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Title: A FOCUS GROUP OF ADOLESCENT HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS: FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN A FLORIDA PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
Creator: Pichard, Mercedes, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as...
Show moreThe goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as influences on their behavior was related to Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory. The relevance of certain questions concerning academic success for Haitian students was investigated through group interviews and focus group interviews textual data. The resulting qualitative exploratory study is meant to further our understandings of the Haitian students' perceived and real successes, as well as to further additive bicultural educational practice in public high school settings where Haitian students are found. The literature review and results of this study found that there were many factors, student characteristics and student perceptions that could be used to explain Haitian immigrant adolescent student achievement in Florida public high school course work. Thirteen themes of concern to the students were developed in the data analysis. The Haitian adolescent immigrant students are able to speak purposefully, cogently, powerfully and coherently (English-language skills permitting) on numerous questions surrounding their thoughts and perceptions about their own success, academically or in their future careers. We can see that these students are able to define and discuss issues, make plans and recommendations for their own success, and state what is available/helpful and what is lacking for them in their high school. Suggested uses for the study included making some suggestions for the reorganization and implementation of certain educational resources for these Haitian adolescent students, and also making recommendations for future research, including but not limited to a study examining, implementing and assessing a pilot program which increases the career-counseling and vocational-planning resources available for these older secondary LEP students.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000945, ucf:46737
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000945

Title: High School Students Attending College: A Study of the Dual Enrollment Program and its Impact on the Postsecondary Institution of Brevard Community College.
Creator: Hiesterman, Matthew, Rivera, Fernando, Gay, David, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study looks at the dual enrollment program at Brevard Community College in the state of Florida. It uses new interview data to determine if the positive and negative aspects of the program established by the literature still pertain. Four main themes were identified by the study of dual enrollment students and the postsecondary institution: money, quality of students, quantity of students, and opportunities of students and the institution. A discussion of each side of the discourse are...
Show moreThis study looks at the dual enrollment program at Brevard Community College in the state of Florida. It uses new interview data to determine if the positive and negative aspects of the program established by the literature still pertain. Four main themes were identified by the study of dual enrollment students and the postsecondary institution: money, quality of students, quantity of students, and opportunities of students and the institution. A discussion of each side of the discourse are made in order to help the program retain its positive attributes. While quality, quantity, and money are all issues concerning the day to day problems that arise in the program, it would appear that the motivation and reason a student is in the dual enrollment program drastically affects all three of these themes as they have the ability to positively or negatively use the opportunity of being in the program. Recommendations are made which may allow the institution and those involved in the dual enrollment program, specifically the faculty, to run as smoothly, efficiently, and productively as possible.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004862, ucf:49685
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004862

Title: A STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION HAS ON STUDENTS' ULTIMATE ACADEMIC SUCCESS.
Creator: Gunderson, Margaret Mary, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to determine if vocational/business education has an influence on a student's ultimate academic achievement--high school graduation. This study consists of comparing students with no vocational/business education experiences to students with some degree of vocational/business education. The cohort group started high school during the 1999-2000 school year, had earned a GPA of 2.5 or lower at the end of the freshman year (May 2000) and finished high school...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to determine if vocational/business education has an influence on a student's ultimate academic achievement--high school graduation. This study consists of comparing students with no vocational/business education experiences to students with some degree of vocational/business education. The cohort group started high school during the 1999-2000 school year, had earned a GPA of 2.5 or lower at the end of the freshman year (May 2000) and finished high school prior to the start of the 2003-2004 school year. There were 322 students identified in the initial cohort group. In completing this study, the following procedures were implemented: related literature was reviewed to provide a background of the role vocational/business education plays and the effect vocational/business education has on a student's achievement, data were collected and a survey was taken. The data collected included grade point average, standardized test scores, attendance, discipline and whether or not the student withdrew prior to graduation. The data were analyzed using ANOVA to determine a significant difference. Significance was tested at the .05 level. Data related to withdraws were analyzed using the Chi-Square Test of Independence. The researcher developed and implemented a survey instrument. The survey was offered to all Lyman graduates in the class of 2003 over the age of 18 who had completed at least two courses in one vocational/business program. These students were asked to describe the significance and relevance of their vocational/business education training to their high school experience and career choice (which may include college education). The survey asked students to list advantages and disadvantages of their vocational/business education training and their participation in co-curricular organizations. Students were asked to state their perception of the effect that the vocational/business classes had upon their academic achievement. The following results were obtained from this research. There was not a statistically significant difference in grade point averages, standardized test scores, absences and out-of-school suspensions. There was a statistically significant difference in in-school suspensions and withdraws prior to graduation. There were 227 students who withdrew prior to graduation. Of the 227 students, 91 had no vocational/business education and 96 had taken some amount of vocational/business education training (one course in one or more vocational/business education programs). Of the 95 students who remained throughout the four years of high school, 84 of the students graduated. Of the 84 students who graduated, 56 of the students completed a vocational/business education program. All graduates who responded to the survey strongly agreed that vocational/business education had a positive effect on their academic achievement.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000007, ucf:46076
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000007

Title: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF SEVEN URBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS RELATED TO RETENTION.
Creator: Dunn, Lu, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Job satisfaction is essential to retain teachers in classrooms. Increased challenges in today's classrooms discourage many teachers from reaching veteran status. Teachers with a perception that they are making a difference appear to have more resilience in the difficult times in their classrooms. Purpose: To investigate the experiences of middle school science teachers. This study explored the influence of perceptions, beliefs, and experiences on job attrition and teacher...
Show moreBackground: Job satisfaction is essential to retain teachers in classrooms. Increased challenges in today's classrooms discourage many teachers from reaching veteran status. Teachers with a perception that they are making a difference appear to have more resilience in the difficult times in their classrooms. Purpose: To investigate the experiences of middle school science teachers. This study explored the influence of perceptions, beliefs, and experiences on job attrition and teacher satisfaction; and helps explain the cumulative effects that contributed to teachers' dissatisfaction. This study analyzed the intensification of the teaching profession and the increased emotional stress this causes for teachers. Setting: Five public middle schools in a large urban school district in central Florida. A total of seven teachers participated in the study. Subjects: Seven middle school science teachers were selected based on their years of experience, method of teacher training, and ability to participate in the entire study. Research Design: Phenomenological. Data Collection and Analysis: The data were collected through focus groups, interviews, journals, and classroom observations. The audio-taped portions were transcribed then analyzed with NVivo/NUD*IST, Revision 1.2 to find common themes. The initial themes were subsequently reduced for manageability. The teachers stories were separated to provide support as the themes emerged. Findings: Teachers who were more experienced by years on the job or more extensive initial training appeared to have more resilience for the difficulties in their job. Satisfaction with their job seemed to be influenced by professional identity, teacher preparation, personal experiences, curriculum policy, and cultural diversity. Conclusions: Analyzing the perceptions and beliefs of teachers who are in classrooms can provide insights to improve conditions to encourage teachers to stay. The analysis strongly suggests that teachers who feel supported and valued are more likely to remain in the classroom in spite of the challenges they encounter.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002494, ucf:47687
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002494

Title: THE IMPACTS OF CO-TEACHING ON THE GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT.
Creator: Parker, Alicia, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) were gathered on these students. The state of Florida calculates and reports developmental scale scores (DSS) for students taking the FCAT. These scores are calculated to track student progress over time in relationship to the FCAT at each grade level. This study compared the difference in DSS from 9th-grade to 10th-grade of general education students in co-taught classes. It was determined in this study that there was no statistically significant difference for general education students in co-taught language arts classes but there was a significant difference for those in mathematics classes as compared to their peers not in co-taught classes. When below proficient general education students were compared there was a significant difference for students in mathematics co-taught classes compared to those not in co-taught classes, but not for those in language arts classes. Additional analyses were conducted to determine if co-teaching was a factor in the overall learning gain calculation used by the state of Florida. It was determined that there was no significant difference in learning gains of general education co-taught students as compared to peers not in co-taught classes. Information for school and district leaders was provided to guide decision making regarding the use of co-teaching as an inclusion model. Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of co-teaching on general education students.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003005, ucf:48355
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003005

Title: USING CELL PHONE TECHNOLOGY FOR SELF-MONITORING PROCEDURES IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS.
Creator: Bedesem, Pena, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and social validity of an innovative method for middle school students with high incidence disabilities to self-monitor their behavior in inclusive settings. Traditional self-monitoring procedures were updated by incorporating cell phone technology. The updated self-monitoring procedure, called CellF-Monitoring, used a cell phone to replace traditional cueing and recording procedures. The study took place in an inclusive middle school...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects and social validity of an innovative method for middle school students with high incidence disabilities to self-monitor their behavior in inclusive settings. Traditional self-monitoring procedures were updated by incorporating cell phone technology. The updated self-monitoring procedure, called CellF-Monitoring, used a cell phone to replace traditional cueing and recording procedures. The study took place in an inclusive middle school classroom in central Florida with two students with high incidence disabilities. A multiple-baseline-across-participants single subject design was employed. Results indicate that the CellF-Monitoring procedure is an effective and socially valid intervention. Although results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of the CellF-Monitoring procedure, there are several limitations that should be discussed, including the number of replications, the sample size, teacher implementation, and use of personal cell phones. The limitations of the study provide several opportunities for future research.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003317, ucf:48504
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003317

Title: MIDDLE SCHOOL LITERACY COACHES IN FLORIDA: A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG EXPERIENCE, COACHING ACTIVITIES, AND OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO READING ACHIEVEMENT.
Creator: Bowman, Patricia, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the work lives of middle school literacy coaches in central Florida by studying their backgrounds and experiences before assuming the role of literacy coach. Additionally, the beliefs of literacy coaches on what factors influence reading achievement were examined. The responses of 44 participating middle school literacy coaches were used to investigate (a) the academic and professional experiences of each coach, (b) the percentage of...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to investigate and clarify the work lives of middle school literacy coaches in central Florida by studying their backgrounds and experiences before assuming the role of literacy coach. Additionally, the beliefs of literacy coaches on what factors influence reading achievement were examined. The responses of 44 participating middle school literacy coaches were used to investigate (a) the academic and professional experiences of each coach, (b) the percentage of time spent in 13 literacy coaching activities, and (c) the working factors related to student reading achievement as evidenced on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Data from a web-based survey and personal interviews were used to collect pertinent data to create an awareness and understanding of the work lives of middle school literacy coaches. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic information regarding the coaches. Exploratory regression analyses were performed using time devoted to coaching activities and school performance data to determine existing relationships. Qualitative analyses were used to determine emergent literacy coach themes from survey responses. All data were triangulated to develop case studies for a group of 10 literacy coaches. Narrative descriptions of all coaching and individual school data were presented in the context of schools' percentage of student subgroups that attained Adequate Yearly Progress in 2010. The results of the study indicated that, although literacy coaches believed that modeling lessons was the most influential activity in positively affecting reading proficiency, very little of their time was spent in that activity. Recommendations included professional development for administrators on the use of a literacy coach and for literacy coaches on their usage of time.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003973, ucf:48680
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003973

Title: An Examination of Inclusive Practices for Junior Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities in Gaborone, Botswana.
Creator: Mrstik, Samantha, Dieker, Lisa, Lue, Martha, Pearl, Cynthia, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The country of Botswana has passed laws to support the human rights of their citizens. In accordance with the UN's guidelines, Botswana's human rights initiatives, and the international movement towards inclusive education, inclusive educational reform is taking place. In this ethnographic study, the researcher has examined the inclusive practices currently in place to support junior secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) in Gaborone, Botswana over a four-month period....
Show moreThe country of Botswana has passed laws to support the human rights of their citizens. In accordance with the UN's guidelines, Botswana's human rights initiatives, and the international movement towards inclusive education, inclusive educational reform is taking place. In this ethnographic study, the researcher has examined the inclusive practices currently in place to support junior secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) in Gaborone, Botswana over a four-month period. Participants included administrators, general and special education teachers, and students with LD. The themes of routine, academic activities, classroom life, and accommodations for students with LD emerged upon analysis and are discussed in detail. In addition, the themes of school culture, policy implementation, and dissemination emerged from interviews and observations of teachers and administrators and are discussed in detail. Implications for practice and recommendations are provided, based upon the current status in this one school observed, for consideration of further supports for junior secondary students with LD in Botswana.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006770, ucf:51841
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006770

Title: THE EFFECT OF PREWRITING STRATEGY INSTRUCTION ON THE WRITTEN PRODUCTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.
Creator: Sundeen, Todd, Wienke, Wilfred, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT We know that many students with learning disabilities struggle throughout their school years with the writing process. High school is no exception. Writing is a life skill that can directly impact the quality of life for older students preparing to graduate and progress to college, a career, or simply the world of work. A need in society exists to improve the writing of all students including those who are on the threshold of high school graduation. Students with learning...
Show moreABSTRACT We know that many students with learning disabilities struggle throughout their school years with the writing process. High school is no exception. Writing is a life skill that can directly impact the quality of life for older students preparing to graduate and progress to college, a career, or simply the world of work. A need in society exists to improve the writing of all students including those who are on the threshold of high school graduation. Students with learning disabilities enter their ninth year of school with a performance gap of 4 to 5 years placing their equivalent learning in the late elementary years. Few studies however have investigated the impact of explicit written expression strategy instruction for students with mild disabilities in high school. Thus, expanding the knowledge base for this group of students becomes especially critical. The present study examines the effects of explicitly teaching a writing strategy to high school students with learning disabilities. A multiple baseline design across subjects was used to observe changes in student writing. A total of 11 students in three subject groups participated in the study. Eleventh grade students in three learning strategies classes were pretested to determine the level of their organizational skills for written products. Scoring criteria were described to students using a written expression rubric to provide them with the specific expectations for their daily writing. Mind-mapping, an organizational strategy for writing, was explicitly taught to each of three classes during their daily learning strategy period. Data were collected relative to the students' rubric scores and visually inspected for changes in writing performance before, during, and following the strategy instruction. Pre- and post-tests were administered to the student groups. Following data collection and the post-test, interviews were conducted with the teacher and each of the participants. Findings indicate that the mind-mapping intervention had limited success in improving students' written products when measured by the multiple baseline across subjects design. Pre- and post-test data, however, show that writing quality certainly did improve. The participants' teacher specifically noted during her interview that, in her perception, improvements in student writing as a result of using the mind-mapping strategy did occur. The teacher also felt strongly enough about the efficacy of the mind-mapping intervention that she plans to teach the strategy to her future students. Most of the students reported during their interviews that they felt that learning mind-mapping helped them to become better writers. The vast majority of students also stated that they planned to use the strategy for tests and writing assignments.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001788, ucf:47263
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001788

Title: ROLES AND INTERACTIONS OF GENERAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN SECONDARY CO-TAUGHT TEAMS.
Creator: Moorehead, Tanya, Dieker, Lisa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study focused on identifying the components that contribute to instructional delivery in co-taught secondary classrooms in hopes of enhancing the understanding in the field of co-teaching in various secondary content areas. Employing a non-experimental mixed method research design, the study integrated qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insight into general education teachersÃ‚Â' roles in solo-taught and co-taught classrooms and special educatorsÃ&...
Show moreThis study focused on identifying the components that contribute to instructional delivery in co-taught secondary classrooms in hopes of enhancing the understanding in the field of co-teaching in various secondary content areas. Employing a non-experimental mixed method research design, the study integrated qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insight into general education teachersÃ‚Â' roles in solo-taught and co-taught classrooms and special educatorsÃ‚Â' roles in co-taught classrooms. Instrumentation included the use of the Teacher Roles Observation Schedule (TROS), the Colorado Assessment of Co-Teaching (CO-ACT), interview questions, and field notes. The quantitative portion of the study consisted of event recordings of teacher interactions (TROS), co-teacher perception rating scale scores (CO-ACT), and class seating charts to monitor the occurrence of one-on-one interactions with students in both settings. The qualitative portion of the research study consisted of the researcher gathering ongoing field notes and teacher interviews. The researcher sought to identify the interaction behaviors of secondary co-teaching teams. The most and least successful co-teaching teams were identified based on the findings. The findings indicate teacher preparation programs need to prepare all teachers to first consider the diverse learning needs of all students and second, to effectively collaborate in inclusive settings. Special education preparation programs need to include more secondary content teaching courses. Likewise, general education preparation programs need to prepare future secondary general educators to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. In addition to improvements in teacher preparation programs, school leaders need to provide ongoing support for co-teachers via planning time and professional development, so they can maximize the collaborative potential embedded within the co-teaching model.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003318, ucf:48496
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003318

Title: Perceptions of Secondary Education Teachers Working in an Inclusive Setting.
Creator: Pacha, Destiny, Hopp, Carolyn, Reyes, Maria, Vitale, Thomas, Pratt Marrett, Caroline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices....
Show moreThis dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices. Students with disabilities nationwide are increasingly taught in the general education classroom in order to provide them access to their least restrictive environment and instruction of the general education curriculum. The beliefs held by teachers about students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom is one key variable to the successful inclusion as measured by student outcomes. To provide necessary support, it is imperative to understand teachers' attitude towards students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom. Based on the survey results and relevant research, the professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices was developed and will focus on three elements: (a) school culture and understanding of inclusion, (b) effective inclusive teaching strategies, and (c) collaboration models and techniques. The goal of the professional development framework is for administrators and other school leaders to provide appropriate learning opportunities for teachers to enhance their understanding of inclusion and to provide them strategies and techniques to improve student outcomes in an effort to close the achievement gap between students with and without disabilities.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006368, ucf:51495
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006368

Title: VIRTUAL VISTAS: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCES IN ONLINE COURSES.
Creator: Scheick, Amy, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current research indicates that distance education courses can be as effective as traditional courses when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks. The number of states, counties, and school districts that provide online courses for high school students has rapidly expanded during the last ten years. The number of students, who enroll in these courses, has often grown by double digits each year. Understanding K-12 students' experiences in, and...
Show moreCurrent research indicates that distance education courses can be as effective as traditional courses when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks. The number of states, counties, and school districts that provide online courses for high school students has rapidly expanded during the last ten years. The number of students, who enroll in these courses, has often grown by double digits each year. Understanding K-12 students' experiences in, and expectations of, online learning is important for many reasons. Online learning is certainly growing and may become a graduation requirement in more states. Currently Michigan requires every student must participate in some form of online learning as a high school graduation requirement. High school students enrolling in online courses may have a measurable influence on higher education courses in the future, as students become more experienced with online learning. A great deal has been written about the development of virtual high schools, some of the issues surrounding them and basic student demographics. There are only a few studies that have interviewed students in detail as to why they have chosen to participate in a virtual school and examined how this choice has impacted them. The purpose of this study was to describe from the student's perspective, why they had enrolled in online courses and allowed them to characterize their experiences. Further, this study sought to identify the personality types and traits of the students enrolled in online high school courses and reported on one measure of the student's cognitive style or cognitive tempo. Forty-three students who were enrolled in a state sponsored virtual high school participated in this study. The study used three online instruments to collect data. The Matching Familiar Figures Test-20 was used to measure the impulsive or reflective responses of the students. The Long-Dziuban Reactive Behavioral Survey was used to determine the students' personality types. The third instrument was an online questionnaire of open-ended questions asking the students about their online experiences. In addition, twelve students participated in follow-up interviews. The study found that the students enrolled in online courses for a variety of reasons; students were concerned about and wanted control over the timing and pacing of their learning. Students' comments suggested that there may be a relationship between cognitive tempo as classified by the MFFT-20, and the students' preference for pacing through the online course materials. In addition, the distribution of personality types and cognitive styles represented in this sample were different from the general school population suggesting that perhaps some students are more interested in online learning than others are. After reviewing the results of the students responses to the MFFT-20, it may be that students may are becoming faster at processing visual information with fewer errors. More research is needed in this area. There does seem to be a trend in this direction and this could have implications for students enrolled in virtual high school courses. Finally, the students in this study characterized their online learning experiences as positive but did not feel that online learning should be a high school graduation requirement for all students.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001674, ucf:47213
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001674

Title: A Narrative Research Study of Self-Selected Tracking on Motivation in 10th Grade English Language Arts Classes.
Creator: Greuel, Audra, Olan, Elsie, Puig, Enrique, Hewitt, Randall, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The practice of tracking has had longstanding negative impacts on students, especially students in lower academic tracks. This research suggests that tracking develops the themes of a narrative of deficit through inequality and exclusion and impedes student motivation due to the negative implications. A common finding of outside research studies was that of disapproval for the current school organizational structure of tracking due to the negative consequences on students. Furthermore,...
Show moreThe practice of tracking has had longstanding negative impacts on students, especially students in lower academic tracks. This research suggests that tracking develops the themes of a narrative of deficit through inequality and exclusion and impedes student motivation due to the negative implications. A common finding of outside research studies was that of disapproval for the current school organizational structure of tracking due to the negative consequences on students. Furthermore, several research studies developed an outline of positive ways to advocate for a unifying system of educational change. Educational leaders should heed the suggestions of researchers to promote changes within the system to benefit marginalized students. Students' silenced narratives should be considered to promote voice within educational change. The purpose of this narrative research is to explore motivation through the overt and covert narratives of 10th grade English Language Arts students, who self-select higher and lower academic tracks at a large, southeastern United States, public high school through a qualitative unstructured questionnaire. This study also observes 10th grade English Language Arts students' ability to discuss these issues. Using information from a 10-question qualitative, unstructured questionnaire of twelve (12) research participants, this thesis explores the following questions: Research question one (RQ1): What are 10th grade English Language Arts students' attitudes towards higher and lower academic tracks?, Research question two (RQ2): What factors contribute to 10th grade English Language Arts students' motivation to self-select higher and lower academic tracks?
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007640, ucf:52501
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007640

Title: GENERAL EDUCATION REFORM AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY.
Creator: Dutkofski, Daniel, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The attempts to reform general education programs in higher education have been applied and studied throughout the history of higher education in the United States, but with even greater frequency and urgency over the past fifty years. Countless studies show the high percentage of institutions participating in these efforts and further studies lament the state of general education both as a reason to initiate reforms and as a result of the reforms. This effort is difficult enough for...
Show moreThe attempts to reform general education programs in higher education have been applied and studied throughout the history of higher education in the United States, but with even greater frequency and urgency over the past fifty years. Countless studies show the high percentage of institutions participating in these efforts and further studies lament the state of general education both as a reason to initiate reforms and as a result of the reforms. This effort is difficult enough for universities, but is further complicated when the curriculum for general education is part of a community college degree program. A grounded theory study was conducted to identify the underlying understanding of general education at one community college as well as the process for implementing and reforming the curriculum, especially the general education curriculum. Members of the curriculum committee as well as other administrators and faculty at the college who have a voice in the curriculum were interviewed and their responses were coded following classic grounded theory methodology. The resulting theory showed a divergence of understanding of general education when speaking about it abstractly and when speaking about the process to change the collegeÃ‚Â's existing general education program. The abstract understanding of general education is very consistent with the stated purposes of general education and the educational goals of the college. The practical understanding, however, indicates that the work of curriculum reform is compliance with guidelines from legislation and accreditation requirements. Thus, any efforts to establish a model of general education that would be more consistent with the understood purpose of general education that would require modifying the existing structure would meet great resistance because of the perceived need to comply with the existing model. Further studies concerning the same issue at other community colleges within the state, as well as the understanding of general education within the university system would contribute to a better understanding of the role of general education at the college and throughout the state system of higher education. The use of grounded theory as a methodology to achieve this reform provides a way to engage everyone involved more openly and to permit the efforts to be far more intentional.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003439, ucf:48387
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003439

Title: INTEGRATING UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING CONCEPTS INTO SECONDARY GENERAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS COURSES.
Creator: Pawling, Kimberly, Wienke, Wilfred, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Because many general education teachers feel unprepared to provide students with disabilities with appropriate instruction, changes to teacher education programs are needed (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). Teacher education programs need to integrate content regarding instructional methods for teaching and accommodating students with disabilities in secondary, general education classrooms (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). The results of the research should provide insight (1) to...
Show moreBecause many general education teachers feel unprepared to provide students with disabilities with appropriate instruction, changes to teacher education programs are needed (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). Teacher education programs need to integrate content regarding instructional methods for teaching and accommodating students with disabilities in secondary, general education classrooms (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). The results of the research should provide insight (1) to determine if integrating instruction on UDL into preservice SGE students' instructional methods courses will increase students' knowledge of UDL and (2) to determine if integrating instruction on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will affect how secondary social studies (SS) students design lesson plans, particularly, content delivery and student assessment, in regards to the three principles of UDL. The research design was a quantitative, quasi-experimental design. The participants in the research study were students enrolled in four content specific SGE instructional methods courses: Social Studies (SS), Language Arts (LA), Mathematics (M) and Science (S). Research question oneÃ‚Â's data were analyzed both within content area, Wilcxon test for matched pairs, and between content areas, Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The results from research question one indicated a significant difference (p < .05). between pre and post UDL Knowledge test scores within the SGE SS participants. Within the other three SGE content areas, M, LA, and S, subjectsÃ‚Â' UDL Knowledge pre to posttest scores did not significantly change. When each content areaÃ‚Â's difference score for the UDL knowledge pre and posttest were calculated and compared between content areas, only the SS and S pairing demonstrated a statistically significant difference score (p < .05). Data from research question two indicated no statistically significant difference (p > .05) between pre and post intervention UDL lesson plan rubric scores. The study provides impetus for future research regarding effective delivery of UDL content in teacher preparation programs. The study also provides suggestions for future researchers who may be interested in designing a similar research study. Finally, the study provides teacher education leadership with questions regarding how the three principles of UDL planning, instruction, and assessment align with the current teacher and student educational evaluation practice of standardized assessments.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003246, ucf:48544
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003246

Title: SCIENCE SELF-EFFICACY IN TENTH GRADE HISPANIC FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
Creator: Miller, Maria, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Historical data have demonstrated an underrepresentation of females and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. The purpose of the study considered the variables of gender and ethnicity collectively in relationship to tenth grade Hispanic females' perception of their self-efficacy in science. The correlation of science self-efficacy to science academic achievement was also studied. Possible interventions for use with female Hispanic minority...
Show moreHistorical data have demonstrated an underrepresentation of females and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. The purpose of the study considered the variables of gender and ethnicity collectively in relationship to tenth grade Hispanic females' perception of their self-efficacy in science. The correlation of science self-efficacy to science academic achievement was also studied. Possible interventions for use with female Hispanic minority populations might help increase participation in STEM field preparation during the high school career. A population of 272 students was chosen through convenience sampling methods, including 80 Hispanic females. Students were administered a 27-item questionnaire taken directly from the Smist (1993) Science Self-efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ). Three science self-efficacy factors were successfully extracted and included Academic Engagement Self-efficacy (M=42.57), Laboratory Self-efficacy (M=25.44), and Biology Self-efficacy (M=19.35). Each factor showed a significant positive correlation (p<.01) to each of the other two factors. ANOVA procedures compared all female subgroups in their science self-efficacy perceptions. Asian/Pacific and Native American females had higher self-efficacy mean scores as compared to White, Black and Hispanic females on all three extracted science self-efficacy factors. Asian/Pacific females had the highest mean scores. No statistically significant correlations were found between science-self-efficacy and a measure of science achievement. Two high-ability and two low-ability Hispanic females were randomly chosen to participate in a brief structured interview. Three general themes emerged. Classroom Variables, Outside School Variables, and Personal Variables were subsequently divided into sub themes influenced by participants' views of science, It was concluded that Hispanic female science self-efficacy was among the subgroups which self-scored the lowest. Asian/Pacific and Native American females fared better than White, Black, and Hispanic female counterparts respectively. Triangulation of interview and quantitative data showed that classroom factors, specifically academic engagement, influenced participant perceptions of science self efficacy the greatest. Suggested further studies on the impact of science self-efficacy and science achievement are discussed. Information gleaned from the continued study of science self-efficacy may influence the ability of traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic females to persist in their science preparation and training in an effort to prevent leaving the STEM pipeline at this crucial juncture.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000933, ucf:46743
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000933

Title: HIGHLY QUALIFIED SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION CO-TEACHIER DEFINITIONS AMONG THE FIFTY STATES.
Creator: Sena, Leslie, Hines, Rebecca, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Rationale for this research was based on recent legislative requirements that all teachers must meet the No Child Left Behind of 2001 and Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 highly qualified requirements by the end of the 2005-2006 school year. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which state Department of Education officials representing the 50 states addressed the issue of NCLB of 2001 highly qualified personnel provisions for secondary special education...
Show moreRationale for this research was based on recent legislative requirements that all teachers must meet the No Child Left Behind of 2001 and Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 highly qualified requirements by the end of the 2005-2006 school year. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which state Department of Education officials representing the 50 states addressed the issue of NCLB of 2001 highly qualified personnel provisions for secondary special education co-teachers. Information for this study was represented by online documents that were retrieved from DOE websites across the United States. Findings suggested that information provided in online documents from state DOE websites that represented the 50 states included a variety of options for special education co-teachers who were required to demonstrate core subject provisions. This study presented five themes regarding the definitions of special education co-teachers. Results in this study showed that depending upon the theme of co-teaching definition cited in online documents a range of six highly qualified options were provided. The information in this study was intended to describe current state policies and aid researchers in the review of the status of secondary special education co-teachers, analysis of current policies, and development on new policies.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001165, ucf:46876
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001165

Title: AN EXAMINATION OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY IN SECONDARY ONLINE ENGLISH EDUCATION.
Creator: Middleton, Marissa, Wegmann, Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Online schooling is the newest form of education and it is quickly gaining popularity. However, this educational format also comes with one of the challenges that has always been present in schools, which is academic dishonesty. In the English Language Arts content area, academic dishonesty is most often manifested as plagiarism, however, cheating on online quizzes or exams still exists. Although this issue has always been present in English classes, it is becoming more of a concern because...
Show moreOnline schooling is the newest form of education and it is quickly gaining popularity. However, this educational format also comes with one of the challenges that has always been present in schools, which is academic dishonesty. In the English Language Arts content area, academic dishonesty is most often manifested as plagiarism, however, cheating on online quizzes or exams still exists. Although this issue has always been present in English classes, it is becoming more of a concern because of the vast number of technological resources available to students including websites with pre-written papers and the various methods students can now use to instantly communicate with each other. This study combines and synthesizes a literature review and a survey of secondary online English educators at Florida Virtual School to give their perspective on aspects of cheating and plagiarism in online English education including a comparison between online and face to face academic dishonesty, reasons students cheat or plagiarize in online education and attitudes toward academic dishonesty, how students cheat and plagiarize in online classes, how teachers detect academic dishonesty in their online classes, consequences and policies of academic dishonesty in online education, and preventing academic dishonesty in online education. The overall new finding, from comparing both the literature review and the FLVS survey results, was that academic dishonesty in online education is not vastly different from academic dishonesty in face to face classrooms; therefore, academic dishonesty in the online environment is not as much of a mystery as commonly perceived. The survey did, however, expand the knowledge about online academic dishonesty at the secondary level, and specifically in the English Language Arts content area.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004158, ucf:44859
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004158

Title: "THE IMPACT OF POLICY ON STUDENT SUCCESS IN SECONDARY ONLINE EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL".
Creator: McPherson, Rhonda, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Florida Virtual School (FLVS) was established in 1997 as an online education alternative for the residents of Florida. The purpose of this study was to identify policy changes at the organizational, state, and federal levels that had the propensity to impact student success (as measured by student's final letter grade) at FLVS. In addition, this study identified which type of institutional isomporphic policy (coercive, mimetic, or normative) best classified major policy changes in the...
Show moreFlorida Virtual School (FLVS) was established in 1997 as an online education alternative for the residents of Florida. The purpose of this study was to identify policy changes at the organizational, state, and federal levels that had the propensity to impact student success (as measured by student's final letter grade) at FLVS. In addition, this study identified which type of institutional isomporphic policy (coercive, mimetic, or normative) best classified major policy changes in the organization from 1997-2007. The use of institutional theory as the guiding framework for this study proved to be beneficial and enabled the researcher to conclude which types of policy are the most effective in increasing student success in the secondary online education environment. This study utilized ANOVA and regression analysis to detect whether or not changes in policy at the organizational and federal level have a statistically significant impact on student success in the secondary online education environment. This study reveals that student success at FLVS is consistently decreasing and that the change is statistically significant. Regression analysis found that the policy changes at FLVS in this study explain some of the variance detected in the change in the mean, or GPA, of the school. This study found that both coercive and mimetic policies have a statistically significant impact on student success in the secondary online education environment as identified in the isomorphic mechanisms outlined in institutional theory. This study is important to the field of literature regarding secondary online education in that it opens the discussion regarding types of policy and the potential impact that policy changes have on student success in the secondary online education environment. In addition, this study serves as a framework upon which future studies can be conducted and are recommended in this study.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002423, ucf:47741
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002423

Title: A Multiple Case Study Exploring the Relationship Between Engagement in Model-Eliciting Activities and Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching Algebra.
Creator: Abassian, Aline, Safi, Farshid, Dixon, Juli, Andreasen, Janet, Bush, Sarah, Bostic, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure...
Show moreThe goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure their MKT algebra, and based on those results, three participants were selected with varying levels of knowledge. This was done to ensure varied cases were represented in order to be able to examine and describe multiple perspectives. The three examined cases were Oriana, a PSMT with high MKT, Bianca, a PSMT with medium MKT, and Helaine, a PSMT with low MKT. Over the course of five weeks, the three PSMTs were recorded exploring three MEAs, participated in two interviews, and submitted written reflections. The extensive amount of data collected in this study allowed the researcher to deeply explore the PSMTs' MKT algebra in relation to the given MEAs, with a focus on three specific constructs(-)bridging, trimming, and decompressing(-) based on the Knowledge of Algebra for Teaching (KAT) framework. The results of this study suggest that engaging in MEAs could elicit PSMTs' MKT algebra, and in some cases such tasks were beneficial to their trimming, bridging, and decompressing abilities. Exploring MEAs immersed the PSMTs in generating descriptions, explanations, and constructions, that helped reveal how they interpreted mathematical situations that they encountered. The tasks served as useful tools for PSMTs to have deep discussions and productive discourse on various algebra topics, and make many different mathematical connections in the process.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007143, ucf:52305
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007143

secondary education (7)	+ -
Secondary Education (6)	+ -
special education (5)	+ -
secondary (4)	+ -
Florida Virtual School (2)	+ -

No Child Left Behind (2)	+ -
Special Education (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
exceptional education (2)	+ -
general education (2)	+ -
high school (2)	+ -
online high school (2)	+ -
science education (2)	+ -
teacher education (2)	+ -
Academic Success (1)	+ -
Achievement Gap (1)	+ -
African-American Students (1)	+ -
Blacks (1)	+ -
Botswana (1)	+ -
Business Education (1)	+ -
Classroom Discourse (1)	+ -
Classroom Environment (1)	+ -
Classroom Interactions (1)	+ -
Classroom Management (1)	+ -
Co-Teaching (1)	+ -
Co-teach (1)	+ -
Common Core (1)	+ -
Common Core State Standards (1)	+ -
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (1)	+ -
Culturally Relevant Teaching (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (23)	+ -
Honors Collection (2)	+ -

University of Central Florida (25)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (3)	+ -
Andreasen, Janet (2)	+ -
Biraimah, Karen (2)	+ -
Dieker, Lisa (2)	+ -

Dixon, Juli (2)	+ -
Sivo, Stephen (2)	+ -
Wienke, Wilfred (2)	+ -
Abassian, Aline (1)	+ -
Adams, Thomasenia (1)	+ -
Allen, Kay (1)	+ -
Baldwin, Lee (1)	+ -
Bedesem, Pena (1)	+ -
Boote, David (1)	+ -
Bostic, Jonathan (1)	+ -
Bowman, Patricia (1)	+ -
Bozeman, William (1)	+ -
Bradshaw, Leigh (1)	+ -
Brewer, Thomas (1)	+ -
Bush, Sarah (1)	+ -
Cross, Lee (1)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (1)	+ -
Dunn, Lu (1)	+ -
Dutkofski, Daniel (1)	+ -
Flynn, Timothy (1)	+ -
Gay, David (1)	+ -
Gordon II, William (1)	+ -
Grauerholz, Elizabeth (1)	+ -
Greuel, Audra (1)	+ -
Gunderson, Margaret Mary (1)	+ -

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