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Title: Attributes that Enable a Virtual High School to go to Scale.
Creator: Diamond, Daryl, Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: As our nation demands system-wide improvement, external providers are challenged to scale up educational reform efforts, to implement them more widely, more deeply, and more rapidly than in the past. Virtual high schools come at a time when public education is being challenged by mandates for new forms of educational choice and supplemental services. Replicating success of educational reforms on a large scale is a vexing issue. Failure to scale them up is accredited to the absence of a...
Show moreAs our nation demands system-wide improvement, external providers are challenged to scale up educational reform efforts, to implement them more widely, more deeply, and more rapidly than in the past. Virtual high schools come at a time when public education is being challenged by mandates for new forms of educational choice and supplemental services. Replicating success of educational reforms on a large scale is a vexing issue. Failure to scale them up is accredited to the absence of a practical theory that accounts for the institutional complexities operating on changes of practice. This research developed such a practical theory gleaning attributes from Comprehensive School Reform, Diffusion of Innovation, and Leadership and Scale theories. The purpose of this study was to determine the attributes that contribute to the scalability of the virtual high school. Scalability was separated into two levels; a traditional notion of scaling up reforms, and the more contemporary idea of going to scale. The conceptual framework suggested that scalability was dependent upon the frequency of the attributes associated with these levels. Content analysis was conducted on N = 270 documents pertaining to virtual high schools. A validation subset of N = 137 documents on five specific virtual high schools was used. An attribute checklist assisted the coding, classifying 39 attributes into five mutually exclusive categories, along with seven contextual factors that potentially moderated scalability. Analysis on the validation subset produced similar findings to those of the universal sample set. A statistical model was developed that predicted a large amount (52 %) of the variation of scalability. When scaling up attributes are prevalent both in the innovation's design, the communication channels, and leadership capabilities then going to scale can be achieved O..er time. Specifically, virtual high schools should focus on three significant scaling up attributes: (a) offering quality curriculum aligned to high national/state standards, (b) creating networks with other virtual high school adopters, and (c) strong management, in order to go to scale. The development of a practical theory must include these attributes in order for the virtual high school to go to scale.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000661
Subject Headings: Organizational change--Management, Educational change--Management, Virtual reality in education, School improvement programs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Quest for Charter School Enrollment: Reported Innovations and Student Achievement.
Creator: Cabrera, Einav, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Charter schools have often boasted about differentiating themselves in the educational marketplace. With today’s growing emphasis on student achievement, whether this differentiation has had a positive effect on student learning is still debatable. The purpose of this exploratory mixed-methods study was to establish if innovation is a reported practice in charter schools in Miami-Dade and Sarasota Counties in Florida and to determine if a relationship exists between innovation reporting and...
Show moreCharter schools have often boasted about differentiating themselves in the educational marketplace. With today’s growing emphasis on student achievement, whether this differentiation has had a positive effect on student learning is still debatable. The purpose of this exploratory mixed-methods study was to establish if innovation is a reported practice in charter schools in Miami-Dade and Sarasota Counties in Florida and to determine if a relationship exists between innovation reporting and student achievement as measured by Florida school grades. A qualitative analysis of School Improvement Plans and school websites for a 62 school sample was utilized. As well as a quantitative measure of the correlation between level of reported innovation in eight categories (organizational structure, ideology and culture, leadership models, professional development for teachers, curriculum, technology, parent involvement, and other) and student achievement, as measured by Florida’s school grade formula. The study found that charter schools in both counties reported innovation at high levels with only three schools reporting innovations in fewer than five categories of innovation. An examination of opposing forces of loose and rigid structure, autonomy and policy control, as well as creativity and standardization led to findings of less reported instances of innovation on average in schools with looser structure, autonomy, and creativity. Furthermore, Title I schools and high minority student population schools (≥50%) showed signs of innovation saturation, with no value added to student achievement (school grade averages) by reported innovation beyond a moderate level. Still, reported innovation level (overall categories of innovation) and student achievement (school grade averages) showed a negligible relationship (r = -.062). In conclusion, reported innovation existed in charter schools despite opposing forces, but was often similar across charter schools. In fact, past a moderate level of innovation, there was no value added to school grades for Title I and high minority charter schools. Yet, a weak, negative relationship existed between specific reported innovations in combination (professional development in pedagogy, tutoring programs, non-district behavior programs and incentive, and multiple levels) and student achievement (school grade averages) which can inform us on the nature of reporting.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004652, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004652
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, Alternative education, Charter schools, Educational change, Motivation in education, School choice
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A case study of planning and implementing whole-school reform at a middle school.
Creator: Abramowitz, Rochelle., Florida Atlantic University, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dilemmas of planning and implementing whole-school reform in a middle school from the perception of administrators, teachers and parents. A qualitative case study approach was used. Data collection included interviews, observations, and document analysis. Interviews with 28 participants were divided into three consecutive sessions conducted from the bottom up in terms of the hierarchy of power in the organization. Data were transcribed, coded,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the dilemmas of planning and implementing whole-school reform in a middle school from the perception of administrators, teachers and parents. A qualitative case study approach was used. Data collection included interviews, observations, and document analysis. Interviews with 28 participants were divided into three consecutive sessions conducted from the bottom up in terms of the hierarchy of power in the organization. Data were transcribed, coded, triangulated, and analyzed to understand the views of participants. The study resulted in three major findings: (a) The principal enhanced the learning organization's capacity for whole-school reform by balancing tensions and conflicts; (b) Implementing a high-stakes testing regime and reform design simultaneously contributed to teacher overload, and reduced the capacity of teachers to implement whole-school reform; and, (c) Learning communities had a pivotal role in fostering collaboration for whole-school reform. The study concluded that: (a) Principal leadership is vital to successful whole-school reform implementation; (b) The crucial challenge of principals in whole-school reform is forging a network of strong relationships within and across staff work teams and the community through the development of learning communities and professional development; and, (c) Whole-school reform must be balanced with and adapted to accountability system if it is to have a chance of succeeding.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12080
Subject Headings: Middle school education, Educational change, Educational leadership, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distributed leadership: An exploratory study.
Creator: Lucia, Rosemary T., Florida Atlantic University, Bogotch, Ira
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of leadership and its effectiveness in an elementary school setting. This investigation viewed distribution as a horizontal continuous process, rather than a hierarchical process with administrators, teachers and support staff each demonstrating varying degrees of involvement in leadership activities according to roles, situations, leadership styles and organizational relationships. This study was anchored in a democratic,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of leadership and its effectiveness in an elementary school setting. This investigation viewed distribution as a horizontal continuous process, rather than a hierarchical process with administrators, teachers and support staff each demonstrating varying degrees of involvement in leadership activities according to roles, situations, leadership styles and organizational relationships. This study was anchored in a democratic, distributed perspective using the work of Jack Gibb, Richard E. Elmore, Peter Gronn, and James Spillane as its foundation. The design of this study involved the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative path involved data collection through surveys and existing documents. The qualitative data collection involved interviews and observations. In order to maximize the probability for identifying the dynamics and effects of distributed leadership in elementary schools, the settings for this study included schools engaged in a guidance grant model in both Broward County and Pasco County Public School Districts in Florida, which, on the surface, appeared to have distributed leadership components already in practice. The sample for this study included six Florida elementary schools, three located in Broward County and three in Pasco County. Four of these schools, two from Broward County and two from Pasco County, had been implementing the guidance reform effort. The two remaining schools, one in Broward County and one in Pasco County, demonstrated similar demographics and closely matched socioeconomic status of the grant schools, but were outside the guidance grant program. The population used in this sampling included principals, assistant principals, teachers, titled teacher leaders, school counselors and support staff. The findings of this study confirmed the theories of Gibb, Elmore, Gronn, and Spillane through the development of the Distributed Leadership Cycle. Distributed leadership is the key to effective collaboration that will positively impact the quality of teaching and learning, thus impacting student achievement. It is this integrative, relational model of distribution that will propel schools forward. Distributed leadership is the theoretical lens through which leadership practice in school can be reconfigured and re-conceptualized for the 21st century.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12122
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Education--Philosophy, School management and organization, Educational change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Communicative Leadership During Organizational Change: A Case Study of a New University President’s Change-Initiative Team.
Creator: Sacks, Emily Alice, Shockley, Robert, Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: As the economy continues to struggle in its recovery from the recent recession, higher education institutions have been hard-hit, affecting stakeholders at all levels, including boards of trustees, students, faculty, and the surrounding communities. In the middle of the turmoil and period of change are the presidents, needing to answer to board members as well as other institutional stakeholders, while still maintaining a balance of organizational consistency and change. Nearly all...
Show moreAs the economy continues to struggle in its recovery from the recent recession, higher education institutions have been hard-hit, affecting stakeholders at all levels, including boards of trustees, students, faculty, and the surrounding communities. In the middle of the turmoil and period of change are the presidents, needing to answer to board members as well as other institutional stakeholders, while still maintaining a balance of organizational consistency and change. Nearly all organizational change literature incorporates interpersonal communication as an integral component in effective change efforts; therefore, the constantly changing higher education landscape necessitates presidents who are skilled in communicative leadership, of which interpersonal skills are a cornerstone. Although all presidents need these skill sets, this study examines only a newly appointed president and one of his change-initiative teams to capture the dynamic environment surrounding new administration.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004999, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004989
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Organizational change--Case studies., Organizational change--Education (Higher)., Interpersonal communication., College presidents.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Globalization and Higher Education in Florida's State University System.
Creator: Ilyas, Mohammad, Bogotch, Ira, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to assess how prepared Florida's State University System (SUS) institutions have been during the past five years (2008-2013) in responding to the challenges of globalization. The research also established institutional trends for the past five years (2008-2013) and projections for the next five years to seize the opportunities offered by globalization and to produce graduates with global competency skills. Ten of the 12 SUS institutions studied in this...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to assess how prepared Florida's State University System (SUS) institutions have been during the past five years (2008-2013) in responding to the challenges of globalization. The research also established institutional trends for the past five years (2008-2013) and projections for the next five years to seize the opportunities offered by globalization and to produce graduates with global competency skills. Ten of the 12 SUS institutions studied in this research were Florida A&M University (FAMU), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Florida International University (FIU), Florida State University (FSU), University of Central Florida (UCF), University of Florida (UF), University of North Florida (UNF), University of South Florida (USF), and University of West Florida (UWF). The research was conducted as a case study using multi-method approach. The quantitative analysis was based on the information collected from the institutions and from the integrated postsecondary education data system (IPEDS). The qualitative analysis was based on the institutional mission statements, vision statements, and strategic plans. The quantitative analysis used six data parameters to compute a globalization composite index (GCI) for institutional comparisons and for establishing trends and future projections. Integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses led to the research findings of this study. Based on this study, the institutional preparedness for globalization has been low for six SUS institutions (FAMU, FAU, FGCU, UCF, UNF, and UWF) and has been medium for the remaining four (FIU, FSU, UF, and USF). The trend analysis showed that institutional preparedness could be improved significantly if robust and focused efforts are made over the next five years. In that case, the institutional preparedness for FAMU, FGCU, UNF, and UWF could ascend to medium; for FAU and UCF, it could improve to medium+; and for FIU, FSU, UF, and USF, it could reach high. The research concluded with some recommendations to help the leadership of Florida and the SUS institutions in responding effectively to the challenges of globalization. A few recommendations for future research in this field also are provided.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004507, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004507
Subject Headings: Education and globalization, Education, Higher -- Effect of technological innovations on, Education, Higher -- Florida, Educational change -- Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Adult Learner Success in Accelerated Associate Degree Programs at a Regionally Accredited Multi-Campus Proprietary Institution.
Creator: Kreitner, David J., Floyd, Deborah L., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The advent of the global knowledge economy and changing demographics have pressured the American postsecondary system to develop flexible alternative educational opportunities for adult learners. One of the most widespread institutional responses has been the development of accelerated courses and degree programs. Accelerated degree programs offer educational opportunities in time frames of less duration than the traditional semester or quarter formats. Concerns for maintaining educational...
Show moreThe advent of the global knowledge economy and changing demographics have pressured the American postsecondary system to develop flexible alternative educational opportunities for adult learners. One of the most widespread institutional responses has been the development of accelerated courses and degree programs. Accelerated degree programs offer educational opportunities in time frames of less duration than the traditional semester or quarter formats. Concerns for maintaining educational quality make it imperative to develop best practices for the effective design of time-intensive curricula. The study found a strong correlation between student experiences rated in terms of Donaldson's and Graham's principles and perceptions of the relevance and applicability of their learning in their "lifeworlds." No significant correlation was found with GP A. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between perceived success in learning and final GP A. The graduates of associate degree programs at a regionally accredited multicampus proprietary institution in Florida comprised the study sample.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000673
Subject Headings: Educational acceleration--Florida, Educational change--Design and implementation, Continuing education--Florida--Administration, Adult education--Planning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A study of the Perceptions of Public School District Superintendents in the State of Florida Regarding Recommendations for Education Reform.
Creator: Samuelson, Melody M., MacKenzie, Donald G., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine through statistical analysis of a survey instrument the extent to which the 67 public school district superintendents in the state of Florida perceive the major areas of educational reform as falling into the same categories as does David T. Kearns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Corporation, author of "An Education Recovery Plan for America" in Winning the Brain Race: A Bold Plan to Make Our Schools Competitive. Factor analysis was...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine through statistical analysis of a survey instrument the extent to which the 67 public school district superintendents in the state of Florida perceive the major areas of educational reform as falling into the same categories as does David T. Kearns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Corporation, author of "An Education Recovery Plan for America" in Winning the Brain Race: A Bold Plan to Make Our Schools Competitive. Factor analysis was used to group the 36 specific recommendations into their "natural" groupings as perceived by the responding superintendents. This technique revealed that the natural psychological groupings in the eyes of the respondents were not the same as Kearns asserted. The study shows that the reform hierarchy, based on the perceptions of the superintendents, is actually three layers deep with Kearns' six categories being broken down into a bottom tier of 14 discrete areas.
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Date Issued: 1990
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000692
Subject Headings: Public schools--Florida--Evaluation, Education--Aims and objectives--Florida, Educational change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A study of teacher response to a program of whole-school change.
Creator: Solomon, Gail Fern, Florida Atlantic University, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia
Abstract/Description: This single site qualitative case study of a large high school was conducted during the course of one school year. The study focused on how secondary level teachers of the four core content areas, language arts, science, social studies and mathematics, responded to a program of whole school change. In addition to teachers, the administration and support staff were interviewed. The primary sources of data were the results of one hour interviews, document analysis and researcher non-participant...
Show moreThis single site qualitative case study of a large high school was conducted during the course of one school year. The study focused on how secondary level teachers of the four core content areas, language arts, science, social studies and mathematics, responded to a program of whole school change. In addition to teachers, the administration and support staff were interviewed. The primary sources of data were the results of one hour interviews, document analysis and researcher non-participant observations. The purpose of this study was to identify and understand teachers' various responses to a program of whole school change. The major concepts underlying the study were the meaning of change, the need for schools to change, the change process, the role of people involved in the change process and the proliferation of various programs of whole school change. The research findings highlighted the importance of: recognizing only one whole school change initiative as the primary focus, being knowledgeable of the whole school change initiative, constantly working on personalizing the school's vision, facing external and internal change forces, handling challenges and dealing with the rate of change. The conclusions of the study are that from attempted implementation of multiple school change initiatives perhaps only one change initiative will rise to prominence, teacher involvement and buy-in are important components of successful whole school change, educators face both internal and external factors while implementing whole school change and the principal plays a crucial role in successful whole school change.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12084
Subject Headings: Educational change, Educational leadership, Teachers--Attitudes, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A qualitative study of participants' role expectations on school advisory councils.
Creator: Huie, Kathleen K., Florida Atlantic University, Jurenas, Albert C.
Abstract/Description: This qualitative study examined the role expectations of participants on School Advisory Councils (SACs). Selected teachers, principals, parents, and community members were interviewed, SAC meetings observed, and SAC documents analyzed in an investigation into the roles of the SAC and SACs' impact on school reform. Data was transcribed, coded, triangulated, and analyzed to understand the views of SAC members. The study resulted in nine major findings: (a) State and local policies are unclear...
Show moreThis qualitative study examined the role expectations of participants on School Advisory Councils (SACs). Selected teachers, principals, parents, and community members were interviewed, SAC meetings observed, and SAC documents analyzed in an investigation into the roles of the SAC and SACs' impact on school reform. Data was transcribed, coded, triangulated, and analyzed to understand the views of SAC members. The study resulted in nine major findings: (a) State and local policies are unclear about the actual role of SAC, (b) past histories and current contexts shaped participation in SAC, (c) involvement in SAC was a result of personal motivation, (d) availability of information was an important reason for participation in SAC, (e) SAC participation brought the opportunity to have a voice and vote, (f) reform of curriculum, instruction, and assessment was not addressed by SAC, (g) SAC serves mainly as support, (h) the accomplishments of SAC are elusive, and (i) principals and chairs of SAC have the clearest view of the role of the SAC. The study concludes that SAC makes no significant impact on school reform, that connections between SAC and school reform are difficult to identify and recommends further research, a lessening of emphasis on high-risk, state-mandated assessments; and a change in state law to clarify the role of SAC.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12631
Subject Headings: Citizens' advisory committees in education, Community and school, Educational change, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploratory multiple case study of succession planning for higher education community engagement practitioners in selected higher education institutions in theSoutheastern region of the United States.
Creator: Louisy, Heidi, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Succession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results...
Show moreSuccession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results revealed that HEIs are not currently using succession planning strategies for the HECEP role. Further, although the study revealed that professional development opportunities for HECEPs exist, only 50% of institutional study participants were aware of, and participated. Finally, based on the credentials of individuals currently in HECEP roles and data obtained from this study (including data from an expert judge linked to the professional development program analyzed as part of this study), the researcher provides a job specification template for determining if institutions have a pipeline of individuals who could be prepared to assume the HECEP role in the future. This study, although limited in scope as it relates to succession planning, provides insight into the attitudes and perceptions of specific higher education professionals toward the professional development of employees, and more specifically, the HECEP role.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303
Subject Headings: Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives, Educational leadership, Leadership in education, Organizational change, School management and organization, Universities and colleges -- Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Outcomes of student participation in college freshman learning communities.
Creator: Koerner, Jodie Jae., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Growing out of the college retention research of Alexander Astin (1993) and Vincent Tinto (1975), this study examined differences in academic achievement and persistence of first-semester college freshmen who participated in Freshman Learning Communities (FLC), including a Living-Learning Community (LLC), and students who did not participate in a university-sponsored learning community. This study also explored variables that may moderate the relationship of learning community participation...
Show moreGrowing out of the college retention research of Alexander Astin (1993) and Vincent Tinto (1975), this study examined differences in academic achievement and persistence of first-semester college freshmen who participated in Freshman Learning Communities (FLC), including a Living-Learning Community (LLC), and students who did not participate in a university-sponsored learning community. This study also explored variables that may moderate the relationship of learning community participation with academic achievement and persistence. Variables explored included: entry-level readiness for self-directed learning, gender, ethnicity, high school GPA, and SAT or equivalent ACT scores. Data was collected from 544 students at XYZ University using a pre/post university-developed instrument, the College Assessment of Readiness for Entering Students Intended (CARES-I), College Assessment of Readiness for Entering Students- Actual (CARES-A) and the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale/Learning Preference Assessment. Demographic and academic data were collected through the institution's Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in academic achievement for students enrolled in either a Freshman Learning Community or a Living Learning Community (df = 424, t = 2.32, p < .05) as compared to students not part of a freshman learning community. The learning community students had higher end-of-semester grades. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore the moderating variables that may influence the learning community effect on academic achievement. Only the pre-academic characteristic of students' entering high school GPA moderated the relationship of learning community participation and academic achievement (p < .05)., Chi-square analysis showed there was no relationship between participation in a learning community and enrollment in the second semester (p > .05).Logistic regression of variable relations determined that the variables of high school GPA and ethnicity were significant. In addition, there was an association between the variables of SDLRS scores, high school GPA, and end-of-semester GPA for students not part of a learning community. Finally, results from a paired samples t-test determined that there was a difference in the intended and actual social involvement for students enrolled in a learning community.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/165674
Subject Headings: Group work in education, Interdisciplinary approach in education, College environment, Experiential learning, Educational change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Leading Transformational Change: A Study of Internationalization at Three Universities in the United States.
Creator: Hurd, Duncan L., Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Globalization, the integration of markets and the shrinking of boundaries both figurative and real, provides the context in which institutions of higher education have considered a change to their culture, curricula, and composition in recent years. Increasingly, the response ofunjversities to globalization is to bring a greater international dimension to their teaching, research, and service; a process known as internationalization. The purpose of this study was to identify the change...
Show moreGlobalization, the integration of markets and the shrinking of boundaries both figurative and real, provides the context in which institutions of higher education have considered a change to their culture, curricula, and composition in recent years. Increasingly, the response ofunjversities to globalization is to bring a greater international dimension to their teaching, research, and service; a process known as internationalization. The purpose of this study was to identify the change strategies that allowed three regional public universities to internationalize their campuses. The qualitative multi-site research design incorporated a critical case strategy with participants who led, facilitated, and/or implemented the change process. Data collection was obtained through interviews, documents, and direct observation. The analysis consisted of pattern matching facilitated by two-dimensional matrices. Leading change in higher education has been related to moving cemeteries and herding cats and therefore may seem like a cruel hoax; but as this study reports it need not be so. The study found that a highly integrated, non-linear change process Jed to successful internationalization. An expanding number of champions who constantly communicated a motivating vision and who opportunistically pursued creative strategies to internationalize resulted in cascading layers of buy-in throughout the university. This buy-in was not only an effect, but a change strategy in its own right; and was a primary focus of those leading the change effort. These universities institutionalized change through various structural and programmatic means. The change process concluded with a transformed institution that incorporated an international dimension into the culture, life, and work of the university. The findings were compared and contrasted to Kotter's ( 1996) eight stages of leading change and Eckel and Kezar's (2003) model for transformation in higher education. Neither fully explained this study's cross-case findings, and a new model for leading transformational change in institutions of higher education was proposed; one which builds on the strengths of Kotter's and Eckel and Kezar's models, but which addresses their limitations as well.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000670
Subject Headings: Education--Curricula--Cross-cultural studies, Educational leadership, School management and organization--Decision making, Inclusive education--United States, Educational change, Education, Higher--Philosophy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Teacher content knowledge in the context of science education reform.
Creator: Doby, Janice Kay., Florida Atlantic University, Romance, Nancy
Abstract/Description: The decline of science education in elementary schools has been well documented. While numerous efforts have been made for the purpose of reforming science education, most of those efforts have targeted science programs, assessment techniques, and setting national, state, and local standards, stressing teacher accountability for meeting those standards. However, inadequate science content knowledge of preservice teachers limits their ability to master effective teaching strategies, and also...
Show moreThe decline of science education in elementary schools has been well documented. While numerous efforts have been made for the purpose of reforming science education, most of those efforts have targeted science programs, assessment techniques, and setting national, state, and local standards, stressing teacher accountability for meeting those standards. However, inadequate science content knowledge of preservice teachers limits their ability to master effective teaching strategies, and also may foster negative attitudes toward science and science teaching. It is, therefore, highly unlikely that any significant reform in science education will be realized until this major underlying problem is addressed and resolved. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an experimental elementary science methods course, which employs the use of laser videodisc technology and instructional implications from cognitive science and instructional design, in terms of preservice teacher gains in Earth and physical science content knowledge and locus of control in science. The experimental elementary science methods course was compared to a more traditional approach to the same course which focused primarily on methods of teaching in the physical sciences and other science domains. The experimental and traditional groups were compared before and after treatment in terms of preservice teachers' content knowledge in Earth and physical science and locus ofcontrol in science. Results indicated that the experimental and traditional groups were comparable prior to treatment. The experimental group (89 preservice teachers) responded correctly to 45% of the items on the Elementary Science Concepts Test (ESCT) pretest and the traditional group (78 preservice teachers) responded correctly to 42% of the pretest items, the difference between groups being nonsignificant. Further, the experimental and traditional groups scored similarly on the pre-assessment of locus of control in science with scores on the Preservice Teacher Information and Science Opinion Questionnaire (ISOQ) of 162.12 and 163.65, respectively, the difference also being nonsignificant. The pre- and post-administrations of both the ESCT and ISOQ were all found to be statistically significant (F (4, 162) = 271.18343, p<0.05) in predicting group membership. Analyses of variance indicated significantly greater gains in Earth and physical science content knowledge (F (1,165) = 743.7746, p<0.025) and locus of control in science (F (1,165) = 45.7477, p<0.025) for the experimental group compared to the traditional group. A significant difference (F = (2,162) = 31.82279, p<0.05) was found between the combined effect of locus of control in science and Earth and physical science content knowledge in respect to treatment, indicating that the curriculum and instructional design of the experimental course significantly influenced preservice teachers' science content knowledge and locus of control in science. Suggestions for further research included: (a) determining whether the results of this present research may also apply to inservice teachers, (b) determining the effects of such preservice and inservice training on actual classroom practice, (c) relating increased science knowledge with improvement in science lesson planning and mastery of pedagogical skills, and (d) more detailed analysis of instructional implications from cognitive science and instructional design in regard to their application to the teaching of science (as well as other content areas).
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12507
Subject Headings: Science teachers--Attitudes, Science--Study and teaching, Educational change--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploratory study of the perceptions and experiences of selected educators on the infusion of multicultural education into the language arts curriculum in Broward County, Florida, public schools.
Creator: Lawrence, Audrey Elaine., Florida Atlantic University, Urich, Ted R.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and to explore the perceptions and experiences of selected educators on the infusion of multicultural education into the language arts curriculum in Broward County, Florida, Public Schools. This study also sought to discover the best practices of those language arts teachers who did infuse multicultural education into their curriculum. Little empirical data exists which elicits the views of language arts teachers about the infusion of multicultural...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate and to explore the perceptions and experiences of selected educators on the infusion of multicultural education into the language arts curriculum in Broward County, Florida, Public Schools. This study also sought to discover the best practices of those language arts teachers who did infuse multicultural education into their curriculum. Little empirical data exists which elicits the views of language arts teachers about the infusion of multicultural education into the curriculum. Limited research on the middle school level is available. A qualitative single-case study design was used. The study was conducted at multiple sites; and the primary sources of data were interviews, document analyses, and researcher participant and nonparticipant observations. The sample of 48 participants was selected from 9 Broward County, Florida, Public Schools, including 6 middle schools. The sample included middle school language arts teachers, as well as principals, assistant principals, media specialists, teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), directors of multicultural education, and multicultural resource teachers. Based on the analysis of data, the perspectives and experiences of most teachers were multidimensional. Eight categories of findings relating to the perspectives of language arts teachers on the impact of multicultural education into the curriculum emerged: (a) multicultural education implementation; (b) the theoretical approaches used by language arts teachers to infuse multicultural education into the curriculum; (c) the impact of multicultural education on students, teachers, and the instructional process; (d) social and organizational factors that impact the infusion process; (e) the availability of resources, the authenticity of materials, and challenges encountered in the infusion process; (f) teacher needs; (g) the significance of the affective domain factors that teachers bring to the experience; (h) and standards and matrices. Overall, the participants in this study felt that the experience of teaching and learning from a multicultural perspective was enormously valuable to the self-concept, academic achievement, and the cultural appreciation among their students. The findings indicate that the curriculum that is presented or practiced is gradually moving beyond the lowest level of the additive approach toward a multicultural approach to infusion as suggested in the literature. Most practitioners are at Grant and Sleeter's (1999) single-group studies approach to multicultural education infusion which looks at the infusion of a single ethnic group.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12607
Subject Headings: Language arts (Middle school)--Curricula, Multicultural education, Middle school teachers--Florida--Attitudes, Curriculum change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CONSIDERING THE AFFECTIVE POTENTIALS OF THE EMOTIONAL APPEAL IN PERSUASIVE DISCOURSE THROUGH MULTIMODALITY IN THE FIRST-YEAR COMPOSITION CLASSROOM.
Creator: Bain, Kimberly A., Barrios, Barclay, Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: In identifying ways to create inclusive spaces in the classroom, instructors should not be limited by singular modes of discourse to engage students. Particularly when teaching first-year students who seek to invent the university and claim their intellectual space within it, these considerations must be deeply integrated into the course curriculum and not seen as an extended project to be optional or added at the end of a semester. Rather, instructors must find ways to integrate multimodal...
Show moreIn identifying ways to create inclusive spaces in the classroom, instructors should not be limited by singular modes of discourse to engage students. Particularly when teaching first-year students who seek to invent the university and claim their intellectual space within it, these considerations must be deeply integrated into the course curriculum and not seen as an extended project to be optional or added at the end of a semester. Rather, instructors must find ways to integrate multimodal discourses in the first-year composition course as a foundation of learning. One way to do this is to engage students in multimodal practices of rhetorical appeals. This dissertation examines the theories and practices of emotional appeal, namely pathos, to construct meaning-making opportunities that transcend gatekeeping endeavors of singular modes of persuasion. Through the transmission of affect, students can be given the opportunity to affectively respond through various modes of discourse in applying emotional appeal to practices of persuasion.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014381
Subject Headings: Education, Composition (Language arts)--Study and teaching (Higher), Curriculum change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Perceptions of tenth-grade mathematics teachers and school administrators toward Florida's school accountability system: The A+ Plan.
Creator: Ferrer, Lourdes., Florida Atlantic University, Decker, Larry E.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this qualitative study was to learn how high school mathematics teachers and school administrators perceived Florida's school accountability system, the A+ Plan. This inquiry was conducted during the spring of 2001, in one of the largest urban school districts in Florida, with a sample of 27 participants, 21 teachers and 6 administrators, pre-selected from a high, an average, and a low performing high school. Data was gathered in the form of tape-recorded interviews, hand...
Show moreThe purpose of this qualitative study was to learn how high school mathematics teachers and school administrators perceived Florida's school accountability system, the A+ Plan. This inquiry was conducted during the spring of 2001, in one of the largest urban school districts in Florida, with a sample of 27 participants, 21 teachers and 6 administrators, pre-selected from a high, an average, and a low performing high school. Data was gathered in the form of tape-recorded interviews, hand written field notes, and document analysis. This study found that the school performance grade, teaching assignment course level, and race or ethnicity were not a source of variability in participants' perceptions. The A+ Plan was unanimously viewed as a bureaucratic reform initiative that used a power coercive approach to obtain compliance. Participants believed that the A+ Plan's fundamental belief that "every child can learn and that no child should be left behind" was unrealistic, and did not share the plan's central assumption that students' performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is the direct result of their performance as teachers. They believed that students' natural abilities and personal motivations to learn surpass any other variable in determining the students' level of achievement. The FCAT was judged as an ineffective and unfair tool for teachers' accountability purpose because it did not provide information about students' academic growth in a year, and also, because it compared schools that differed in their students' demographics. The participants believed that they should not be held accountable, punished or rewarded for their students' performance on the FCAT because their students' scores on the mathematics section of the test was the outcome of their previous mathematics experience and English language proficiency. They believed that the school grade was merely a reflection of the school population, and that publicizing grades made the hiring and retention of qualified teachers more difficult and damaged their professional reputation and esteem in the community at large. The participants held that the A+ Plan was creating an environment where teachers perceived their work as more stressful and less rewarding because of what they view as unfair and unrealistic standards.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11967
Subject Headings: Mathematics teachers--Florida--Attitudes, Educational change--Florida, Educational accountability--Florida, School administrators--Florida--Attitudes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Values underlying the parental selection of charter schools: A multi-site case analysis.
Creator: Grimsley, Patricia Ann., Florida Atlantic University, Bogotch, Ira
Abstract/Description: This multi-site case analysis investigated the values underlying the parental selection of charter schools. The conceptual framework of this study was school choice within the public sector and more specifically charter schools. The research design employed in-depth interviews and data analysis. A purposeful sample with random selection was used to select the eighteen parent participants. The principals were serving as principals of the schools at the time of the study. All research questions...
Show moreThis multi-site case analysis investigated the values underlying the parental selection of charter schools. The conceptual framework of this study was school choice within the public sector and more specifically charter schools. The research design employed in-depth interviews and data analysis. A purposeful sample with random selection was used to select the eighteen parent participants. The principals were serving as principals of the schools at the time of the study. All research questions were answered by the data analysis: How do the values of parents influence their selection of charter schools for their children? Parents were looking for alternatives to traditional public schools. Charter schools gave parents the opportunity to select schools that they believed would match their values. Why do some parents select to send their children to charter schools in lieu of traditional public schools? Charter schools provided smaller class size/smaller school size, more discipline, and diverse student population. Why do parents who have selected to send their children to charter schools believe that these schools do a better job of educating their children than some traditional public schools? Traditional public schools lack many of the things that parents stated would provide a good education for their children. How do race, socioeconomic status, and level of school impact the parental selection of charter schools in lieu of traditional public schools? These differences did not impact the parental selection of charter schools. What do parents consider when they select charter schools for their children? Parents considered what was best for their individual child. The finding of the study revealed that parents selected charter schools based on what they valued: small class size and small school size and the importance of education to the child's future. There were other themes that emerged across and within the three sites which contributed to the study's finding. More research is needed on charter schools because better informed parents will make better selections when exercising choice.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT12111
Subject Headings: Charter schools--United States, School choice--United States, Educational equalization--United States, Educational change--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: How Jamaican administrators in a large school district in Florida perceive ethnicity, gender, and mentoring have impacted their career experiences: a phenomenological study.
Creator: Barrett-Johnson, Denise P., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to discover how ethnicity, gender, and mentoring influenced the career experiences of Jamaican administrators in Sunshine County Public Schools (SCPS), a pseudonym that was used for a large public school district in Florida. This qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the career experiences of eight Jamaican administrators in SCPS. Seven of the participants were all native-born Jamaicans and one was a first generation Jamaican, born in England to Jamaican...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to discover how ethnicity, gender, and mentoring influenced the career experiences of Jamaican administrators in Sunshine County Public Schools (SCPS), a pseudonym that was used for a large public school district in Florida. This qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the career experiences of eight Jamaican administrators in SCPS. Seven of the participants were all native-born Jamaicans and one was a first generation Jamaican, born in England to Jamaican parents and raised in Jamaica until the age of 14. The researcher gained this understanding by interviewing participants in-depth about how their Jamaican ethnicity, gender, and personal mentoring experiences impacted their personal and professional journey as administrators in SCPS. Findings and conclusions will inform mentoring and educational leadership literature on strategies for success geared toward this understudied population.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356889
Subject Headings: High school principals, Attitudes, Educational leadership, Critical pedagogy, Mentoring in education, Women school administrators, Attitudes, Educational change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Students' preference for online versus face-to-face academic advising based on individual learning styles.
Creator: Tuck, Jess Everet., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine students' preferred methods of academic advising services and whether they related to their individual learning styles. The first objective of the study was to determine each participant's learning style. The second objective of the study was to determine which method of academic advising each participant preferred. The third objective of the study was to determine whether a relationship existed between the participants' learning styles and preferred...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine students' preferred methods of academic advising services and whether they related to their individual learning styles. The first objective of the study was to determine each participant's learning style. The second objective of the study was to determine which method of academic advising each participant preferred. The third objective of the study was to determine whether a relationship existed between the participants' learning styles and preferred methods of academic advising. Additionally, the moderating effect of gender, ethnicity, college major, high school grade point average (GPA), location, and employment on the relationship was considered. Students' learning styles were measured by the Barsch Learning Style Inventory (BLSI). Academic advising preference and demographic information were gathered through a researcher-designed questionnaire. All students (N=1,184) who completed the Online Advising & Registration System (OARS) were cont acted via e-mail and received a web link to the BLSI and student questionnaire. Data from the students (n=172) who completed the BLSI and student questionnaire were analyzed. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the quantitative data. A qualitative analysis of four open-ended survey questions was completed. The results found no relationship between participants' learning styles and their preferred methods of academic advising services. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, college major, high school GPA, location, and employment did not moderate the relationship between participants' learning styles and their preferred methods of academic advising services. The findings suggest that a student's learning style is not associated with his or her preference for type of advising., Furthermore, this lack of relationship did not change as a function of gender, ethnicity, college major, high school GPA, location, and employment.Recommedatations are provided for researchers and practitioners to further contribute to the literature and practice concerning academic advising preference and learning style.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/216409
Subject Headings: Educational change, Education, Higher, Effect of technological innovations on, Counseling in higher education, Computer network resources, Faculty advisors, Computer network resources, Student-administrator relationships, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

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