View All Items

Title: Student Perception of Online Instructors at a Florida Public University.
Creator: Ballard, William Willett, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in online student perception of the quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training for online instruction. There has been very little research identifying the factors influencing online students perception on quality of instruction, specifically at Florida public institutions. This research is important in establishing if public universities should require some level of training before an...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine differences in online student perception of the quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training for online instruction. There has been very little research identifying the factors influencing online students perception on quality of instruction, specifically at Florida public institutions. This research is important in establishing if public universities should require some level of training before an instructor can teach online. Experiencing poor quality of instruction can negatively impact an online student academically, which can, in turn, be detrimental to a university’s student retention and graduation rates. This study adds to the current body of research regarding improvement of the quality of instruction in online courses based on the online students perception of faculty and the completion of faculty training for online instruction. The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference overall in student perception of quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training as measured in courses with five or more student respondents. Additional results revealed that multiple academic colleges demonstrated a significant difference in student perception of quality of instruction. This study also discovered a slight negative effect of online faculty training on other areas of student satisfaction that did not include quality of instruction. Recommendations for future research are provided, including those for the improvement of online faculty training, university policy, and faculty and student preparation for online teaching and learning, respectively.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005962
Subject Headings: Distance education--Florida, Public universities and colleges, Online teaching, Student evaluation of teachers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Supportive Programs in Synergistic Middle and High Schools to Increase Engagement and Prevent Students From Dropping Out.
Creator: Collado, Washington B., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examined how two high schools have successfully increased graduation rates while serving minority-majority and impoverished communities. Data collected for this qualitative, multi-site, case study employed publicly-available archival materials, interviews, focus groups, and observations in leadership meetings to help narrate a story that takes into account the complexities of human relations, specifically those in school settings in an urban school district. Thirty-four...
Show moreThis study examined how two high schools have successfully increased graduation rates while serving minority-majority and impoverished communities. Data collected for this qualitative, multi-site, case study employed publicly-available archival materials, interviews, focus groups, and observations in leadership meetings to help narrate a story that takes into account the complexities of human relations, specifically those in school settings in an urban school district. Thirty-four participants were selected by the principals at the participating schools and included members of their leadership teams, such as literacy coaches, assistant principals, magnet coordinators, students, parents, security specialists, and guidance counselors. The conceptual framework of the study was based on three research questions. The first question examined the synergistic relationships between the selected middle and the high schools with the purpose of addressing students’ at risk of dropping out factors in the areas of academic engagement, behavior, and attendance. The second question investigated the different types of initiatives enacted to provide support and efforts to engage or reengage students. The third question was used as a guide to observe the effects that the principals have on the work of stakeholders and how they serve their students. This study examined the various ways in which two high schools and their three feeder middle schools combine efforts to reengage students academically and socially. The selected high schools have demonstrated success in graduation rates while serving minority-majority students in areas of poverty, as determined by the high percentage of students qualifying for the Free and Reduced Lunch program. The findings indicate the existence of purposeful collaboration between personnel with an emphasis on programmatic continuum, communication, and other initiatives to strengthen articulation. Further, this study identified various forms of support programs for students to remain engaged or reengage, such as extracurricular activities, mentoring, and expansion of interest-based classes. Lastly, the findings demonstrate that the principals involved in this study clearly established a mission and vision and their leadership teams enact such with a balance between their own initiatives and adherence to the goals of their respective school leaders.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013056
Subject Headings: Low-income high school students., Minority high school students., Dropouts--Prevention.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: An Assessment of Intergenerational Perceptions of Leadership Traits.
Creator: Hidrowoh, Jacob R., Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: In the last few decades, the world has witnessed an unparalleled increase in human longevity, accompanied by more years of employment and declining birth rates. These unusual events have dramatically raised the portion of older employees who are still active in the global labor force. Scholars have recognized that, along with the overall aging of the workforce, older individuals will increasingly occupy leadership positions. Since the current knowledge economy promotes a globalized,...
Show moreIn the last few decades, the world has witnessed an unparalleled increase in human longevity, accompanied by more years of employment and declining birth rates. These unusual events have dramatically raised the portion of older employees who are still active in the global labor force. Scholars have recognized that, along with the overall aging of the workforce, older individuals will increasingly occupy leadership positions. Since the current knowledge economy promotes a globalized, competitive, and rapidly evolving educational and business environment, organizational leaders are increasingly facing challenges to keep their leadership knowledge base current. Organizational leaders must attract and retain the best human capital, competent individuals who can act strategically to move their organizations forward. Consequently, it is prudent to believe that, in order to face the new challenges of an aging work force, organizations will require exceptional leaders to maintain a cohesive organizational system in which diverse generational cohorts may interact and work together efficiently and effectively. Using leadership identity theory, dynamic capabilities, and the leadership trait approach as the conceptual framework, this study assessed intergenerational perceptions of the importance of seven leadership traits: intelligence, decisiveness, compassion, innovation, organization, ambition, and honesty using a national sample of almost two thousand adults in the United States representing four generational cohorts: Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent generation. This quasi-experimental quantitative study sought to identify the differences in perception of the importance of leadership traits that each of these generational cohorts may have and the interaction that gender and educational level may have on generational cohort perceptions of the importance of leadership traits. Descriptive statistical analysis and comparative analyses including one-way and two-way ANOVA were conducted to determine any statistically significant differences in means among the differences in means of the perception of the importance of leadership traits among generational cohorts moderated by gender and educational level. Statistically significant findings for some, but not all, of the seven leadership traits included in this study were found by generational cohort and these differences were moderated by gender and educational level. Implications and recommendations for policy, practice, and future research are offered.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013143
Subject Headings: Leadership--Research, Generations
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Quantitative Analysis of Green-Building Features Incorporated in LEED-Certified Campus Buildings.
Creator: Ramdin, Gianna, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Higher education is an idyllically positioned organization from which meaningful dissemination of knowledge and interdisciplinary research is capable of actuating practices that resource consumption. Paradoxically, the construction, maintenance, and operations of the built environment, including the built campus environment, have contributed to the decline of raw resources and degradation of environmental processes. An opportunity exists to bridge the knowledge gap between the design and...
Show moreHigher education is an idyllically positioned organization from which meaningful dissemination of knowledge and interdisciplinary research is capable of actuating practices that resource consumption. Paradoxically, the construction, maintenance, and operations of the built environment, including the built campus environment, have contributed to the decline of raw resources and degradation of environmental processes. An opportunity exists to bridge the knowledge gap between the design and construction phase and the operations and maintenance phase of the green certified building life cycle, while examining the parts that contributed to the green-certification of the whole building. The purpose of this research was to 1.) identify green-building features and determine their frequency of implementation in new capital (NC) LEED-certified, campus buildings to effectuate operations and maintenance cost savings, indoor wellbeing, and environmental stewardship, and 2.) determine the relationships of greenbuilding feature usage across building, institutional, and LEED characteristics. The study used archival data to document the green efforts of each building with the study’s sample of 195 buildings on the campus of 107 universities and colleges, in the United States, between 2007 and 2017. The study’s findings indicated that the public institutions earned the LEED certification more often than private institutions and the sample was void of two-year community colleges. The sample was restricted for green-building features that (a) reduce economic cost, (b) improve indoor wellbeing, and (c) increase environmental stewardship. The results and implications are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005930
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Sustainable buildings., Education, Higher., Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System., Quantitative research.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Model for Improving Teacher Engagement Through Administrative Support.
Creator: Campbell, James C., Bogotch, Ira, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: School leaders in the elementary and secondary levels are continually in search of ways to raise student achievement. It is acknowledged that a quality teacher is the most effective means to ensure student success. However, school leaders cannot stop at hiring quality teachers. They must take steps to provide support for those teachers so they will remain engaged in their jobs. This research study sought to examine how various supportive actions by school principals can affect teacher...
Show moreSchool leaders in the elementary and secondary levels are continually in search of ways to raise student achievement. It is acknowledged that a quality teacher is the most effective means to ensure student success. However, school leaders cannot stop at hiring quality teachers. They must take steps to provide support for those teachers so they will remain engaged in their jobs. This research study sought to examine how various supportive actions by school principals can affect teacher engagement. It addressed the research questions of “Can administrative support factors predict teacher engagement?” and “Can teacher engagement predict student achievement?” This was accomplished through a literature review of the topics associated with teacher engagement as well as a quantitative analysis of responses solicited from high school teachers in a large urban school district in the Southeastern United States. The results indicate that administrative support factors can predict teacher engagement as the model predicted that a significant amount (54%) of the variance in teacher engagement was due to the predictor variables. It was found that the social events factor significantly predicted teacher engagement (b=.419) with the next highest weight being the assessment factor (b=.246). However, the study did not show a predictive relationship between teacher engagement and student achievement.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004887, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004887
Subject Headings: Teachers--In-service training., Teachers--Quality of., School improvement programs., Educational leadership., Teacher-principal relationships., School management and organization., School principals--Professional ethics., Mentoring in education.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: College Professors as Classroom Leaders: Strategic Thinking Capacity, Leader Influence Actions, and Classroom Performance.
Creator: Sfiropoulos, Mike, Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This non-experimental, quantitative study explored the leadership of college professors and the relationship to student assessments of their teaching performance. The leadership constructs under investigation were strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) and leader influence actions (behavioral agility), which are rooted in the theories of behavioral and cognitive complexity. Research indicates that cognitive and behavioral agility are two factors that produce more effective results...
Show moreThis non-experimental, quantitative study explored the leadership of college professors and the relationship to student assessments of their teaching performance. The leadership constructs under investigation were strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) and leader influence actions (behavioral agility), which are rooted in the theories of behavioral and cognitive complexity. Research indicates that cognitive and behavioral agility are two factors that produce more effective results for leaders in varying organizational contexts. However, previous research does not include college professors in those studies. Thus, this study sought to explore professors as classroom leaders and the relationship between college professors’ cognitive and behavioral agility and their students’ perceptions of their teaching effectiveness, if behavioral agility plays a mediating role, and if that relationship is moderated by alterable and unalterable contextual variables. Ninety-two full-time professors from one Florida college participated in the study. The professors’ strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) was measured using the STQP, an adaptation of Pisapia and Reyes-Guerra’s (2007) Strategic Thinking Questionnaire (STQTM), and the professors’ leader influence actions (behavioral agility) were measured using the SLQP, an adaptation of Pisapia, Reyes-Guerra, and Yasin’s (2006) Strategic Leadership Questionnaire (SLQTM) with both instruments employing Pisapia’s (2009) framework of strategic leadership. The ‘P’ denotes the ‘professor’ version of the original STQTM and SLQTM. Locus of control orientation as a contextual variable was measured using Spector’s (1988) Work Locus of Control Scale (WLCS). To measure student perceptions of professor effectiveness, the student assessments of courses and faculty were compiled from existing records from Palm Beach State College’s Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) website. The data were statistically analyzed using correlational and regression analyses and tested for mediation and moderation effects. The findings of this study revealed that college professors demonstrated the same strategic thinking capacity and leader influence actions as leaders in more traditional leadership roles as measured by the STQP and SLQP. The findings were also consistent with previous studies that found that cognitive agility is a significant predictor of behavioral agility. However, it also found that student perceptions of professor effectiveness as measured by student assessments were not correlated to any of the research variables in this study. Findings and conclusions, as well as recommendations for future research, are presented in the concluding chapter.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004993, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004983
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, College professors., Leaders., Classroom management., Teaching effectiveness.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Closing the Loop: Student Leader Perceptions of Their Leadership Development at a State University.
Creator: Burke, Katie Gale, Floyd, Deborah L., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Collegiate leadership development opportunities that enhance student’s leadership skills are on the rise. This study sought to understand how students perceive their own leadership development prior to entering college and at an institution that has prioritized leadership development in recent years. Through this single-case study, 51 undergraduate student leaders completed a questionnaire that resulted in a descriptive student leader profile and open-ended responses. From those 51 students,...
Show moreCollegiate leadership development opportunities that enhance student’s leadership skills are on the rise. This study sought to understand how students perceive their own leadership development prior to entering college and at an institution that has prioritized leadership development in recent years. Through this single-case study, 51 undergraduate student leaders completed a questionnaire that resulted in a descriptive student leader profile and open-ended responses. From those 51 students, 14 were a part of focus groups. There were three focus groups in total with four, seven, and three participants respectively. From the 14 participants, five volunteered for individual interviews to identify their perceptions of their leadership development in their own words. The research questions for this study were: What are the inputs and environmental influences that shape college students’ leadership development output from the student perspective; and, how do college students describe and understand their leadership development? The descriptive profile and close-ended responses are reviewed in chapter four and report four major findings. The first finding was “Mom made me do it”: The Influence of Family and Experiences Precollege, and the second finding was The What and Who Behind These Students’ Leadership Development in College: Purposeful Experiences and People. The third finding was The Why Behind These College Students’ Engagement in Leadership Development, which encompassed four themes to describe the reasons these students’ are interested in leadership development: encouragement from others, aspirations, self-development, and motivation to support causes they have grown to want to serve and for which they want to develop. The fourth finding was Soft Skills - Not Clear in the Terminology of These Student Leaders, Clear in Their Behaviors and included ways of defining soft skills and the exemplification of student leaders’ soft skills. Conclusions and recommendations are offered in chapter six including the proposal of a new model, Closing the Loop in College, developed from the pattern of findings that emerged in this study inclusive of reflective meaning making in college as essential for these leaders’ development.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004997, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004987
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, State universities and colleges., Leadership., College students.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: For Pets’ Sake: Is There a Need for Dog Safety Community Education?.
Creator: Falcone, Jaclyn Nicole, Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The history of the human-canine relationship and the human-canine bond is longstanding and has grown and developed throughout the years. Today, dogs are considered part of the family and are beneficial in impacting people across the United States. Introducing the community to dog safety education may strengthen the awareness and confidence of dog lovers across the state of Florida and hopefully reduce the number of preventable dog emergencies. This research suggested the reasons for dog...
Show moreThe history of the human-canine relationship and the human-canine bond is longstanding and has grown and developed throughout the years. Today, dogs are considered part of the family and are beneficial in impacting people across the United States. Introducing the community to dog safety education may strengthen the awareness and confidence of dog lovers across the state of Florida and hopefully reduce the number of preventable dog emergencies. This research suggested the reasons for dog ownership and the importance of protecting our beloved canines by presenting a literature review covering the evolution of the human-canine relationship, human-canine bond, positive effects of canines on humans, history of humane education to demonstrate the importance of dogs in the lives of American citizens and an overview of community education and the importance dog safety community education. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to understand the current state of dog safety community education in Florida and to introduce the need for policies and procedures for dog safety training for adults, if needed based on the research. This topic was analyzed through a needs assessment administered through a Parks & Recreation department in south Florida and online through social media. Ten key informants were selected to interview for an in-depth understanding of their perspective on this topic. Document analysis was conducted to see if results of the needs assessment were addressed in brochures and other media locally. The participants were community members of Florida who were also dog owners. Participants were adults over the age of 18. The participants’ anonymity was protected, as no names were collected from the survey. After carefully examining data collected from 10 interviews, document analysis, and surveys of 150 participants who are dog owners in Florida, the researcher of this study revealed factors that show substantial value that dog owners place on their dogs and interest in educational opportunities to protect their safety. The significance of this study presented additional research dispelling a misconception that dog safety education as easily accessible and available in Florida based communities. This study was also significant because it contributes to the literature by identifying the value dog owners place on their dogs, as demonstrated in both survey and document analysis.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004814, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004814
Subject Headings: Human-animal relationships., Animal welfare--Moral and ethical aspects., Social values--United States., Humane education., Safety education.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Factors That Predict Marijuana Use and Grade Point Average Among Undergraduate College Students.
Creator: Coco, Marlena B., Laanan, Frankie Santos, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that predict marijuana use and grade point average among undergraduate college students using the Core Institute national database. The Core Alcohol and Drug Survey was used to collect data on students’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to substance use in college. The sample used in this study was delimited to include only full-time undergraduate students (N =111,664) and data were collected from 2011 to 2015. Six research questions...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze factors that predict marijuana use and grade point average among undergraduate college students using the Core Institute national database. The Core Alcohol and Drug Survey was used to collect data on students’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to substance use in college. The sample used in this study was delimited to include only full-time undergraduate students (N =111,664) and data were collected from 2011 to 2015. Six research questions provided the foundation of the study, which was operationalized by Astin’s (1993) input environment outcome model (IEO). Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the sample in terms of individual and institutional characteristics, campus experiences, and substance use. Comparative analyses including one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance were conducted to determine statistical significance of differences between groups for gender, ethnic origin, marijuana use, and grade point average. Effect sizes were calculated for each ANOVA to determine the magnitude of the effect and practical significance for the population. Finally, inferential analyses using hierarchical, multiple regression were conducted to predict marijuana use. The regression model was also used to explore factors predicting medical marijuana and recreational marijuana use among students in the 2015 cohort. Statistically significant results were reported for each regression model. Statistically significant at p < .001, the factors that explained 42.2% of the variance in the final model included: gender, ethnic origin, age, institutional control, campus locale, intercollegiate athletics, social fraternities and sororities, music and performing arts, alcohol use, illegal drug use change, perceived risk of harm from trying marijuana once or twice, and perceived risk of harm from smoking marijuana regularly. Implications for policy, practice, and future research regarding marijuana use and academic performance are included.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004899, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004899
Subject Headings: College students--United States--Marijuana abuse., College students--Drug use--United States., College students--Substance use--United States., Marijuana abuse.
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.
Show less
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: District Leadership and Systemic Inclusion: A Case Study of One Inclusive, Effective School District.
Creator: Jekanowski, Elizabeth C., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Inclusion is a federal education policy in the United States that challenges educational leaders. Despite U.S. federal laws requiring an inclusive education for students with disabilities (SWD), educators continue to struggle to implement inclusion. Some scholars argue that leadership is the key to inclusion, with most studies focused on principal leadership. Successful inclusive districts are rare, as are studies of these districts. The purpose of this in-depth case study was to describe and...
Show moreInclusion is a federal education policy in the United States that challenges educational leaders. Despite U.S. federal laws requiring an inclusive education for students with disabilities (SWD), educators continue to struggle to implement inclusion. Some scholars argue that leadership is the key to inclusion, with most studies focused on principal leadership. Successful inclusive districts are rare, as are studies of these districts. The purpose of this in-depth case study was to describe and understand the leadership practices of SSSD (pseudonym), an inclusive (based on LRE ≥75% for three consecutive years) and effective district (based on district grades of As and Bs, state measures of student achievement) in Southeast Florida. Within SSSD, a purposeful sample of 31 participants was selected that included eight district leaders, three principals, 15 teachers, and five parents located at four sites and observed across three events over the span of one semester with multiple supporting documents analyzed. Four findings describing district leadership practices emerged from the data analysis; 1) a shared inclusive mission, 2) collaborative efforts, 3) formal and informal professional development (PD), and 4) acknowledging and addressing challenges. The practices of district leaders found in this study resonate with other findings in the literature and contribute two of the new findings in this study: 1) the superintendent’s attitudes, beliefs, and experiences as a special educator were described as key to her district’s inclusive focus and success and extends previous research connecting principal leadership to school site inclusion; and 2) informal versus formal PD was more beneficial to teachers in building collective capacity for inclusive service delivery—marking a new distinction within related PD literature. Recommendations to district leaders, policy makers, and scholars are included. The study concludes by encouraging educational leaders to cultivate a shared inclusive mission implemented through collaborative efforts. There is hope for inclusion, not only in theory, but in practice, mirroring the call of other district leadership studies of successful, systemic inclusion.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004815, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004815
Subject Headings: Educational leadership--Case studies., Inclusive education--Case studies., Children with disabilities--Education--United States--Case studies., School management and organization--Case studies., Action research in education--Case studies., Mainstreaming in education--Case studies.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: African-American Leaders in the Field of Science: A Template for Overcoming Obstacles.
Creator: Schmidt, Waweise J., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this phenomenological multi-case study and three-person interview, was to discover what select prominent African-American scientists perceived were obstacles to overcome to be successful leaders in their professional lives, and the opportunities that aided in their professional growth. Through the addition of the threeperson interview, the researcher discovered commonalities between the perceived obstacles and opportunities of current science, technology, engineering and...
Show moreThe purpose of this phenomenological multi-case study and three-person interview, was to discover what select prominent African-American scientists perceived were obstacles to overcome to be successful leaders in their professional lives, and the opportunities that aided in their professional growth. Through the addition of the threeperson interview, the researcher discovered commonalities between the perceived obstacles and opportunities of current science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals and the perceptions of selected historically prominent scientists. This study examined documents of the period and relics of prominent African- Americans who were in STEM fields and lived from 1860 to 1968. A description of the setting that influenced how the scientists perceived the phenomenon was written with the approach being anchored in the social constructivist tradition. Commonalities emerged through coding experiences of the individuals, which yielded patterns to help explain the phenomenon. By investigating their perceptions, insight was gained into understanding the attributes, tools and skills, and tailored experiences that encouraged Thomas Burton, Kelly Miller, George Carver, Daniel Williams, Matthew Henson, Ernest Just, Charles Drew, Percy Julian, William Cobb, and Benjamin Peery to achieve success in STEM fields between 1860 and 1968. The significance of the study is multifaceted: understanding the obstacles that African-American scientists had to overcome in their professional lives can result in the development of science educators who are better informed regarding the appropriate types of assistance that can be provided to aid their students in overcoming obstacles. This can hopefully increase their opportunities to succeed within the science field. This study can result in the development of science educators who are more sensitive in addressing the needs of the developing minority student, and can encourage, educate, and enlist more individuals to enter into the dialogue regarding the disparity of minority representation in STEM fields.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004961, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004951
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, African-American scientists., Overcoming obstacles., Phenomenological studies., Science--Study and teaching.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Comparative Look at Student and Faculty Perceptions of Professors at a State College.
Creator: Duff, Suzanne M., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Research shows that there is a disconnect between student and faculty perceptions in a range of areas. One area that has not been researched is comparing student and faculty perceptions regarding desirable and undesirable traits in professors. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify what students perceive are the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect their overall college experience. This study also identified what professors thought...
Show moreResearch shows that there is a disconnect between student and faculty perceptions in a range of areas. One area that has not been researched is comparing student and faculty perceptions regarding desirable and undesirable traits in professors. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify what students perceive are the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect their overall college experience. This study also identified what professors thought students perceive as the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect students’ overall college experience. The findings indicate that the largest disparity in perceptions between students and faculty was faculty perception that students rate them based on class rigor and assigned grades, which were two of the least important qualities according to students. The largest similarity that faculty and students agreed upon is that students desire professors who are knowledgeable, passionate, engaging, and able to connect with students. Both groups also perceive that students do not like professors who are boring and monotone. In addition, students and professors agree that students perceive professors as playing an important role in their lives that affect their ability to learn, the grades they receive, and also impact their overall college experience and trajectory in life. The two groups differed when describing how professors’ undesirable qualities can negatively affect students’ emotions and self-confidence. Faculty and students were in agreement in a variety of areas, but they were disconnected in several areas as well. This is a problem as we move into the future. Cox (2009) said, “the traditional college student is no longer the typical college student” (p. 7), especially when it comes to state and community colleges. Professors would benefit from listening to students instead of assuming that their ratings are untrustworthy and based on how hard or easy the class was or what grade they received. The researcher asserts, along with others in the literature, that expertise in content area is no longer good enough to be an effective educator in higher education. Faculty also need to be experts in understanding students.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004967, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004957
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Teacher-student relationships., College teachers., Student evaluation of teachers.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Principal Leader Actions and Their Influence on School Culture and School Performance.
Creator: Featherstone, Ginger L., Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted to determine whether there is a link between the principal’s behavioral agility, the organization’s culture, and school performance as defined by the state’s Value Added Measure (VAM). Additionally, this study examined if there was a moderator influence of contextual factors to behavioral agility and school culture and school culture and school performance. Data collection was obtained through the use of two validated scales, the...
Show moreThis quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted to determine whether there is a link between the principal’s behavioral agility, the organization’s culture, and school performance as defined by the state’s Value Added Measure (VAM). Additionally, this study examined if there was a moderator influence of contextual factors to behavioral agility and school culture and school culture and school performance. Data collection was obtained through the use of two validated scales, the Strategic Leadership Questionnaire (SLQ) and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). Multiple regression was conducted to determine the extent each independent variable predicts school performance. Hayes’s (2012) PROCESS macro for SPSS was completed to determine if school culture mediated the relationship between behavioral agility and school performance and school culture and school performance. Significant correlations were found between and within the two instruments measured unidimensionally and multidimensionally. The OCAI findings included significant, high effect correlations with the four culture types, although market was not correlated with clan or adhocracy. All subscales of the SLQ had positive significant correlations within the instrument. School size was significantly negatively correlated with clan and adhocracy culture types. School performance was found to be significantly correlated with hierarchy culture type and school level. The contribution this study makes is both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, this study offers insights into school level and its moderation of culture and school performances as well as the influence culture types have on school performance. Practically, the study could identify a new culture type valuable to principals for improving school performance.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004885, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004885
Subject Headings: School principals., Educational leadership., Education--Research--Methodology., School management and organization., School improvement programs., Action research in education.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Fork in the Road: Determining Factors for Diverse Students Choosing a Non-profit, Open-Access Institution Versus a For- Profit, Open-Access Institution.
Creator: Pacheco, Ruth E., Laanan, Frankie Santos, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Community colleges and for-profit institutions are considered open-access institutions and serve a large proportion of the United States student population. Furthermore, research confirms that students who are minorities, disadvantaged, and nontraditional attend these institutions in greater numbers than highly selective institutions. However, little is known about how these students choose between these two types of open-access institutions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a deeper...
Show moreCommunity colleges and for-profit institutions are considered open-access institutions and serve a large proportion of the United States student population. Furthermore, research confirms that students who are minorities, disadvantaged, and nontraditional attend these institutions in greater numbers than highly selective institutions. However, little is known about how these students choose between these two types of open-access institutions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a deeper understanding of the discriminating factors that influence these pathways and determine a predictive model of choice that is generalizable to undergraduate students choosing to attend open-access institutions. The study used the undergraduate portion of the 2011- 2012 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12) as its data source. NPSAS:12 contains a sample of about 95,000 undergraduate and about 16,900 graduate students enrolled between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 in approximately 1,690 Title IV-eligible institutions of higher education in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The results of the study indicate that the odds are higher for students attending for-profit colleges and universities than public two-year colleges to: be female; have independent status (24 years of age or older); have dependents; be Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian and Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander; use higher amounts of financial aid; either not have a job or work fulltime; be less likely to attend college part-time; have higher college GPAs; and attend larger institutions. When restricting the sample for at-risk and non-traditional students, the odds for Hispanic and Latino and American Indian or Alaska Native students attending FPCUs increased, whereas the odds of Black or African American students attending FPCUs decreased. The results, implications for policy and practice, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004811, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004811
Subject Headings: Multiculturalism--Education., Community college students., African American college students--United States., Hispanic American students--United States., Alaska Native college students--United States., Indian students--United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Wicked Decision Maker: A Collective Case Study of Senior Student Affairs Officers Responding to At-risk Student Retention.
Creator: Camp, Aarika C., Watlington, Eliah, Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this collective case study was to discover the decision-making processes used by senior student affairs officers when making wicked decisions related to the retention of specialized, at-risk student populations. Wicked decisions are complex, resistant to resolutions, lead to other problems, and are essentially unique. In this study, decisions related to retention of Black males; students with mental health issues; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer student...
Show moreThe purpose of this collective case study was to discover the decision-making processes used by senior student affairs officers when making wicked decisions related to the retention of specialized, at-risk student populations. Wicked decisions are complex, resistant to resolutions, lead to other problems, and are essentially unique. In this study, decisions related to retention of Black males; students with mental health issues; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer student retention fall within the wicked problem category and were the focus of this study. These decisions are usually the responsibility of divisions of student affairs in higher education settings and the senior student affairs officer. Hence, the senior student affairs officer is tasked with making responsible and effective decisions that foster the success of all students. This dissertation focused on the decision-making processes, practices, and procedures student affairs officers use to support the retention of select special populations served in higher education.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004985, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004975
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Student affairs administrators., Dropouts--Prevention., Student affairs services--United States--Decision making--Case studies.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Effect of Teacher Cognitive and Behavioral Agility on Student Achievement.
Creator: White, Mary K., Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if teachers who use thinking and leading actions have higher student achievement as measured by the teacher’s Value Added Measure (VAM) score. A quantitative non-experimental design investigated the relationships between teacher cognitive and behavioral agility and student achievement. Cognitive agility, measured through the Strategic Thinking Questionnaire for Teachers (STQT ), refers to the leader’s ability to use their repertoire of thinking...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if teachers who use thinking and leading actions have higher student achievement as measured by the teacher’s Value Added Measure (VAM) score. A quantitative non-experimental design investigated the relationships between teacher cognitive and behavioral agility and student achievement. Cognitive agility, measured through the Strategic Thinking Questionnaire for Teachers (STQT ), refers to the leader’s ability to use their repertoire of thinking skills. Behavioral agility, measured with the Strategic Leadership Questionnaire for Teachers (SLQT ), denotes the leader’s ability to use a wide array of leader influencing actions. Teachers were surveyed and the data were analyzed through correlation and multiple regressions to determine the relationship among the variables. Although the cognitive and behavioral agility was not correlated with a teacher’s VAM score, the results indicate that teachers do perceive themselves as leaders in their classrooms. Educational leadership certification, higher degrees, and years experience of a teacher did moderate the relationship between local VAM and both cognitive and behavioral agility. The sub-scales of systems thinking and transforming of the survey instruments also were significant to the results. Theoretically, this study contributes to the teacher leadership literature, focusing on the classroom teacher and their effect on student achievement. Practically, with educational accountability changing the landscape, school districts should train teachers to engage in leadership skills, reward teachers for earning a Master’s degree in leadership, and work to retain high quality teachers who are leaders within their classroom. Greater student achievement could be the result.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004886, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004886
Subject Headings: Teachers--Rating of., Teacher-student relationships., Teacher effectiveness., Master teachers., Effective teaching., Performance standards., Classroom management., Academic achievement--Evaluation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Time Orientation and the Ability to Envision the Distant Future of Higher Education in a Community College.
Creator: Diaz, Gisela M., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Although temporal issues affecting organizations and leaders have been researched, time orientation (preference for one or more of the present, past, and future time frames) and visioning ability of change agents within organizations remain open for additional investigation. This exploratory survey study compared self-reported time orientation (TO) and visioning ability ratings of administrators and faculty at a community college. The research added to the extant literature by contextualizing...
Show moreAlthough temporal issues affecting organizations and leaders have been researched, time orientation (preference for one or more of the present, past, and future time frames) and visioning ability of change agents within organizations remain open for additional investigation. This exploratory survey study compared self-reported time orientation (TO) and visioning ability ratings of administrators and faculty at a community college. The research added to the extant literature by contextualizing the measures of the key constructs and extending the research to a novel setting. Scores for all three time frames were assessed in contrast to studies that emphasize future orientation. In addition, TO measures were obtained using an instrument constructed specifically for organizations (Fortunato & Furey, 2009). An adapted version of a visioning ability by Thoms and Blasko (1999) was constructed to address a specified time depth (the distant future) and domains relevant to higher education. Administrators reported significantly higher ratings than faculty on Future TO and visioning ability measures. Future TO scores for faculty were lower in relation to scores on the other two TO scales, but no within-group TO differences were found for administrators. A multiple regression model indicated that Future TO was the best predictor of visioning ability. Faculty teaching in the Associate of Science areas had higher Present TO scores than those teaching in the Associate of Arts programs. TO and visioning ability did not change as a function of gender, age, culture, and years of experience in higher education. The interpretation of the findings was limited by the lack of benchmarks that allow for meaningful comparisons across organizations, and by a continued need to establish construct and predictive validity for the key measures. The research has implications for hiring decisions, for staff development, and for temporal profiling in organizations interested in envisioning the distant future.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005927
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Education, Higher, Community colleges--Faculty., Community colleges--Administration., Time perspective., Organizational change.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Relationship Between Mandatory 3rd Grade Retention and School Performance in Florida.
Creator: Shields-Proctor, Cheryl A., Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The mixed method study analyzed Florida’s 3rd grade retention policy found in F.S. 1008.25 for its rational and intended purpose. In addition, the study investigated the relationship and hypothetical impact of 3rd grade mandatory retention policy on school grades in elementary schools across the state of Florida. A critical policy analysis used policy document analysis through the lens of critical race theory. Correlation analyses investigated the relationship between the practice of holding...
Show moreThe mixed method study analyzed Florida’s 3rd grade retention policy found in F.S. 1008.25 for its rational and intended purpose. In addition, the study investigated the relationship and hypothetical impact of 3rd grade mandatory retention policy on school grades in elementary schools across the state of Florida. A critical policy analysis used policy document analysis through the lens of critical race theory. Correlation analyses investigated the relationship between the practice of holding students back in grade and the outcomes resulting from high stakes tests moderated by school characteristics of minority rate, free reduced lunch rate and Title I status. The findings show Florida Statute 1008.25 places some schools with high Minority rates, and high FRL rates in a paradoxical situation from which the schools cannot escape. All schools are obligated to enact the terms of education legislation, yet my study demonstrates a negative correlation for the “majority minority” schools (Darling-Hammond, 2010).
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004823, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004823
Subject Headings: Education, Elementary--Florida., Educational tests and measurements--Florida., Grade repetition--Florida., School children.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Relationship Between McGregor’s Leadership Theory and Happiness Among Higher Educational Leaders.
Creator: Sullivan, Jeannette S., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to determine if a relationship exists between McGregor’s Leadership Theory and subjective states of well-being among higher educational leaders in state and community colleges in Florida. The underlying supposition was that the preference for what Douglas McGregor called Theory X or Theory Y assumptions, indicate intrinsic assumptions about human nature and are linked to subjective happiness. Quantitative data were collected through electronic administration...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to determine if a relationship exists between McGregor’s Leadership Theory and subjective states of well-being among higher educational leaders in state and community colleges in Florida. The underlying supposition was that the preference for what Douglas McGregor called Theory X or Theory Y assumptions, indicate intrinsic assumptions about human nature and are linked to subjective happiness. Quantitative data were collected through electronic administration of two surveys and demographic questions to higher educational leaders at 28 state and community colleges in the State of Florida. These instruments measured levels of well-being through the PERMA-Profiler instrument and preferences for Theory X or Theory Y using the Theory X and Theory Y Managerial Assumptions Inventory. Multiple correlation and regression analyses were used to address the research questions. This study detected no relationship between well-being and happiness in this sample.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004831, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004831
Subject Headings: Personnel management., Educational leadership., Quality of work life., Work--Psychological aspects., Happiness., Job satisfaction.
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (259)	+ -
Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Analysis (7)	+ -

Educational leadership (55)	+ -
Education (18)	+ -
School management and organization (17)	+ -
Education, Higher (14)	+ -
Academic achievement (13)	+ -

Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (12)	+ -
School improvement programs (10)	+ -
Evaluation (9)	+ -
Critical pedagogy (8)	+ -
Achievement in education (7)	+ -
Aims and objectives (7)	+ -
Educational equalization (7)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University -- History (7)	+ -
Learning, Psychology of (7)	+ -
Motivation in education (7)	+ -
Psychological aspects (7)	+ -
Strategic planning (7)	+ -
Study and teaching (7)	+ -
Education and state (6)	+ -
Education, Higher--Administration (6)	+ -
Experiential learning (6)	+ -
School principals (6)	+ -
Universities and colleges (6)	+ -
Administration (5)	+ -
College students (5)	+ -
Community colleges (5)	+ -
Decision making (5)	+ -
Distance education (5)	+ -
Education, Adult and Continuing (5)	+ -
Educational accountability (5)	+ -

United States (41)	+ -
Florida (24)	+ -
Palm Beach County (2)	+ -
Canada (1)	+ -
Floria (1)	+ -

Jamaica (1)	+ -
Leadership Collier (1)	+ -
North America (1)	+ -
Social aspects (1)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Temporal Subject

Genre Subject

Title as Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format