.
- Creator
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Ross, Laura, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine strategic plans and evaluation models in light of organizational structures and funding to determine if member institutions in the Florida Faculty Development Consortium were investing in faculty development based on strategic and measurable criteria. Data were gathered through a mixed method survey mailed electronically to the individuals responsible for faculty development at 31 member institutions of the Florida Faculty Development...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine strategic plans and evaluation models in light of organizational structures and funding to determine if member institutions in the Florida Faculty Development Consortium were investing in faculty development based on strategic and measurable criteria. Data were gathered through a mixed method survey mailed electronically to the individuals responsible for faculty development at 31 member institutions of the Florida Faculty Development Consortium. Even though the Consortium was comprised of public and private four-year institutions and public two-year institutions, faculty development programs in these institutions had similarities. Most programs had strategic plans, centralized faculty development units with dedicated staff, and institutional funding. In addition, most faculty development programs had evaluation models in which they collected reactionary responses, but little evidence existed that programs were measuring impact on faculty learning, faculty behavior change, or student success. It was concluded that member institutions in the Florida Faculty Development Consortium were investing in faculty development and providing faculty developers with dedicated time to attend to faculty development responsibilities. Member institutions were evaluating their efforts on strategic, goal-based criteria, but little evidence existed that they were evaluating based on measurable criteria.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001398, ucf:46956
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001398
- Title
- ADDRESSING THE IMPACT THAT WORKSHOP SITE COORDINATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS HAVE ON THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM.
- Creator
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McKenna, Valerie, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation studied the beliefs and practices of principals, workshop site coordinators, and science support personnel in two Central Florida school districts and compared those beliefs and practices to the literature on effective science in-service education. It is important to understand these beliefs and practices because they directly affect the content and pedagogical knowledge of classroom teachers, yet this aspect of instructional practices has been ignored in the science...
Show moreThis dissertation studied the beliefs and practices of principals, workshop site coordinators, and science support personnel in two Central Florida school districts and compared those beliefs and practices to the literature on effective science in-service education. It is important to understand these beliefs and practices because they directly affect the content and pedagogical knowledge of classroom teachers, yet this aspect of instructional practices has been ignored in the science education literature. This study used a grounded theory methodology using open-ended individual interviews, participants observation, and documented analysis. Constant comparisons were built through analyzing the data. The research shows that in-service providers' and administrators' beliefs are aligned with the effective science education in-service literature. The conditions and context are ripe for changes because principals and workshop site coordinators' beliefs are aligned with the literature and changes are already beginning to take place. The intervening conditions may lead to improved teacher knowledge, teaching, and learning because standardized testing is expanding to incoporate the content area of science. Also workshop site coordinators are trying to set up a variety of opportunities to attend workshops on the same topic throughout the school year. Budgets are being restructured at the school level and district level to incorporate more science content professional development. However, it is too early to show how much improvement there will be in standardized test scores or whether teachers' have a deeper understanding of science content knowledge or effective science instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000715, ucf:46620
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000715
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF PRINCIPALS' ATTITUDES TOWARD THE KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF LEARNING STYLES IN THERAPEUTIC SETTINGS.
- Creator
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Pancoast, Renee, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In March, 2006 the Principal's Attitudes Toward the Knowledge, Value, and Application of Learning Styles with Students in Therapeutic Settings survey developed by the author was distributed to 120 principals belonging to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Two mailings yielded a return of 68 (56.6%) usable survey instruments from which principals' self-reporting on knowledge, value and application of learning styles was examined. Focus for this study was...
Show moreIn March, 2006 the Principal's Attitudes Toward the Knowledge, Value, and Application of Learning Styles with Students in Therapeutic Settings survey developed by the author was distributed to 120 principals belonging to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Two mailings yielded a return of 68 (56.6%) usable survey instruments from which principals' self-reporting on knowledge, value and application of learning styles was examined. Focus for this study was provided through three research questions: (a) to determine to what extent principals in therapeutic settings self-reported general knowledge of learning style applications, (b) to determine to what extent principals exhibit positive attitudes toward the use of learning style theory- supported instructional methods and materials, and (c) to determine to what extent principals in therapeutic settings support the application of learning style theory. All administrators reported general knowledge of learning style theories, three basic learning styles, and matching teaching strategies with learning styles. All administrators believed that students do exhibit different learning styles, learning styles have a place in education, and teachers should receive learning style training. They also expressed the belief that learning styles impact student learning, matching teaching strategies to learning styles was important for academic success, a learning style inventory was necessary, and matching mental health disorders to learning styles was important for academic achievement. The most documented change due to learning style-based instruction was evidenced by test scores and earned grades. All administrators wanted to learn more about learning styles. Almost 90% of administrators indicated that they were providing learning style training. Almost 100% (95.6%) reported they observed improvement on academic achievement due to learning style-based instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001249, ucf:46890
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001249
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE COMPARISON BETWEEN TEACHER PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL CLIMATE AND THE EXISTENCE OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY DIMENSIONS.
- Creator
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Kelton, Kathryn, McGee, Janet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research study was conducted to determine whether teachersÃÂ' perceptions of climate within a school had a significant influence on the dimensions that support a community of professional learners. Teachers from ten middle schools in one central Florida school district completed a combined survey design which included questions pertaining to both climate characteristics and Professional Learning Community (PLC) dimensions. Foundational theories regarding both...
Show moreThis research study was conducted to determine whether teachersÃÂ' perceptions of climate within a school had a significant influence on the dimensions that support a community of professional learners. Teachers from ten middle schools in one central Florida school district completed a combined survey design which included questions pertaining to both climate characteristics and Professional Learning Community (PLC) dimensions. Foundational theories regarding both learning organizations and organizational climate were explored. Recent research on the development of professional learning communities and school climate was also examined. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to investigate each research question; these statistics included Spearman rho correlations, multiple regressions, and chi-square analyses. Findings demonstrated that the null hypotheses were rejected or partially rejected for each research question. Significant relationships were found between teachersÃÂ' perceptions of school climate and the dimensions of a PLC. Of the demographic variables, only years of teaching experience was found to be not significantly related to the school climate dimensions. The implications of these results validate the importance of building a climate of supportive principal behavior and committed and collegial teacher behaviors, as demonstrated by the significant relationship of these characteristics to schools exhibiting higher degrees of the dimensions that constitute a PLC. Educational stakeholders wishing to develop schools into job-embedded communities of learners with evidence of the five dimensions (shared leadership, shared vision, collective creativity, peer review and supportive conditions) must attend to developing the climate behaviors necessary for that to occur. As demonstrated by the research results, establishing an appropriate school climate that promotes professional interaction, support, and teacher commitment to students is a strong place to begin.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003333, ucf:48460
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003333
- Title
- EFFECTS ON TEACHERS' MATHEMATICS CONTENT KNOWLEDGE OF A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY.
- Creator
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Price, Beverley, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research was to study the implementation of a professional learning community comprised of one group of third-grade teachers in a Florida elementary school where the emphasis was on research-based practices in the teaching of mathematics. Investigated were the growth of teachers' content knowledge in mathematics, specifically in the areas of multiplication and division, and the effects of their professional learning within their classrooms. Specifically this study looked...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to study the implementation of a professional learning community comprised of one group of third-grade teachers in a Florida elementary school where the emphasis was on research-based practices in the teaching of mathematics. Investigated were the growth of teachers' content knowledge in mathematics, specifically in the areas of multiplication and division, and the effects of their professional learning within their classrooms. Specifically this study looked at whether or not the participation of a group of third grade teachers in a professional learning community PLC improved the mathematical content knowledge of the participants of the study. This research design called for the research to be conducted in three phases. In Phase I, the researcher interviewed all participants using a researcher-designed interview guide. A researcher-adapted survey, based upon previously released items Ball (2008) was administered as a pre-test of mathematical content knowledge,. In Phase II of the study, the researcher documented the activities that occurred within a 10-week long professional learning community (PLC) of third-grade teachers. In Phase III of the research, a post-study interview was conducted with each of the participants by an independent observer to elicit participants' perceptions and observations based on their participation in the PLC. A post-test of content knowledge was also administered to the participants. Several themes were identified in the research study. These themes led to recommendations for practice and future research. Themes were related to the lack of mathematical understanding experienced by some teachers and the lack of professional development specifically related to mathematics, the value of the professional learning community, and the benefits of sharing current research and best practices. During this study, the participants were able to read and share examples of research-based best practices in mathematics, and participants then used this new information and additional mathematics content knowledge in their classrooms in teaching their students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003619, ucf:48856
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003619
- Title
- Volusia System For Empowering Teachers (VSET): Influence On Teacher Practice And Student Achievement.
- Creator
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Sileo-Robinson, Lesley, Hewitt, Randall, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study provides an empirical analysis of the primary assumptions of a newly implemented teacher evaluation system, namely that the specific teaching practices evaluated are related to student achievement, and that teacher-directed professional growth plans effectively shape teacher practices in a particular domain. Results of the study are intended to inform the interpretation and the refinement of the Volusia System for Empowering Teachers (VSET), which aims to build capacity in the...
Show moreThis study provides an empirical analysis of the primary assumptions of a newly implemented teacher evaluation system, namely that the specific teaching practices evaluated are related to student achievement, and that teacher-directed professional growth plans effectively shape teacher practices in a particular domain. Results of the study are intended to inform the interpretation and the refinement of the Volusia System for Empowering Teachers (VSET), which aims to build capacity in the Volusia teacher work force and ultimately to improve student performance (School Board of Volusia County Team Volusia, Race to the Top application, 2011). This study focused on 14 pilot schools within one school district that implemented VSET as a new teacher evaluation system. The data used in this study were drawn from a multi-metric teacher assessment used in VSET and measures of student achievement. The VSET evaluation model consists of three metrics that are assigned according to the specific categories of a teacher. Two of the metrics, the professional growth plan rating and the educator observation rating are based on Charlotte Danielson's (")Framework for Teaching(") (Danielson, 2007). The third metric, the valued added score is a measure of the teacher's impact on student learning. The current study focused on determining if there was a correlation between teaching practice and student achievement and to what extent teaching practice was impacted by teacher self-selection of components for professional growth in the teacher evaluation model. The findings suggest that there is not a statistically significant and reliable relationship between the value added score and teacher practices across components, as assessed by VSET evaluators. Follow up analyses did, however, show that higher evaluator observation scores are associated with improved school grades, suggesting a relationship between teacher impact on student performance. The results support the assumption that the successful completion of the VSET professional development growth plan is associated with teacher's instructional practices in the identified component.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004938, ucf:49614
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004938
- Title
- FOSTERING TEACHER'S CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ORDERING, ADDING, AND SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS THROUGH SCHOOL-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
- Creator
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Maguhn , Jessica, Dixon , Juli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In an attempt to examine my practice of providing conceptually-based professional development on fractions to fifth grade teachers, I conducted a series of four one hour professional development workshops. I focused on the conceptual understanding of ordering, adding, and subtracting fractions. I examined the solution process that teachers used to solve fraction problems and their abilities to explain and justify their solutions in an attempt to interpret their understanding. My data showed...
Show moreIn an attempt to examine my practice of providing conceptually-based professional development on fractions to fifth grade teachers, I conducted a series of four one hour professional development workshops. I focused on the conceptual understanding of ordering, adding, and subtracting fractions. I examined the solution process that teachers used to solve fraction problems and their abilities to explain and justify their solutions in an attempt to interpret their understanding. My data showed the effects of this workshop series. The study helped determine the effects of conceptually-based professional development on fractions as demonstrated in the teachers' discussions, participation, and written explanations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002608, ucf:48259
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002608
- Title
- The Helping Professional Wellness Discrepancy Scale (HPWDS): Development and Validation.
- Creator
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Blount, Ashley, Lambie, Glenn, Young, Mark, Taylor, Dalena, Ricard, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Wellness is an integral component of the helping professions (Myers (&) Sweeney, 2005; Witmer, 1985). Specifically, wellness is included in ethical codes, suggestions for practice, and codes of conduct throughout counseling, psychology, and social work fields (see American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, 2014; American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2010; National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, 1996). Even so, wellness...
Show moreWellness is an integral component of the helping professions (Myers (&) Sweeney, 2005; Witmer, 1985). Specifically, wellness is included in ethical codes, suggestions for practice, and codes of conduct throughout counseling, psychology, and social work fields (see American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, 2014; American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2010; National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, 1996). Even so, wellness in helping professionals is a difficult construct to measure. Thus, the purpose of the research investigation was to develop the Helping Professional Wellness Discrepancy Scale (HPWDS) and examine the psychometric features of the HPWDS in a sample of helping professionals and helping professionals-in-training. A correlational research design was employed for this investigation (Gall, Gall, (&) Borg, 2007). Specifically, the researcher examined: (a) the factor structure of the HPWDS with a sample of helping professionals; (b) the internal consistency reliability of the HPWDS; (c) the relationship between HPWDS scores and Counseling Burnout Inventory (CBI) scores; (d) the relationships between helping professionals' HPWDS scores and their reported demographic data; and (e) the relationship between HPWDS factor scores and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale-X1 (MCSDS-X1). The research questions were examined using: (a) Factor Analysis (FA), (b) Cronbach's alpha, (c) Spearman Rho correlation, (d) Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and (e) internal replication analysis. A review of the literature is provided, discussing theoretical and empirical support for all the items on the initial model of the HPWDS (n = 92) as well as for all the items included on the final HPWDS exploratory model (n = 22). The researcher investigated helping professionals' perceived levels of wellness, aspirational levels of wellness, and the discrepancy between perceived and aspirational levels of wellness. The data was collected via online, mail out, and face-to-face administration to increase methodological rigor. The sample size for the investigation was 657, with 88 coming from Face-to-Face sampling, 87 from mail out sampling, and 484 from online/email sampling. Data analysis resulted in a five-factor exploratory HPWDS model that accounted for 69.169% of the total variance. Model communalities were considered acceptable with only three communalities below the recommended .5 value. Factor 1 represented Professional (&) Personal Development Activities and accounted for 32.605% of the variance, Factor 2 represented Religion/Spirituality and accounts for 13.151% of the variance, Factor 3 represented Leisure Activities and accounted for 9.443% of the variance, Factor 4 represented Burnout and accounted for 7.198% of the variance, and Factor 5 represented Helping Professional Optimism and accounted for 6.773% of the variance. In addition to a literature review, the research methodology and research results are provided. Results of the research investigation are discussed and areas for future research, limitations of the study, and implications for the helping professions are presented. Some implications of the findings include: (a) a theoretically and methodologically sound instrument for assessing wellness discrepancies in helping professionals is important; (b) helping professionals should be aware of both the personal and professional activities they are engaging in to increase their knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as their leisure activity engagement; (c) it is advantageous for researchers to use the scale development procedures, rigorous sampling methodologies, and FA guidelines outlined throughout Chapters 3 and 4 when developing new assessments for evaluating helping professionals; and (d) a five factor wellness assessment allowing helping professionals to evaluate themselves in Professional (&) Personal Development Activities, Religion/Spirituality, Helping Professional Optimism, Leisure Activities, and Burnout arenas is integral in assessing wellness discrepancies in helping professionals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006026, ucf:51017
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006026
- Title
- Meeting the Needs of Students Through a Targeted Professional Development.
- Creator
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Copelin, Anthony, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Robinson, Edward, Hayes, Grant, Puig, Enrique, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study presents a complex problem of practice occurring at Primrose Elementary school [pseudonym]. A large portion of Primrose Elementary School's population has been unable to meet Florida's state reading proficiency standards over the last twelve years. Students of Primrose Elementary have a poor foundation in language on which to build vital reading skills. Consequently, students cannot overcome this deficiency because teachers lack the content knowledge to meet the students' language...
Show moreThis study presents a complex problem of practice occurring at Primrose Elementary school [pseudonym]. A large portion of Primrose Elementary School's population has been unable to meet Florida's state reading proficiency standards over the last twelve years. Students of Primrose Elementary have a poor foundation in language on which to build vital reading skills. Consequently, students cannot overcome this deficiency because teachers lack the content knowledge to meet the students' language and subsequent reading deficiencies, in spite of 12 years of reading professional development. This dissertation in practice will propose the use of targeted professional development to address below grade level reading performance. The proposed professional development should be delivered through a cyclical model focused on six, sequentially presented key elements: (1) knowledge of language development; (2) knowledge of text complexity; (3) modeling; (4) close reading; (5) collaborative conversations; and (6) independent reading. Delivery is designed to support reading proficiency through language acquisition. Delivery steps will (a) introduce, (b) practice and plan, (c) use, (d) reflect on, and (e) review each element as a skill. A review of school performance and literature correlated impacts of low student socioeconomic status and teacher quality on student reading outcomes
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005475, ucf:50336
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005475
- Title
- An Analysis of the Perceived Impact of Lesson Study on Improving Secondary School STEM Teacher Effectiveness.
- Creator
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Thompson, Daniel, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Doherty, Walter, Ellis, Amanda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which participating in lesson study was perceived to have an impact on teacher effectiveness. Secondary STEM graduates who come into education need a model of collaborative reflective practice for continuous improvement. Lesson study is one possible model of professional learning that is both reflective and collaborative (Sims (&) Walsh, 2009, p. 731). The cyclical nature of lesson study makes it a natural fit for continuous improvement...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which participating in lesson study was perceived to have an impact on teacher effectiveness. Secondary STEM graduates who come into education need a model of collaborative reflective practice for continuous improvement. Lesson study is one possible model of professional learning that is both reflective and collaborative (Sims (&) Walsh, 2009, p. 731). The cyclical nature of lesson study makes it a natural fit for continuous improvement. Yet, little research into the effectiveness of lesson study as a tool for new teacher preparation or for middle and high school teachers exists. As part of the University of Central Florida's RTP3 program, resident teachers from three school districts participated in lesson study. Their reflections on participating in lesson study were analyzed and interviews with designees from each school district were conducted. The resident teachers' reflections and the interviews with partner school district designees were analyzed using the constant comparison method (Parry, 2004). The reflections were closely examined for trends and patterns, and as commonalities emerged, they led to the findings of this study. After review of the school district lesson study models, they were confirmed and explored during the interviews with school district designees. Analysis showed lesson study was perceived to be beneficial by the resident teachers and two of the three school district designees described positive effects gained from participating in lesson study through RTP3. The literature review and the results of this study demonstrate that lesson study is a valuable tool for professional learning in both novice and veteran teachers. Themes frequently observed in lesson study reflections included increased focus on students, the value found in collaboration, and a desire to participate on future lesson study teams. Teachers, teacher preparation programs, and school administrators should consider the benefits of participating in lesson study and attempt to develop a plan to include this method of professional learning in their school or teacher preparation program.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005724, ucf:50130
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005724
- Title
- Developing and Validating the Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs Assessment Matrix.
- Creator
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Kennedy, Analexis, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Gill, Michele, Jahani, Shiva, Johnson, Jerry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a needs assessment matrix for secondary specialized literacy professionals that identified the professional learning needs of literacy coaches. This tool was developed in order to inform school districts and secondary specialized literacy professionals about the types of professional learning support they will need for them to effectively meet the literacy needs of teachers in secondary schools. The Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate a needs assessment matrix for secondary specialized literacy professionals that identified the professional learning needs of literacy coaches. This tool was developed in order to inform school districts and secondary specialized literacy professionals about the types of professional learning support they will need for them to effectively meet the literacy needs of teachers in secondary schools. The Secondary Literacy Professionals Needs Assessment Matrix (SLPNAM) was created using a variety of methods. A synthesis of literature regarding school improvement, adolescent literacy, 21stcentury skills, adult learning, literacy coaching and the 2017 International Literacy Association's Standards for Specialized Literacy Professionals was used to provide the conceptual framework for the SLPNAM. The SLPNAM items were developed by interviewing coaching and content experts, going through several iterations before the final instrument was developed. Construct validity was established through exploratory factor analysis, and internal reliability was determined through Cronbach's Alpha. Sixty-four participants from 18 school districts in Florida responded to the SLPNAM. Data analysis indicated that the SLPNAM had a high level of internal reliability, and data reduction was used to ensure that items correlated with constructs it was intended to correlate with. Data from the exploratory factor analysisof the SLPNAM confirmed that construct validity was established. The results from this study provide opportunities for school districts to differentiate professional learning for literacy professionals. It also provides data for school administrators to define the role of the coach and assists secondary literacy professionals in setting professional learning goals specific to their roles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007825, ucf:52826
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007825