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- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF PRINCIPALS OF VOUCHER ELIGIBLE HIGH SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA.
- Creator
-
Bolen, Robert, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The publication of A Nation at Risk in 1983 has prompted a series of attempts to revise the educational system's outcomes. Legislative and executive reform bills have resulted in Educational Vouchers being a prime source of reform. A case study of the perceptions of public high school principals in Florida that are at Voucher Eligible high schools to those perceptions of principals at schools graded 'A' as of the 2002-03 academic school year was the focus of this study. Four...
Show moreThe publication of A Nation at Risk in 1983 has prompted a series of attempts to revise the educational system's outcomes. Legislative and executive reform bills have resulted in Educational Vouchers being a prime source of reform. A case study of the perceptions of public high school principals in Florida that are at Voucher Eligible high schools to those perceptions of principals at schools graded 'A' as of the 2002-03 academic school year was the focus of this study. Four public high school principals from two Florida districts were used in this study. Two schools were identified as Voucher Eligible and graded "F" and two were examples of best practices or graded "A" or "B". Analyzed data identified recurring patterns between the four schools.Both advocates and detractors view of vouchers would be given a full historical review. Included in the research were the four major educational criteria of educational vouchers that were used in voucher development policy. The three major components of Florida's Voucher Programs, along with the No Child Left Behind Act were examined along with accountability measures and parent/student rights. The data revealed that there was a positive relationship between the minority rate of a school and the school's grade. Data also revealed that it would be beneficial for all schools and communities to work together to address the reading level issue as these programs have shown a positive relationship between the overall reading level and the school's grade.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001565, ucf:47152
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001565
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006253, ucf:51033
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006253
- Title
- MAKING THE DECISION: FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Himschoot, Brian, Murray, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information...
Show moreIn the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information about local schools paramount. While scholarly work on charter schools, the effects of media coverage on public opinion, and how parents make choices for their children exists, in many cases the research offers inconclusive results and rarely was there an attempt to connect all three. This paper, written from a parent's perspective, analyzes research, newspaper articles, interviews, and surveys of Central Florida's media outlets, public school representatives, and parents of young children to determine the types of information on charter schools available to parents of young children in Central Florida. The purpose of this thesis will be to investigate the information available to parents when considering a charter school for their young children by comparing the stated opinions of the local media, district school boards, and the charters themselves. It also identifies who is responsible for disseminating this information, and how the parents choose to gather and use this information.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004466, ucf:45105
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004466
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, BEHAVIOR, AND ATTENDANCE.
- Creator
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Berger, Beth, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between character education and the number of incidents of crimes and violence, attendance rates, and academic achievement in Florida public schools. Proponents of character education such as Lickona (1991) and Murphy (1998) posited that there was a positive correlation between teaching and practicing the six pillars of character education, and student achievement, and increased attendance. They also posited...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between character education and the number of incidents of crimes and violence, attendance rates, and academic achievement in Florida public schools. Proponents of character education such as Lickona (1991) and Murphy (1998) posited that there was a positive correlation between teaching and practicing the six pillars of character education, and student achievement, and increased attendance. They also posited that there was a negative correlation between character education and incidents of crime and violence. The researcher acquired data in an attempt to determine whether or not the views of Lickona (1991), Murphy (1998) and others holding this view would yield similar results in the Florida public schools. The theoretical framework for the study was Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory of moral reasoning. The study was compiled between 2003 and 2004 based on data for the 1998-1999 school year and the 2002-2003 school year. These dates were chosen because they were the pre-implementation year (1998-1999) and four years after the character education mandate went into effect. Data from 67 Florida counties were solicited and 10 counties selected as samples of effective character education implementers and non-effective character education implementers in their elementary schools. Utilizing Statistical Package for Social Science (2004), data were analyzed for statistically significant relationships in order to confirm or negate the null hypotheses. The tests utilized were repeated measures ANOVAs. The study found a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a character education program in their elementary schools and student attendance, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. The study did not find a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a successful character education program in their elementary schools and student achievement, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. The study did not find a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a successful character education program in their elementary schools and lowered incidents of crime and violence, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. In all school districts studied, however, over the four-year period incidents of crime and violence were reduced, the absenteeism rate was reduced, and achievement had increased. This could have been due to the implementation of any type of character education program or it may have been due to other programs implemented in the Florida schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000333, ucf:46283
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000333
- Title
- Student Engagement and Ethical Care in a Title I Middle School Program.
- Creator
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Anderson, Marguerite, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Robinson, Edward, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACTThe purpose of this dissertation was to determine if the foundational constructs (student engagement and ethical care) were experienced by the 8th grade students that participated in a morning tutoring program: Future Problem Solvers. A mixed methods design was adopted for the purpose of this study including raw data, survey data, informal observations, and face-to-face interviews. The goal was to determine if the 28 participants (male and female) demonstrated academic success on the...
Show moreABSTRACTThe purpose of this dissertation was to determine if the foundational constructs (student engagement and ethical care) were experienced by the 8th grade students that participated in a morning tutoring program: Future Problem Solvers. A mixed methods design was adopted for the purpose of this study including raw data, survey data, informal observations, and face-to-face interviews. The goal was to determine if the 28 participants (male and female) demonstrated academic success on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (Science). The study was also conducted in order to explore the level of student engagement and the development of reciprocating relationships based ethical care between the teacher and the students.The findings from the quantitative analysis using the Mann Whitney U indicated that the FSP participants did make academic gains on the FCAT (Science) test to a higher degree than non-participants: Non-Participants (Mean Rank = 182.37) and Participants (Mean Rank = 332.96). The significance was established where p = .00. The quantitative analysis using frequency data also revealed that the majority of the participants reported that they were engaged in learning and made strong efforts when doing and completing their schoolwork. They also participated in class, as well as school based activities. Furthermore, they reported that they felt a sense of belonging and were supported by the staff.The findings from the qualitative analysis indicated that the teacher did model care to the students. He engaged them in dialogue about caring relationships and confirmed and encouraged the best in them. The responses on the interviews completed by the teacher and the principal, as well as the students give evidence that strong relationships developed between the students and the teacher. Moreover, that these reciprocating relationships were built on trust and care.The discussion and interpretations emphasizes the need for professional development, and the need for policy that strives to support student engagement and ethical care above high stakes testing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005456, ucf:50379
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005456
- Title
- A comparative analysis of public school collective bargaining agreements in Florida.
- Creator
-
Berk, Aliza, Bartee, RoSusan, Gordon, William, Doherty, Walter, Edyburn, Dave, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examines the terms and conditions found in the 67 Florida public school collective bargaining agreements. Such collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between two parties, the teacher unions and their employers, under Florida Statute 447. The purpose of this mixed-methods study, conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, is as follows: 1) to determine the extent to which CBA provisions exist within the master contracts of Florida teachers (2016-2017...
Show moreThis study examines the terms and conditions found in the 67 Florida public school collective bargaining agreements. Such collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between two parties, the teacher unions and their employers, under Florida Statute 447. The purpose of this mixed-methods study, conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, is as follows: 1) to determine the extent to which CBA provisions exist within the master contracts of Florida teachers (2016-2017) and; 2) to determine the extent to which, if any, collective bargaining provisions vary among school districts (i.e. district size, district performance, district locale). The study finds that none of the eight desirable provisions were present in all 66 collective bargaining agreements indicating that collective bargaining agreements vary in terms of the inclusion of desirable provisions for teachers. The study also finds that that spatial relationship plays a role in determining bargaining outcomes. The results of this study provide insight into the terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements in Florida; thereby providing Florida school districts with information to construct the best possible competitive contracts in the future, which would then attract top talent as well as to protect the best interests of their districts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007431, ucf:52711
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007431
- Title
- An Analysis of Teacher Tenure Legislation in the United States.
- Creator
-
Bruckmeyer, Barbra, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the legal issues of teacher tenure in public K-12 schools in the United States. Included in this study is a review of the pertinent case law as it pertains to teacher tenure as well as a conclusive review, analysis, and summary of all relevant state statutes concerning teacher tenure in the United States. The federal statutes that influence state teacher tenure laws are also included in this study.Teacher tenure in public K-12 schools was originally derived from the...
Show moreThis study examined the legal issues of teacher tenure in public K-12 schools in the United States. Included in this study is a review of the pertinent case law as it pertains to teacher tenure as well as a conclusive review, analysis, and summary of all relevant state statutes concerning teacher tenure in the United States. The federal statutes that influence state teacher tenure laws are also included in this study.Teacher tenure in public K-12 schools was originally derived from the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which provided job protections to federal civil service employees. The National Education Association (NEA) lobbied for teachers to be included in this law, and in 1909, New Jersey became the first state to offer tenure protections to public school teachers. Over the next century, every state in the union adopted similar laws and provided job protections to public school teachers. These laws have included the number of probationary years a teacher must work in order to earn tenure, the reasons a tenured teacher can be terminated, and the due process required in the event that a tenured teacher should require termination. In recent years, however, states have begun to alter or remove the tenure laws. Florida, Idaho, and Mississippi have already removed tenure protections for new teachers. Several states have bills moving through the state house and senate asking legislators to continue the elimination of tenure across the country. This study makes conclusions about the current state of tenure laws in the United States and the federal laws that are causing rapid changes in tenure legislation across the country. This study also makes conclusions from relevant research and case law about the legitimacy of further changes to teacher tenure legislation. This study makes recommendations to school officials and legislators about teacher tenure and its value within the school system, as well as how they might eliminate the flaws in the process that are driving the legislative changes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004362, ucf:49415
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004362
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN FLORIDA CHARTER AND NON-CHARTER PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS 2007-2009.
- Creator
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Sommella, Shannon, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine if any relationship existed between the change in developmental scale scores (DSS) on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) for reading and mathematics, in selected Florida school districts among charter and non-charter public high schools, for grades 9 and 10. This study also investigated if any relationship existed in student achievement based on student demographics (gender, economically disadvantaged, primary home language (ELL) and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if any relationship existed between the change in developmental scale scores (DSS) on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) for reading and mathematics, in selected Florida school districts among charter and non-charter public high schools, for grades 9 and 10. This study also investigated if any relationship existed in student achievement based on student demographics (gender, economically disadvantaged, primary home language (ELL) and ethnicity), and examined if there was a difference in professional demographics of faculty (advanced degrees, teachers' average years of teaching experience, and percent of courses taught by out of field teachers gender), among charter and non-charter public high schools in the state of Florida. School data were analyzed from 234 charter and non-charter public high schools, within 15 districts across the state of Florida, for the years 2007-2009. The findings of this research suggest charter high schools in the state of Florida are not keeping the pace with their traditional public high school counterparts. Over a three year period, charter high schools had significantly lower developmental scale scores on the FCAT, in both reading and mathematics, than non-charter public high schools. The findings also suggest that student demographics, with respect to male gender, economically disadvantaged, and ELL, combined with charter school status, negatively impact student achievement as measured by DSS. The disparity noted with regard to faculty demographics between charter and non-charter public high schools, only touches on some considerable differences between the two school types; more information is needed on the variations so parents and students can make informed choices. For future research, replication of this study with an expanded sample size of charter schools and a longer period of time for data collection was recommended. Separate studies are recommended on the differences between charter and non-charter public schools with regard to instructional time, curriculum or grade levels offered, the differences between parent and student perceptions, and the differences between funding and principal background as it relates to student achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003476, ucf:48985
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003476
- Title
- MORAL COGNITION IN CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF SCHOOL DIDACTIC PHILOSOPHIES.
- Creator
-
Shah, Smit, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects that Montessori and public school environments have on the moral cognition of children and to assess the differences using modified moral dilemma stories. Through the analysis of these children's responses on moral dilemma stories this thesis reveals that there are stark and statistically significant differences in the children's responses on two of the three stories. The Montessori children scored higher on the morality level and the...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects that Montessori and public school environments have on the moral cognition of children and to assess the differences using modified moral dilemma stories. Through the analysis of these children's responses on moral dilemma stories this thesis reveals that there are stark and statistically significant differences in the children's responses on two of the three stories. The Montessori children scored higher on the morality level and the answers reflected altruism over authority on story one and story three. Through these results the researcher surmised that school environment can have an impact on moral cognition of children and that further research needs to be done in this field.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004075, ucf:44810
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004075
- Title
- CASE STUDIES OF READING PERFORMANCE OF MALE STUDENTS AND THE SINGLE-SEX CLASSROOM.
- Creator
-
Basilo, Eric, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Data from standardized test scores shows boys are falling further behind in literacy each year. Thanks to countless hours of research, we can pinpoint some of the causes for this decline. The major challenge educators face is how to keep boys interested in reading while placed in classrooms not necessarily designed to meet their needs. One option being explored is the use of single-sex classrooms. For over 160 years in the United States, public school single-sex classrooms have existed. The...
Show moreData from standardized test scores shows boys are falling further behind in literacy each year. Thanks to countless hours of research, we can pinpoint some of the causes for this decline. The major challenge educators face is how to keep boys interested in reading while placed in classrooms not necessarily designed to meet their needs. One option being explored is the use of single-sex classrooms. For over 160 years in the United States, public school single-sex classrooms have existed. The thought is that by separating boys and girls for academic classes, certain distractions will be eliminated, the environment can be adapted to accommodate the needs of boys, and teachers can teach in a style more appropriate to the gender. This study investigated how successful single-sex classrooms are in promoting student achievement. By taking data from the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education (NASSPE), and standardized test scores from selected states, the study looked at any statistical differences that occurred within schools containing academic, single-sex classrooms, and coeducational classrooms. Further, the study investigated whether significant differences occurred between gender groups within schools containing single-sex classrooms and those within coeducational ones. Finally, the study looked at presentation methods within these classes. Findings of the study indicated that for single-sex classes to be effective, further research must occur in order to develop best-teaching practices applicable to each gender. The study also demonstrated the need for professional development opportunities for single-sex classroom teachers, as success in such classrooms was found to be possible and demonstrable. Furthermore, the study indicated a need to identify students who would most benefit from inclusion in a single-sex classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002019, ucf:47618
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002019
- Title
- Exploring the Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Between Athletes and Non-Athletes in Four Central Florida Public High Schools.
- Creator
-
Redd, Alison, Valdes, Anna, Stout, Jeffrey, Fisher, Thomas, Garcia, Jeanette, Fukuda, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The federal reimbursable meals offered in American school cafeterias have recently been revised with improved nutrition standards yet may not meet the needs of student athletes who require additional energy intake. While many epidemiological studies report high numbers of adolescents who are overweight or obese, there are close to eight million high school students involved in interscholastic sports(-)more now than ever before. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to establish...
Show moreThe federal reimbursable meals offered in American school cafeterias have recently been revised with improved nutrition standards yet may not meet the needs of student athletes who require additional energy intake. While many epidemiological studies report high numbers of adolescents who are overweight or obese, there are close to eight million high school students involved in interscholastic sports(-)more now than ever before. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to establish participation rates in the federal school meals programs in a local Central Florida school district between athlete and non-athlete high school populations. Additionally, the study aimed to establish athlete and non-athlete participation rates in the federal free/reduced lunch program and determine the average number of hours spent in physical activity between athlete and non-athletes in one week. An online questionnaire was developed to assess students' self-reported energy intake and energy expenditure through sport participation and physical activity acquired during leisure time. Results of the study revealed no significance difference in federal school breakfast or lunch consumption rates between athletes and non-athletes. The study also revealed similar participation rates in the free and reduced lunch program between athlete and non-athletes when purchasing school lunches. Additionally, while non-athletes reported more average hours acquiring physical activity in their leisure time than athletes did, athletes accrued more average hours of overall physical activity due to time spent in interscholastic sport practice. Lastly, results determined significant differences in Body Mass Index (BMI) with athletes having lower BMIs than non-athletes. If meals policies evolve to be more accurately reflective of energy intake needs of athletes and non-athletes, school meals could appropriately fuel student performance in the classroom, the athletic field, and beyond.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007239, ucf:52230
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007239
- Title
- Students Who Are Gifted and Public School Enrollment Choices Their Parents Make.
- Creator
-
Austin, Leigh, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Baldwin, Lee, Brooks, Bridget, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be...
Show moreABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be influenced by factors within the school as well as those factors outside of the school. The purpose of this study was to research factors that may influence the parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school. The research studied parental perceptions of academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education for their child who is gifted and the parents' willingness to keep their child who is gifted enrolled at their current school. The target group in the study was parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in a very large urban school district but did not include parents of children who are gifted and also have a disability.The research included the analysis of a survey and follow-up interview questions with parents of a child who is gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. There were 683 survey responses out of 4,401 total parents surveyed with a return rate of 16%. The low return rate is considered a limitation of the study and it is recommended to conduct additional research on the majority of parents who did not participate in the survey. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. The survey and interview data was coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. There were two research questions that guided the development of the research process and the analysis of data. The first question focused on indicators of parent satisfaction that included academic needs met, social and emotional needs met, and principal support for gifted education. The survey and interview data yielded mixed results with parents split between the belief that their child's academic needs were met, social and emotional needs were met, and that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The second research question considered the relationship between the three indicators of parent satisfaction and the parents' willingness to consider enrolling their child in a school solely for students who are gifted. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the parents' belief that their child's academic needs were met and the parents' consideration to send their child to a school solely for students who are gifted. However, there was a lack of evidence to establish a relationship between parent's belief about their child's social and emotional needs or the parents belief that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The implications of the study are numerous. There are enough parents willing to consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted to support opening the school. The majority of the survey participants had elementary school children; therefore, consideration should be focused on opening an elementary school for students who are gifted. Long range planning is needed to determine how to support the school for students who are gifted as well as the impact of transferring the students from one school zone to the school for students who are gifted. The literature reflected the diverse nature of the parents' satisfaction with academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education and revealed that when the parents' are satisfied it does not guarantee that the parent will keep their child enrolled in their current school. The need for on-going communication between the school and the parents are critical to keeping the student enrolled in their current school.Further research is needed to determine the beliefs of parents with children who are gifted and identify themselves as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or another race since the majority of the survey participants were White. More research is also needed to determine the reasons why large numbers of parents would consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted regardless of their satisfaction levels with school support. In addition, further research needs to be conducted to determine why parents would choose to keep their child enrolled in their current school when the parents believed their academic or social and emotional needs were not met or their principal was not supportive of gifted education.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005759, ucf:50092
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005759
- Title
- A Formative Process Evaluation Study of Teacher Usage of a Learning Management System in a K-12 Public School.
- Creator
-
Franzese, Victoria, Gunter, Glenda, Swan, Bonnie, Hartshorne, Richard, Vitale, Thomas, Rath, Victoria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study is to explore teacher perceptions, concerns, and integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a K-12 public school. With more educational institutions adopting LMSs, it is imperative to examine teachers' concerns regarding the tool as teachers have an important role in how effectively an innovation(-)such as an LMS(-)is implemented (Lochner, Conrad, (&) Graham, 2015). Ultimately, adoption of an innovation can be successful if teachers have an understanding of...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore teacher perceptions, concerns, and integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a K-12 public school. With more educational institutions adopting LMSs, it is imperative to examine teachers' concerns regarding the tool as teachers have an important role in how effectively an innovation(-)such as an LMS(-)is implemented (Lochner, Conrad, (&) Graham, 2015). Ultimately, adoption of an innovation can be successful if teachers have an understanding of the components leading to the innovation's success, such as the innovation's value in enhancing both the curriculum and the students' learning experiences (Lochner et al., 2015). This study used the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) as a main framework to not only measure implementation of the LMS, but to also increase the likelihood of the LMS effecting positive change in schools (George, Hall, (&) Stiegelbauer, 2006). The framework's Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) was used with participants to determine teachers' concerns. The sample population for this study consisted of secondary teachers at a public high school in central Florida in 2017. Out of the 125 teachers employed at the school, a total of 36 (n = 36) participated in the online survey. Three of the teachers surveyed then participated in interviews to provide additional insight.Data was analyzed and organized into five main topics: (a) Stages of Concern Profile; (b) teacher concerns; (c) benefits of the LMS; (d) barriers to the LMS; and (e) teacher needs. An analysis of the survey data revealed that the study's survey participants, on average, had the highest concerns at Stage 0 (Unconcerned), Stage 1 (Informational) and Stage 2 (Personal), thus indicating the group conformed to a non-user profile when it comes to LMS use. An analysis of the interview data revealed an overall positive disposition toward the LMS with the self-awareness that participants have more to learn about its capabilities. Results suggested that LMS implementation should be refined in order to allow participants to advance to higher stages of concern (George et al., 2006). Further research should be conducted on other areas of LMS implementation, including the students' perceptions and concerns when it comes to using the LMS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006739, ucf:51834
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006739
- 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
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000093, ucf:46126
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000093
- Title
- Selecting methods to teach controversial topics: A grounded theory study.
- Creator
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Loomis, Sean, Russell, William, Waring, Scott, Hewitt, Randall, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This grounded theory study examined the perceptions of 14 high school social studies teachers from three school districts in the Central Florida area. They were interviewed to uncover the decision-making process that high school social studies teachers use to choose methodologies when teaching controversial public issues (CPIs). The result was a three-phase model, the CPI Decision-Making Model, in which teachers move through three conceptual phases to decide on a particular methodology. By...
Show moreThis grounded theory study examined the perceptions of 14 high school social studies teachers from three school districts in the Central Florida area. They were interviewed to uncover the decision-making process that high school social studies teachers use to choose methodologies when teaching controversial public issues (CPIs). The result was a three-phase model, the CPI Decision-Making Model, in which teachers move through three conceptual phases to decide on a particular methodology. By working through this process, teachers analyze the benefits and drawbacks of different methods for teaching controversial public issues. Significant results from this study included: (a) teachers were choosing to avoid teaching CPIs with standard-level students with student-centered methods, (b) teachers received little to no training in alternative methods and no training in how to deal with controversy in the classroom, (c) teachers possibly overestimated their ability to remain neutral in the classroom, and (d) teachers were learning their methodologies for teaching CPIs through unorthodox means.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007672, ucf:52492
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007672
- Title
- The Effect of Habitat for Humanity Homeownership on Student Attendance and Standardized Test Scores in Orange County Florida School District.
- Creator
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Harris, Charles, Kincaid, John, Uddin, Nizam, Rivers, Kenyatta, Wiegand, Rudolf, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The mobility of low-income students who do not have access to stable housing creates numerous challenges both at home and in school. Among these challenges, academic performance certainly is one of the most important. The lack of a more permanent, familiar, and safe environment is presumed to impact home life as well as students' performance in the classroom. This research compares two groups of current and former students of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Florida (1) children of...
Show moreThe mobility of low-income students who do not have access to stable housing creates numerous challenges both at home and in school. Among these challenges, academic performance certainly is one of the most important. The lack of a more permanent, familiar, and safe environment is presumed to impact home life as well as students' performance in the classroom. This research compares two groups of current and former students of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Florida (1) children of families who are Habitat for Humanity (HFH) homeowners, and (2) a matched socioeconomic control group. The HFH program is designed to provide a stable, affordable housing for families who cannot acquire it through standard means. The research question is: Does stability in housing make an impact on academic performance in the particular area of FCAT scores and attendance? Data were gathered from OCPS and the HFH homeowners themselves. This data were used to evaluate the impact of HFH homeownership on students' academic environment. Results showed better attendance at school, but HFH students fared worse in FCAT performance when compared to control group especially in reading.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005504, ucf:50360
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005504
- Title
- A Study of the Effects of Voluntary Prekindergarten Providers on Kindergarten Readiness.
- Creator
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Drummond, Toni, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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American parents have a myriad of choices when it comes to educating their children, and these choices begin in the very beginning stages of children's educational journey. Where parents decide to have their child spend their early formative years can have far-reaching implications for that child's future. The focus of this research was to examine if a difference exists in kindergarten readiness preparation offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers in the state of Florida. The VPK...
Show moreAmerican parents have a myriad of choices when it comes to educating their children, and these choices begin in the very beginning stages of children's educational journey. Where parents decide to have their child spend their early formative years can have far-reaching implications for that child's future. The focus of this research was to examine if a difference exists in kindergarten readiness preparation offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers in the state of Florida. The VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of public schools were compared to the VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of private learning centers and, more specifically, of Seventh-day Adventist private learning centers. Furthermore, this study was conducted to examine whether a difference exists in the kindergarten readiness between VPK providers in urban and rural counties. This quantitative, non-experimental, causal comparative study explored the Kindergarten Readiness Rates of each of the 5,636 public and private VPK providers in the state of Florida. The Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener was used to assess the kindergarten readiness level of each student. Individual student scores were tracked to the VPK provider that the students attended in order to assign a Readiness Rate for each provider. This screener consisted of the Early Childhood Observation SystemTM (ECHOSTM) and the Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading (FAIR).A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to examine significant differences between public school, private, and Seventh-day Adventist providers. The ANOVA was followed by a Scheffe post-hoc test to determine where differences occurred. The findings revealed that there existed a statistically significant difference in the means of public school and private VPK providers. Public school providers were found to have achieved higher Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates than private providers. It was also found that though Seventh-day Adventist providers had a slightly lower average Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate than public school providers and a slightly higher average than other private providers, this difference was not statistically significant. A two-way factorial ANOVA was performed to examine if significant differences existed in the average Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate when considering both the type of community (urban or rural) where the provider was located and the type of provider (public or private). The findings indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in Provider Readiness Rate when examining the interaction between the provider type and community type.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004833, ucf:49694
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004833
- Title
- Central Florida School Districts' Responses to Hispanic Growth, 1980-2010.
- Creator
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Hazen, Kendra, Cassanello, Robert, Lester, Connie, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Since the 1980s, Hispanics have been the fastest growing minority in the United States and have been moving into rural, Southern areas where there have previously not been populations of Hispanics. Studies of these demographic changes have concentrated on how communities impacted by the influx of Hispanics have created or adjusted socioeconomic and political infrastructures to accommodate the linguistic and cultural needs of the Hispanic population. The public-school system is a...
Show moreSince the 1980s, Hispanics have been the fastest growing minority in the United States and have been moving into rural, Southern areas where there have previously not been populations of Hispanics. Studies of these demographic changes have concentrated on how communities impacted by the influx of Hispanics have created or adjusted socioeconomic and political infrastructures to accommodate the linguistic and cultural needs of the Hispanic population. The public-school system is a sociopolitical structure that has affected and has been affected by the increase in Hispanics. Whereas the modern Civil Rights movement had created legal precedence for students' language rights and led to the creation of the federal Bilingual Education Act of 1968, nationalist backlash to this rise in Hispanic immigrants led to the eventual defunding of federal bilingual education programs by the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. This thesis is a policy history of Hispanic growth in the public-school systems in Orange, Lake and Osceola counties in Florida from 1980 to 2010. During that time, the three counties grew and diversified at different rates and made decisions for their English for Speakers of Other Languages programs that correlated with the size of their Hispanic population. This time frame encompasses Osceola's fastest period of growth which led to the creation of the Florida Consent Decree, Florida public schools' framework for remaining compliant with federal and state language policies. Even though federal funds for English acquisition programs replaced funds for bilingual or native language instruction during this time, Hispanic and non-Hispanic teachers, administrators, community or activist groups and parents continued to exert agency in gaining culturally inclusive and linguistically affirming language instruction programs for their children.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007649, ucf:52507
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007649
- Title
- An Analysis of Race and Gender in Select Choice Programs Within Brevard County Public Schools.
- Creator
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Doaks, Synthia, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Lee, Thedy, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research was to compare the student membership population proportions, by race and gender, of Brevard County Public School students with the actual participation in select choice programs offered to Brevard County public high school students. This study was based on an analysis of the scores of 1,152 eighth-grade students who received a score of 4 or 5 on the 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) mathematics and a score of 4 or 5 on the 2008 Florida Comprehensive...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to compare the student membership population proportions, by race and gender, of Brevard County Public School students with the actual participation in select choice programs offered to Brevard County public high school students. This study was based on an analysis of the scores of 1,152 eighth-grade students who received a score of 4 or 5 on the 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) mathematics and a score of 4 or 5 on the 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading and their participation in high school advanced academic courses. The advanced academic choice programs selected for this study consisted of the four Florida articulated accelerated college credit seeking programs: Advanced Placement (AP), Dual-Enrollment (DE), International Baccalaureate(&)#174; (IB) Diploma Programme, and the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). The proportion comparison consisted of student membership data and eighth-grade FCAT scores from 2007-2008 and the student membership data and high school course load data from the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 academic school years. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests were run to analyze the proportions by race and gender of the sample groups and student membership populations. For each respective year involved in this study, there was a statistically significant difference in the race and gender proportions of the samples and the student membership populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005325, ucf:50509
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005325