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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: A new look at distributive leadership in title I and non-title I schools: does distributive leadership impact student achievement and school culture?.
Creator: Givens, Keietta Latraill, Mountford, Meredith L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a difference in how leadership is distributed in Title I and Non-Title I schools and to examine the relationship between distributive leadership and student achievement in Title I and Non- Title I schools. Additionally, the study investigated the relationship between distributive leadership and school culture in Title I and Non-Title I schools. Finally, this study determined if the relationship between distributed leadership,...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a difference in how leadership is distributed in Title I and Non-Title I schools and to examine the relationship between distributive leadership and student achievement in Title I and Non- Title I schools. Additionally, the study investigated the relationship between distributive leadership and school culture in Title I and Non-Title I schools. Finally, this study determined if the relationship between distributed leadership, school culture, and student achievement is moderated by Title I status. This study was significant in the realm of education as it explored distributive leadership, its working definition, and possible relationship to increased student achievement and positive school culture. A quantitative method, including three statistical analyses, was implemented to answer each of the five proposed research questions and five corresponding null hypotheses. A bivariate correlation analysis revealed there was not a relationship between distributive leadership and school culture; distributive leadership and student achievement in a middle school setting. Further, a moderation analysis determined that distributive leadership and school culture, distributive leadership and student achievement were not moderated by Title I status. Additionally, a t-test showed there was not a difference in how leadership was distributed within Title I and Non-Title I schools. A discussion of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations for K-12 were explained in detail, followed by suggestions for future research.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004022
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, Distributive leadership, Educational accountability, Educational leadership, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A private school leadership perspective on highly qualified middle school science teachers.
Creator: Bogaski, Carolyn Siniscalchi, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine how Florida (FL) private, middle school (MS) leaders define highly qualified (HQ) MS science teachers, and how congruent their definitions are. The study also determines how congruent these leaders’ definitions are with FL, national, and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) definitions. Lastly, the study determines the major challenges these private MS leaders have in hiring MS science teachers who meet the NSTA definition of HQ.
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349
Subject Headings: Comparative education, Educational leadership, School management and organization, Science -- Study and teaching (Middle school)
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: An analysis of Florida's school districts' attendance policies and their relationship to high school attendance rates.
Creator: Reardon, Ryan Turner., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to determine the relationship between the type of attendance policies in the high schools of the 67 Florida school districts, the size of the school district (number of high school students), the socioeconomic status (SES) of the school district, and the average daily attendance rate of the district. Additionally, the study determined if the relationship between policy type and attendance rate was moderated by SES and size. To test...
Show moreThe purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to determine the relationship between the type of attendance policies in the high schools of the 67 Florida school districts, the size of the school district (number of high school students), the socioeconomic status (SES) of the school district, and the average daily attendance rate of the district. Additionally, the study determined if the relationship between policy type and attendance rate was moderated by SES and size. To test the research questions, high school attendance polices were examined and coded into one of three pre-determined categories: punitive, reward, or affective. The SES level and district size were also examined. A percentage was calculated for each district with respect to the makeup of attendance policies (by type). Polices that were punitive in nature were found to be most commonly implemented (mean 81.14 percent)., No significant relationships existed among the independent variables policy type, SES level and district size when tested with the dependent variable average daily attendance rate. Furthermore, district size and SES showed no significant moderation effects on the relationship between policy type and average daily attendance rate. An additional analysis of a large urban school district showed that when examining school level average daily attendance rates, school size showed no significant relationship, while school SES level did. The conclusion of this study was that while a heavy emphasis was placed on the implementation of punitive policy, when measured at the district level, average daily attendance rates were not significantly related to the variables of policy type, SES level, or district size, nor was the relationship between policy type and average daily attendance rate moderated by SES or district size., Recommendations for future research, school leaders, and policymakers were to assess the effectiveness of using reward and affective policies in conjunction with punitive policies, to conduct an assessment of policy effectiveness using school level data as the unit of analysis, and while attendance policies are typically created at the district level, schools should be given the autonomy to create and implement attendance programs conducive to their individual needs.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58010
Subject Headings: School attendance, Juvenile delinquency, Dropout behavior, Prediction of, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Beyond fidelity: relating educational practices and their determinants to student learning gains.
Creator: Urdegar, Steven M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at...
Show moreThis study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at their schools. Nearly 13,000 students in grades 2 through 5 were assigned to those teachers. Factor analyses were used to separately identify patterns within survey items that measured educational practices, leadership actions, and instructional program coherence. Then, the students' achievement gains were adjusted for the effects of fixed demographic and organizational variables through hierarchical linear modeling. Finally, classroom level relationships between the adjusted achievement gains, and subscales computed from the factors that were identified, were examined through a path analysis. Educational practices were found to align to six factors labeled Technology, Training Utility, Advanced Skills, Basic Skills, Grouping, and Assessment. Leadership actions were found to align to two factors labeled Relationship and Task. Fixed effects at the student, classroom, and school levels were found to have an impact on both the initial status and growth components of student achievement. In the path model, Task was found to have a significant direct effect on Advanced Skills, while the effect of Relationship on educational practices was partially mediated by Instructional Program Coherence. Both Advanced and Basic skills were found to have positive effects on Adjusted Gain when taught at the appropriate level, and negative effects, when taught at the inappropriate level., Technology was found to facilitate Basic Skills instruction overall, with greater benefits seen at the upper grades. It was concluded the rates of use seen for Advanced and Basic skills instruction were similar at the three types of schools examined because of poor differentiation due to innovation diffusion. Teachers who perceived their leaders as supportive, tended to rate their schools as more coherent and training requirements as more appropriate, and used technology and assessment more often, leading to gains in student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77653
Subject Headings: School management and organization, Decision making, Education, Evaluation, Educational tests and measurements, School improvement programs, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Block scheduling: Its impact on academic achievement, and the perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators.
Creator: Hamdy, Mona., Florida Atlantic University, Urich, Ted R.
Abstract/Description: This study consists of three parts. The first part determined if significant differences exist in the scores of students on four standardized tests between two block and two traditional scheduling schools. The assessment instruments were standardized tests given to students in Palm Beach County School District in the state of Florida: (a) Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) for grade 9, (b) Grade Ten Assessment Test (GTAT), (c) Florida Writes (FW) for grade 10, and (d) High School...
Show moreThis study consists of three parts. The first part determined if significant differences exist in the scores of students on four standardized tests between two block and two traditional scheduling schools. The assessment instruments were standardized tests given to students in Palm Beach County School District in the state of Florida: (a) Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) for grade 9, (b) Grade Ten Assessment Test (GTAT), (c) Florida Writes (FW) for grade 10, and (d) High School Competency Test (HSCT) for grade 11. Approximately 2,000 students took each of the four tests for each grade, a total of 8,000 participants. Significant differences (p <.00125) were found between students scores on the FW and the HSCT. The traditional scheduling students outperformed those at the block scheduling schools in regards to the FW and the HSCT. Results of statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between the 4 x 4 schedule and the alternate day schedule only in terms of achievement on the Florida Writes. Students at the alternate day school outperformed those at the 4 x 4 scheduling school on the Florida Writes test. Schools' records indicated that the rate of suspension has decreased during the year of implementing block scheduling for the alternate day scheduling school, and increased for the 4 x 4 scheduling school. There was no change in the absentee rate at both types of block scheduling schools. The second part of this study was to compare differences in perceptions among teachers and students towards the two types of block scheduling. A Likert-type survey was answered by 101 teachers from both types of schools. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between the perceptions of teachers from the 4 x 4 and the alternate day scheduling schools in terms of class size. Teachers disagreed that class size has decreased because of the implementation of block scheduling. Regarding students' perceptions, 931 students from both schools participated in answering the questionnaire. There were significant differences among students on their preference to remain on block scheduling. The third part of this study examined differences between the perceptions of administrators of different types of block scheduling. A Likert-type survey consisting of 26 items was sent to selected principals throughout the nation. Twenty two out of the 24 items did not prove to be significant at the 0.0021 level. There were differences in administrators perceptions towards the failure rate. Similar results were found in regards to discipline problems. The Scheffe post hoc test was administered to determine which pairwise group differences were significant. Survey results indicated that administrators perceived that the science department is the happiest department with block scheduling, and that mathematics and foreign language are the least happy.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12477
Subject Headings: Schedules, School--Florida--Palm Beach County, High schools--Florida--Palm Beach County, School year--Florida--Palm Beach County, School management and organization, Academic achievement
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative, holistic, multi-case study of the implementation of the Strategic Thinking ProtocolÃ and traditional strategic planning processes at a southeastern university.
Creator: Robinson, Deborah J., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study explores the strategic thinking and strategic planning efforts in a department, college and university in the southeastern United States. The goal of the study was to identify elements of strategic planning processes that meet the unique organizational features and complexities of a higher education institution. The study employed a holistic, multi-case study approach, wherein three single case studies were conducted with one unit of analysis. The findings in each case were then...
Show moreThis study explores the strategic thinking and strategic planning efforts in a department, college and university in the southeastern United States. The goal of the study was to identify elements of strategic planning processes that meet the unique organizational features and complexities of a higher education institution. The study employed a holistic, multi-case study approach, wherein three single case studies were conducted with one unit of analysis. The findings in each case were then compared and contrasted to provide more evidence and confidence in the findings. The findings are framed by two constructs : strategic planning and strategic thinking. The conceptual framework for the study identified the distinction between the systematic nature of strategic planning and the more integrated perspective of strategic thinking. Traditional business based strategic planning model uses an analytical process, logic, linear thinking and a calculating process to develop a plan. Strategi c thinking places a premium on synthesis, systems thinking and a social cognitive process that results in an integrated perspective of the organization. The resluts of this study indicate that the use of the Strategic Thinking ProtocolÃ is suitable for higher education organizations to create a learning environment, to implement creative and emergent strategies, that result in the organization's positioning and responses to a rapidly changing environment. The strategic thinking process in both the department and college cases were found to be effective in altering the attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors of the participants. The integration of the plan is an ongoing process with strong beginnings in both the department and college cases., The traditional strategic planning process used in the university case was found not to be an effective model for higher education organizations. Finally, the inclusion of strategic thinking elements is an effective change model for higher education institutions.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352827
Subject Headings: Universities and colleges, Administration, Case studies, Universities and colleges, Strategic planning, Case studies, Educational leadership, Case studies, Strategic planning, Case studies, Education, Higher, Administration, Case studies, School management and organization, Case studies
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparing levels of school performance to science teachers' reports on knowledge/skills, instructional use and student use of computers.
Creator: Kerr, Rebecca., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this descriptive quantitative and basic qualitative study was to examine fifth and eighth grade science teachers' responses, perceptions of the role of technology in the classroom, and how they felt that computer applications, tools, and the Internet influence student understanding. The purposeful sample included survey and interview responses from fifth grade and eighth grade general and physical science teachers. Even though they may not be generalizable to other teachers or...
Show moreThe purpose of this descriptive quantitative and basic qualitative study was to examine fifth and eighth grade science teachers' responses, perceptions of the role of technology in the classroom, and how they felt that computer applications, tools, and the Internet influence student understanding. The purposeful sample included survey and interview responses from fifth grade and eighth grade general and physical science teachers. Even though they may not be generalizable to other teachers or classrooms due to a low response rate, findings from this study indicated teachers with fewer years of teaching science had a higher level of computer use but less computer access, especially for students, in the classroom. Furthermore, teachers' choice of professional development moderated the relationship between the level of school performance and teachers' knowledge/skills, with the most positive relationship being with workshops that occurred outside of the school. Eighteen interviews revealed that teachers perceived the role of technology in classroom instruction mainly as teacher-centered and supplemental, rather than student-centered activities.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360802
Subject Headings: Science, Study and teaching (Middle school), School management and organization, Computer-assisted instruction, Academic achievement, Evaluation, High technology and education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The concept of fit: intersections in educational leadership.
Creator: Smith, Scott Vaughn., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this mixed method study was to understand how demographic fit, organizational fit, and group fit influenced secondary school assistant principal (AP) selection and assimilation for candidates who completed the Paradise School District (pseudonym) leadership training program during the 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 school years. However, the results indicated that Hispanic candidates were selected at a higher rate than other groups of candidates. The results also indicated that Black...
Show moreThe purpose of this mixed method study was to understand how demographic fit, organizational fit, and group fit influenced secondary school assistant principal (AP) selection and assimilation for candidates who completed the Paradise School District (pseudonym) leadership training program during the 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 school years. However, the results indicated that Hispanic candidates were selected at a higher rate than other groups of candidates. The results also indicated that Black candidates were selected at the same rate as the average for all candidates ; however these results may be misleading because Black candidates were disproportionally over-represented in the study sample. Regarding organizational fit, the study results suggested that candidates who indicated one of three specific Myers-Briggs personality types (ESTJ, ENTJ, or ENFP) were selected at higher rates than candidates of the other 13 personality types. The suggested personality traits for secondary school APs found in this study included (a) Extroversion (E), (b) Feeling (F), and (c) Judging (J). Candidates who referenced more than one hiring administrator, at or above the level of principal, were selected at higher rates than candidates who referenced only one principal. The inverviews suggested balancing the demographics of a school's administrative staff, using gender and race/ethnicity, to the the community the school serves was related to selection. The interviews also disclosed that Black, Hispanic, and candidates with expertise in operations and curricula might be suggested over other candidates. The interviews also suggested that networking, sponsorship, interview impressions, and references were related to the selection processes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361061
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, School management and organization, Strategic planning, Interpersonal relations
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CYCLIC IRRELEVANCY: A THEORETICAL CONSTRUCT FOR THE ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN FEEDBACK MALFUNCTIONS IN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS.
Creator: HANSEN, HAROLD CHARLES JULIUS., Florida Atlantic University, Harmes, Harold M.
Abstract/Description: As systems, schools receive inputs from their suprasystems and produce output which is returned to the suprasystems. Criteria for evaluating quality of output are best defined by the suprasystems which receive the output. When school systems produce output which meets suprasystem criteria, a state of concordance between the educational subsystem and its suprasystems is achieved. However, the out-put of an educational system may not meet the expectations of its suprasystems. Deductive analysis...
Show moreAs systems, schools receive inputs from their suprasystems and produce output which is returned to the suprasystems. Criteria for evaluating quality of output are best defined by the suprasystems which receive the output. When school systems produce output which meets suprasystem criteria, a state of concordance between the educational subsystem and its suprasystems is achieved. However, the out-put of an educational system may not meet the expectations of its suprasystems. Deductive analysis is the method used in this dissertation for establishing proof of cyclic irrelevancy from the assumptions, definitions and postulates widely accepted by scholars in the field of systems theory. Corollaries which logically follow are also formulated. Based upon the identification and description of cyclic irrelevancy and its corollaries, a theoretical prescriptive model for interruption of cyclic irrelevancy is described.
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Date Issued: 1976
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11672
Subject Headings: System theory, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The desired role vs. the actual role of the Lutheran elementary school board as viewed by selected principals, school board chairpersons, and pastors of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Creator: Stucky, Bradd William, Florida Atlantic University, Urich, Ted R.
Abstract/Description: The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has always advocated Christian day schools. One of the major missions of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, according to its Constitution, is the furtherance of Christian parochial schools and thorough instruction in confirmation. Although the governance of each school varies, typically, a school board's general duties include defining policy and ensuring its implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of similarity between the...
Show moreThe Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has always advocated Christian day schools. One of the major missions of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, according to its Constitution, is the furtherance of Christian parochial schools and thorough instruction in confirmation. Although the governance of each school varies, typically, a school board's general duties include defining policy and ensuring its implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of similarity between the desired role and the actual role of the Lutheran elementary school board as described by principals, school board chairpersons, and pastors in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod elementary schools in the United States. The sample was comprised of 200 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod schools selected at random from the United States during the 1999--2000 School Year. The School Board Function Survey instrument for the principal, school board chairperson, and pastor were sent to each of the selected schools. It consisted of 47 tasks commonly associated with school boards. Respondents were asked to indicate on a Likert scale the (a) desired amount of involvement they believed the school board should have with a task and (b) the actual amount of involvement they believed the school board does have with a task. Data were analyzed via two statistical procedures. First, a paired t-test was calculated. Second, a table of the mean differences in the ratings was provided. A general threshold for significance was set at the .05 alpha level. Results indicated a significant difference between the desired role and actual role of the school board on 38, 26, and 35 of 47 tasks commonly associated with the school board as viewed by principals, school board chairpersons, and pastors, respectively. School leaders would do well to provide opportunities that clarify the mission of the school and the role of the school board. Subsequently, upon a clear delineation of the mission and role of the school board, consistent and continual examination by the principal, the school board chairperson, and the pastor would seem beneficial.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12629
Subject Headings: Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod --Board of Parish Education, Lutheran Church--Education--United States, Elementary school administration, School boards--United States, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL FOR BROADLY REPRESENTATIVE STATE ORGANIZATIONS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Creator: SIKKENGA, ROGER WAYNE, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: This study presents a model for the development of statewide organizations of private schools. The model is intended for use in states where such organizations are not now existent or where existing organizations are in need of strengthening. Literature reviewed for the study included the history of private education in America, the development of one such state organization--The Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FAANS), the need for, benefits of, and advantages of such...
Show moreThis study presents a model for the development of statewide organizations of private schools. The model is intended for use in states where such organizations are not now existent or where existing organizations are in need of strengthening. Literature reviewed for the study included the history of private education in America, the development of one such state organization--The Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FAANS), the need for, benefits of, and advantages of such organizations and the cautions and problems inherent in their development. The methodology involved use of two extensive survey questionnaires sent to twelve selected State Education Agency officials in the public sector of education, and the heads of eight selected existing statewide organizations of private schools. The analysis of collected data and formulation of generalizations and conclusions from those data led to the suggested process for development of statewide organizations of private schools. Conclusions drawn from the study included the following: (1) Private education is growing, is more diverse than ever, and is coming together into statewide associations of private schools. Twenty-five such statewide associations of private schools are now formally organized. (2) Communication among private schools and between the private and public sectors of education is a serious problem in most states surveyed and must be improved. (3) Private school leadership within each state must work together to meet common needs and resolve common problems. They must then join hands with public educators forming a partnership to improve educational opportunities for all the state's children. (4) Wide variation exists within the states surveyed in regards to the amount and type of state regulation of private education, state aid to private education, and the state's knowledge about private schools within each state. (5) Private school organizations within states must be broadly representative of all private education within the state. (6) Private school organizations should avoid becoming overly aggressive in seeking state and federal aid in goods and services. (7) Private education leaders must take the initiative in establishing communication and working relationships first among themselves and then with their counterparts in public education. (8) The state education agencies must view private education as a partner in education, must establish a liaison office within the department, and must take seriously the several laws mandating assistance for private schools and their students within the states. The model includes a study of factors influencing effective organizational development, recommendations for membership, a discussion of potential organizational goals and objectives, and a step-by-step plan for beginning such an organization. Implementation of the model is shown to vary from state to state due to differences in state laws and regulations, the political climate of the state, and the nature of and working relationships among private schools within each state.
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Date Issued: 1980
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11768
Subject Headings: Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools, Private schools, 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: Does leadership matter?: the relationship of school leadership to a safe school climate,bullying, and fighting in middle school.
Creator: Leff, Jonathan M., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a relationship between transformational principal leadership style, a safe school climate, and school safety (specifically, the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents) in Broward County, Florida’s middle schools. This study also investigated if a relationship exists between transformational leadership and a safe school climate, transformational leadership, and the number of bullying incidents and student...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a relationship between transformational principal leadership style, a safe school climate, and school safety (specifically, the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents) in Broward County, Florida’s middle schools. This study also investigated if a relationship exists between transformational leadership and a safe school climate, transformational leadership, and the number of bullying incidents and student fights, and a safe school climate and the number of bullying incidents and student fights. The study surveyed 12 middle schools located in a large, urban district in south Florida. Principal leadership style was determined from the MLQ-5X, school safety climate was determined from the school district’s Annual Customer Survey, and the reported number of fights and bullying incidents recorded in the school district’s Discipline Management System were collected via records request for each participating middle school and tallied. Pearson correlations were conducted to examine the bivariate association between the leadership dimensions, a safe school climate, and school violence. Separate multiple linear regression models were used to examine the following relationships: leadership style and the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents; leadership style and a safe school climate; and a safe school climate and the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents. The findings suggested that there were no statistically significant correlations between leadership style (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire), and bullying or fighting, and no statistically significant correlation between principal leadership style and middle school climate. There was a statistically significant correlation found between school climate and the number of student fights. The significance of this finding is important because it illustrates the adverse impact fighting has on student safety, which, in turn, adversely affects the school climate. Therefore, it is up to the school leader to create a climate where everyone feels safe can focus on student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004133, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004133
Subject Headings: Bullying in schools -- Prevention, Education, Secondary -- Sociological aspects, Educational leadership, Educational leadership, Middle school students -- Attitudes, Middle school teachers -- Attitudes, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring teachers' perceptions of professional development in virtual learning teams.
Creator: Purnell, Courtney Paschal., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The demand for virtual education is rapidly increasing due to the proliferation of legislation demanding class size limitations, funding cuts, and school choice across the United States. Virtual education leaders are discovering new ways to enhance and develop teachers to become more efficient and increase quality of learning online. Learning teams are one tool implemented by professional development departments in order to obtain a community of shared best practices and increase professional...
Show moreThe demand for virtual education is rapidly increasing due to the proliferation of legislation demanding class size limitations, funding cuts, and school choice across the United States. Virtual education leaders are discovering new ways to enhance and develop teachers to become more efficient and increase quality of learning online. Learning teams are one tool implemented by professional development departments in order to obtain a community of shared best practices and increase professional learning for teachers. ... The purpose of this exploratory case study was to investigate teachers' perceptions of the contribution of virtual learning teams to their professional development in a completely online K-12 environment. ... Five major themes emerged from the interviews, which were teacher professional development as it relates to student success, collaboration, balance, knowledge gained from being part of a virtual learning team, and teachers' perception of student success.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358964
Subject Headings: Education, Effect of technological innovations on, Educational leadership, School management and organization, Teams in the workplace, Group work in education, Professional learning communities, Mentoring in education, Computer networks
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impact of block scheduling on academic achievement and the perceptions of teachers and administrators in selected South Florida high schools.
Creator: Cosimano, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Decker, Larry E.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of scheduling alternatives on (a) student achievement, student behavior, and attendance rates and (b) teacher and administrator perceptions. Archival data for student achievement, behavior, and attendance were obtained from the Palm Beach County School District. Perceptions of teachers and administrators were obtained through data collected from questionnaires administered through participating schools in this study. The research took...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of scheduling alternatives on (a) student achievement, student behavior, and attendance rates and (b) teacher and administrator perceptions. Archival data for student achievement, behavior, and attendance were obtained from the Palm Beach County School District. Perceptions of teachers and administrators were obtained through data collected from questionnaires administered through participating schools in this study. The research took place at three high schools using either 4 x 4, A/B, or modified block schedules and two high schools using traditional schedules. The block-scheduled schools were used in a similar study in 1996 after 1 year of implementation. The current study investigated the impact of block scheduling for year 1 (1996) and year 6 (2001). Perceptions toward block scheduling were obtained from teachers and administrators working in the three block-scheduled schools. The findings in this study support prior research which found that block scheduling may enhance student achievement levels in reading, writing and mathematics. Based on the findings, it appears that the modified block schedule may be a better choice over the 4 x 4 and the A/B schedules in terms of increasing student achievement, decreasing student behavior problems, and increasing student attendance rates. Tentative findings on the perceptions of teachers and administrators appeared to indicate a preference toward remaining on the block schedule over the traditional schedule.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12090
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Organizational servant leadership and its relationship to secondary school effectiveness.
Creator: Herbst, Joel David., Florida Atlantic University, Pisapia, John
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if schools where higher degrees of servant leadership were practiced performed better than schools that practiced lower degrees of servant leadership. Servant leadership is the understanding and practice of leadership that places the good of those led over the self-interest of the leader. The characteristics of servant leadership include valuing people, developing people, building community, displaying authenticity, providing leadership, and sharing...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if schools where higher degrees of servant leadership were practiced performed better than schools that practiced lower degrees of servant leadership. Servant leadership is the understanding and practice of leadership that places the good of those led over the self-interest of the leader. The characteristics of servant leadership include valuing people, developing people, building community, displaying authenticity, providing leadership, and sharing leadership. Variables utilized to determine the relationship between servant leadership and school effectiveness included the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) test scores in writing, reading, mathematics, annual learning gains in mathematics, annual learning gains in reading, annual learning gains made by the lowest 25th percentile of students, attendance, dropout rates, and critical incidents. Additionally, contextual variables were examined to determine their relationship between servant leadership and school effectiveness. Contextual variables included principal tenure, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and school size. The primary means of data collection for this exploratory quantitative non-experimental study were obtained utilizing the Organizational Leadership Assessment (OLA) instrument developed by James Laub (1999). This study gathered data from 24 high schools (N = 24) in Broward County, Florida. Each school was provided with 46 servant leadership surveys for completion by the school principal, 5 assistant principals, 12 department chairpersons, and 28 instructional staff members. A total of 1,104 servant leadership surveys were distributed and 884 were returned resulting in an 80 percent aggregate return rate. The data were subjected to correctional analyses utilizing a .10 level of significance due to the exploratory nature of the study. The major find of this study was that positive relationships were found to exist between servant leadership and student achievement. The study also found a relationship of bipolarity between servant leadership and ethnicity. However, the study did not find any significant relationship between other contextual variables and servant leadership. In general, in schools where greater degrees of servant leadership are being practiced, students are achieving at a higher rate than in schools were lower degrees of servant leadership are being practiced. The findings lend support to the conclusion that principals who embed the characteristics of servant leadership throughout their organizations may expect high levels of student achievement, particularly in mathematics, reading, and annual learning gains.
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Date Issued: 2003, 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12066
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, School improvement programs, School principals, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Principal leadership: the missing link in teacher retention.
Creator: Cornella, Janet A., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research study was to identify practices that principals utilize that are believed to influence teacher retention. Teacher turnover is a major problem facing principals and school systems today. Much of the present research focuses on why teachers leave the field, but there is little research on the principals' perceptions of what they do to stem the flow of educators leaving the classroom. To accomplish this purpose, a case study was conducted, focused on identifying the...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to identify practices that principals utilize that are believed to influence teacher retention. Teacher turnover is a major problem facing principals and school systems today. Much of the present research focuses on why teachers leave the field, but there is little research on the principals' perceptions of what they do to stem the flow of educators leaving the classroom. To accomplish this purpose, a case study was conducted, focused on identifying the principals' role in teacher retention and their perceptions of the most important strategies utilized to stimulate high teacher retention. Qualitative research methods including individual interviews, open-ended questionnaires, and focus groups enabled the researcher to identify, compare, and contrast the perceptions, beliefs, and practices used by the nine study participants. The research design produced interviews filled with rich narratives describing the practices used by principals at schools with high teacher retention. The focus group discussion elucidated the common behaviors that were perceived to support teacher retention. The study yielded evidence that high-performing principals with high teacher retention rates clearly and consistently identified specific practices they believe support teacher retention; that principals play a vital role in teacher retention and that their leadership, support, and daily practices influence a teacher's decision to remain in teaching. The data collected indicates the centrality of creating a positive school culture and a sense of belonging. All the other identified principal practices are intertwined with and contribute to this outcome., Choosing, supporting, and valuing faculty and encouraging shared decision-making appear to be the central practices in building teacher retention; and these practices are supported by and integrated with principals' modeling of positive personal characteristics, exercising fairness and equity, being visible and approachable, and communicating in an open two-way manner. Congruence of findings from all data collection methods provided an updated list of common practices identified by these highly successful principals that may inform principal preparation and a professional development model for present and future educational leaders interested in maintaining a stable teaching faculty.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683125
Subject Headings: Teacher turnover, School prinicipals, Training of, Teachers, Recruiting, School management and organization, Educational leadership
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)

Educational leadership (17)	+ -
Academic achievement (4)	+ -
Educational change (4)	+ -
School improvement programs (3)	+ -
Citizens' advisory committees in education (2)	+ -

Coalition of Essential Schools (2)	+ -
Decision making (2)	+ -
Education (2)	+ -
Educational change--Florida--Broward County--Case studies (2)	+ -
Evaluation (2)	+ -
School principals (2)	+ -
Strategic planning (2)	+ -
Teacher-administrator relationships (2)	+ -
Action research in education (1)	+ -
Administration (1)	+ -
Bullying in schools -- Prevention (1)	+ -
Burn out (Psychology) (1)	+ -
COVID-19 (1)	+ -
Case studies (1)	+ -
Classroom environment (1)	+ -
Community and school (1)	+ -
Comparative education (1)	+ -
Computer networks (1)	+ -
Computer-assisted instruction (1)	+ -
Conflict management (1)	+ -
Critical pedagogy (1)	+ -
Design and construction (1)	+ -
Distributive leadership (1)	+ -
Dropout behavior, Prediction of (1)	+ -

United States (5)	+ -
Florida (3)	+ -
Block scheduling (Education)--Florida (1)	+ -
Curriculum planning--Florida (1)	+ -
High schools--Florida--Palm Beach County (1)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (26)	+ -
College of Education (19)	+ -
Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (17)	+ -
Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia (7)	+ -
Pisapia, John (4)	+ -

Urich, Ted R. (3)	+ -
Bogotch, Ira (2)	+ -
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry (2)	+ -
Jurenas, Albert C. (2)	+ -
Abramowitz, Rochelle. (1)	+ -
Adamo, Lauren (1)	+ -
Bogaski, Carolyn Siniscalchi (1)	+ -
Cornella, Janet A. (1)	+ -
Cosimano, Michael (1)	+ -
DICKINSON, DAVID EARL. (1)	+ -
Davenport, Kathleen Ann. (1)	+ -
DeRosa, Adam (1)	+ -
Decker, Larry E. (1)	+ -
Floyd, Deborah L. (1)	+ -
Givens, Keietta Latraill (1)	+ -
HANSEN, HAROLD CHARLES JULIUS. (1)	+ -
Hamdy, Mona. (1)	+ -
Hardman, Guillermo [John] (1)	+ -
Harmes, Harold M. (1)	+ -
Herbst, Joel David. (1)	+ -
Higgins, Christine. (1)	+ -
Huie, Kathleen K. (1)	+ -
Kaplan, Mark J. (1)	+ -
Kerr, Rebecca. (1)	+ -
Leff, Jonathan M. (1)	+ -

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