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Title: School principal influence actions, climate, culture, and school performance.
Creator: Miron, Bree J., 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 investigate the link between school principal influence actions, climate, culture, and school performance. Additionally, this study sought to determine if the influence of these variables or the relationship among them is altered by individual and/or institutional characteristics. The first phase of the study was conducted to determine whether or not the Customer Survey aligned to distinct dimensions. Two factors were identified:...
Show moreThis quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted to investigate the link between school principal influence actions, climate, culture, and school performance. Additionally, this study sought to determine if the influence of these variables or the relationship among them is altered by individual and/or institutional characteristics. The first phase of the study was conducted to determine whether or not the Customer Survey aligned to distinct dimensions. Two factors were identified: Staff Attitudes and Student Disruptions. The second part used regression to examine the relationships among four constructs and test the seven hypotheses.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004307, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004307
Subject Headings: Critical pedagogy, Educational leadership -- Influence, School improvement programs -- Evaluation, School mangement and organization, School principals -- Influence
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: Examining the Effectiveness of Turnaround Models in Florida Public Schools.
Creator: Fulton, Angela R., Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Improving student performance in America’s chronically underperforming schools has been a challenge for many decades. Despite various school reforms, little to no progress has been shown. Schools have continued to fail, and achievement gaps have widened. The current state of schools has called for a drastic intervention. School turnaround has emerged as the country’s response to improving persistently-low performing schools. This study was designed to determine if the turnaround models...
Show moreImproving student performance in America’s chronically underperforming schools has been a challenge for many decades. Despite various school reforms, little to no progress has been shown. Schools have continued to fail, and achievement gaps have widened. The current state of schools has called for a drastic intervention. School turnaround has emerged as the country’s response to improving persistently-low performing schools. This study was designed to determine if the turnaround models outlined in the federal school improvement grant (SIG) were effective in improving student performance in low-performing schools in Florida. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of the transformation and turnaround intervention models on student achievement. This study also sought to determine if size (school enrollment), socioeconomic status (FRL), minority enrollment rates (Black and Hispanic), as well as principal gender, race, and years of experience moderate the relationship between the intervention model used and student achievement. The ultimate objective was to determine if turnaround intervention models improved student performance in low-performing schools in Florida. A quantitative method, including three statistical analyses, was employed to respond to three research questions and test nine corresponding null hypotheses. Florida’s 69 SIG Cohort I schools were identified for data collection and analysis. A t test analysis revealed there was not a significant difference in the performance of the transformation and turnaround model schools as measured by percent of points earned towards school grade. Further, chi square analysis revealed there was not a relationship between the model (transformation or turnaround) and school grade. Additionally, multiple regression analysis revealed none of the moderator variables were statistically significant. A discussion of the findings, implications for policy and practice, and recommendations for turnaround are explained in detailed, followed by suggestions for future research.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013131
Subject Headings: Public schools--Florida, School improvement programs--Florida--Evaluation, Student achievement, Academic achievement--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Dropout prevention: a study of prevention programs used by high schools to reverse graduation rate.
Creator: Simmons, Christopher L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study focused on the relationship between dropout prevention programs and graduation rates in one school district in Florida during the 2010-2011 school year. The dropout prevention program data analyzed included high school principals' perceptions in regard to perceived effectiveness, fidelity of implementation, cost efficacy, structure, and student-staff relationships within dropout prevention programs and their relationship to graduation rate. The data analysis...
Show moreThis mixed methods study focused on the relationship between dropout prevention programs and graduation rates in one school district in Florida during the 2010-2011 school year. The dropout prevention program data analyzed included high school principals' perceptions in regard to perceived effectiveness, fidelity of implementation, cost efficacy, structure, and student-staff relationships within dropout prevention programs and their relationship to graduation rate. The data analysis investigated the relationship between the principals' perceptions of each dropout prevention program and graduation rate. Findings from this study showed principals' perceived that the level of fidelity for on-the-job training has a relationship to increased graduation rate. In other words, when a principal believed the dropout prevention program was implemented with fidelity in their school, it likely increased graduation rate. Another important finding from this study was the varying perceptions which it existed among school leaders in this study and their varying perceptions on the relationship between dropout prevention programs and graduation rate.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362565
Subject Headings: High school students, School improvement programs, Dropout behavior, Prediction of, Dropouts, Prevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Understanding teacher leadership and professional learning in a secondary mathematics department.
Creator: Higgins, Christine., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This ethnographic study investigated teacher leadership and professional learning in a secondary mathematics department. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews, observations, and document analysis. It is the social aspect of the school environment and specifically, the subject department, which presents an opportunity for teachers to learn and share their expertise with one another in an informal setting and for teacher leaders to emerge using their expertise...
Show moreThis ethnographic study investigated teacher leadership and professional learning in a secondary mathematics department. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews, observations, and document analysis. It is the social aspect of the school environment and specifically, the subject department, which presents an opportunity for teachers to learn and share their expertise with one another in an informal setting and for teacher leaders to emerge using their expertise and close proximity to affect the learning of colleagues. Teachers were asked to share their thoughts on leadership and learning within their department. A narrative was written to give the reader a better understanding of the day-to-day practices, behaviors, and habits of the teachers in the department, creating a holistic picture of the culture studied. ... teacher leadership is experienced informally through teachers sharing and talking about their practice. Teacher leadership is also experienced outside the department when teachers have opportunities to lead school professional development seminars and to practice leadership through role modeling. Professional learning is experienced one-on-one, as well as formally and informally through colleagues and organized workshops. Implications for administrators, department and team leaders, and policy implementation are discussed. This study may contribute to the development of teacher leadership and professional learning, which ultimately may lead to improving student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362376
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, School management and organization, Mathematics, Study and teaching (Secondary), Teacher effectiveness, School improvement programs
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.
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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: Assessing goal intent and achievement of university learning community students.
Creator: Pfeffer-Lachs, Carole F., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the goal intent and achievement of university students, during the Fall 2011 semester, at Blue Wave University, a high research activity public institution in the southeast United States. This study merged theories of motivation to measure goal setting and goal attainment to examine if students who chose to participate in a learning community program set goals at different levels than the students who chose not to join a learning community program. This...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to assess the goal intent and achievement of university students, during the Fall 2011 semester, at Blue Wave University, a high research activity public institution in the southeast United States. This study merged theories of motivation to measure goal setting and goal attainment to examine if students who chose to participate in a learning community program set goals at different levels than the students who chose not to join a learning community program. This study investigated if there was a difference in motivation, by studying goal intent and goal achievement of Freshman Learning Community participants, Living- Learning community participants, or non-learning community participants at Blue Wave University. . Moderation analyses concluded that none the seven contextual variables (choice of college, ethnicity, gender, high school grade point average, living on-campus, SAT score, and ACT score) moderated the difference in the level of change from goal intent to goal achievement in this study.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360967
Subject Headings: Achievement in education, Group work in education, Professional learning communities, Learning, Psychology of, School improvement programs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Examination of Academic Performance of Haitian- Creole- and Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners Based on the Number of Years in the ELL program.
Creator: Augustin, Ducarmel S., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The primary purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Haitian-Creole and Spanish-speaking English Language Learners students’ number of years in the ELL program and their academic achievement as indicated by performance on the third-grade Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test Reading. This study also sought to determine if elementary school size (total student population), ELL student count (total number of ELL students in a school), school socioeconomic status (percentage...
Show moreThe primary purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Haitian-Creole and Spanish-speaking English Language Learners students’ number of years in the ELL program and their academic achievement as indicated by performance on the third-grade Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test Reading. This study also sought to determine if elementary school size (total student population), ELL student count (total number of ELL students in a school), school socioeconomic status (percentage of free and reduced lunch), student gender, and student home language (Haitian-Creole and Spanish), individual SES, and individual Idea Proficiency Test moderate the relationship. The study included data analysis using quantitative methods for the 141 elementary schools in school district. A bivariate correlation of the Pearson Correlation value (r = -.021, p > .05) was used to test the relationship between the number of years in the ELL program and achievement results for third-grade student FCAT Reading proficiency and the moderator variables (elementary school size, ELL student count, school SES, student gender, student home language, individual SES, and IPT individual score). Later, a multiple regression was used to test the moderation hypotheses. The study found that the degree of relationship between the number of years students are in the ELL program and FCAT scores of Haitian-Creole- and Spanishspeaking English Language Learner students is higher as SES increases. As SES decreases, so does the relationship. Of the 1,204 records reviewed, 423 were classified as Haitian-Creole-speaking students versus 782 classified as Spanish-speaking students. Only 16% of the students scored a level 3-5 (passed as proficient) as opposed to 84% who scored a level 1-2 (non-proficient). The study reveals a need for further research to investigate the impact that ELLs’ SES as well as the school’s SES has on the school’s achievement.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004654, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004654
Subject Headings: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers, School improvement programs -- Florida, Second language acquisition
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploratory examination of “pockets of success” in creating urban high schools of opportunity for LSES students.
Creator: Gaines, Frank, Bogotch, Ira, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine “pockets of success” through the voices of participant stakeholders in low socio-economic status urban high schools and communities to identify opportunities and structures that can improve postsecondary outcomes for students. Examining those pockets of success to rise above the dynamics that obstruct pathways to success, and identifying opportunities for students to transcend their social, economic, and human condition, are the impetuses...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory study was to examine “pockets of success” through the voices of participant stakeholders in low socio-economic status urban high schools and communities to identify opportunities and structures that can improve postsecondary outcomes for students. Examining those pockets of success to rise above the dynamics that obstruct pathways to success, and identifying opportunities for students to transcend their social, economic, and human condition, are the impetuses for the study. The study design is grounded in portraiture, created by Lawrence-Lightfoot and Hoffman-Davis (1997), to detail the intricate dynamics and relationships that exist in high schools. Portraiture steps outside of the traditional boundaries of quantitative and qualitative research to converge narrative analysis with public discourse in a search for authenticity. Identifying what the participants value, how they create and promote opportunities for students, the school’s role in rebuilding the surrounding community, and the community’s priority for graduates, provided the groundwork. The review of the literature reconstructs the term “opportunity” in the context of the urban high school, aligning it with the moral purposes of education. It traces the history of educational and social justice barriers for minority students, outlines the impact of leadership decision-making on the evolution of the urban high school, and addresses increasing the capacity of schools to create opportunities for students to succeed. Participants revealed the foundations for success, challenges and goals toward success, conduits to facilitate that success, and collaborations required to build an agenda to couple school-based stakeholders, civic groups, and national organizations to the creation of a national platform to improve outcomes for urban public high school students in disenfranchised communities.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004019
Subject Headings: Academic achievement -- Social aspects, Educational equalization, Effective teaching, Minorities -- Education -- Social aspects, School improvement programs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Effects of the Student Success Skills Program on the Behavioral and Cognitive Engagement of Grade 5 Exceptional Education Students.
Creator: Fairclough, Sheresa L. T., Villares, Elizabeth, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine non-identifying archival data from the 2012-2013 school year to assess the effect participation in the Student Success Skills (SSS) school counselor-led classroom guidance program (Brigman & Webb, 2010) had on the behavioral and cognitive engagement of grade 5 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students serviced within the general education classroom setting. Data for this study was collected at three different intervals. School attendance data was...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine non-identifying archival data from the 2012-2013 school year to assess the effect participation in the Student Success Skills (SSS) school counselor-led classroom guidance program (Brigman & Webb, 2010) had on the behavioral and cognitive engagement of grade 5 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students serviced within the general education classroom setting. Data for this study was collected at three different intervals. School attendance data was collected on students during the 2012, 2013, and 2014 school years when students were enrolled in grades 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Pre-test selfreport data was collected within two weeks prior to implementation of the SSS program. Posttest self-report data was collected within two weeks immediately following completion of the intervention and post-posttest self-report data was collected 30 weeks post-intervention. School counselors and classroom teachers were trained in the SSS program. Students received five 45 minute classroom lessons delivered one week apart followed by three booster sessions delivered one month apart. Lessons were designed to teach cognitive, social, self-management, and test-taking skills. This study followed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. For the purposes of this study behavioral engagement was measured by school attendance data. Cognitive engagement was measured by the Test Anxiety and Metacognitive Activity scales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) (Pintrich & DeGroot, 1990) and the Self-Regulation of Arousal scale of the Student Engagement in School Success Skills (SESSS) survey (Carey, Webb, Brigman, & Harrington, 2010). A series of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) tests were conducted to determine whether or not there were statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups. While no statistically significant differences were evident on the Metacognitive Activity scale, results indicated a statistically significant decrease in absences and test anxiety for students in the treatment group. Additionally, a statistically significant increase was evident on the Self-Regulation of Arousal scale for students in the treatment group. This study suggests that research-based school counseling programs delivered in small or large groups using inclusionary practices may be beneficial in supporting the academic achievement and social-emotional adjustment of ESE students.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004659, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004659
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, Affective education, Engagement (Philosophy), Learning strategies, Motivation in education, School improvement programs
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: A comparative analysis of the success of students placed in the lowest level of remedial coursework taken through CAI versus a traditional remedial education mode of instruction: implications for success, retention and costs.
Creator: Vassiliou, John., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) method as an alternative to the Traditional method of instruction for the lowest level of remediation in the content areas of mathematics, reading, and sentence skills, and to specifically determine the comparative effectiveness of these two delivery modes in terms of student success, retention, and costs. The researcher aimed to (a) determine the extent to which ACCUPLACERª mean scores for CAI participants...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) method as an alternative to the Traditional method of instruction for the lowest level of remediation in the content areas of mathematics, reading, and sentence skills, and to specifically determine the comparative effectiveness of these two delivery modes in terms of student success, retention, and costs. The researcher aimed to (a) determine the extent to which ACCUPLACERª mean scores for CAI participants increase based on pre and post measures, (b) investigate the pros and cons fiscally of each method of delivery (CAI vs. Traditional), respectively, (c) examine whether CAI participants are more likely to enroll during the immediately following semester compared to students enrolled in a Traditional course, and (d) investigate the extent to which CAI participants are equally or more likely to complete successfully the course taken during the immediately following semester compared to students enroll ed in a Traditional course. The study consisted of a two-group design (CAI and Traditional), and four dependent variables. All CAI participants (N = 129) were self-selected to participate in the study. A dependent t-test found that CAI participants increased their ACCUPLACER mean scores significantly over time by 22.74 points or 72.6%. A frequency count found that retention rates were slightly higher for the Traditional group (82.3%) in comparison to the CAI group (76.6%), however, chi-square tests did not reveal a statistical significance. Chi-squares found significant increase in success rates for the CAI group as 86% passed their initial course, in comparison to 59.8% of students taught in the Traditional format. CAI participants were found to have greater success (74.1%) in subsequent classes than students taught via the Traditional instructional method (51.9%)., In addition, a straightforward comparison of expense totals between the two groups was conducted to estimate the differences in cost between the groups. The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) model used, indicated that CAI is less expensive and more effective than Traditional instruction. The cost per credit analysis projected 54.6% savings if CAI is used as the alternative instructional modality.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3322520
Subject Headings: Computer-assisted instruction, Evaluation, Academic achievement, Educational tests and measurements, School improvement programs, Student assistance programs, Educational accountability
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of student participation in student success skills on the academic behaviors and key learning skills and techniques associated with college-career readiness.
Creator: Kane, Michael C., Brigman, Greg, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of the current outcome study was to determine the impact of Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom guidance lessons on the Academic Behaviors (motivation, social engagement, self-regulation) and Key Learning Skills and Techniques associated with college-career readiness (CCR) indicators for Grade 5 students (ACT, 2008a; Brigman & Webb, 2012; Conley, 2010; Robbins, Allen, Casillas, Peterson, & Le, 2006). School counselors in the treatment schools were trained in the implementation...
Show moreThe purpose of the current outcome study was to determine the impact of Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom guidance lessons on the Academic Behaviors (motivation, social engagement, self-regulation) and Key Learning Skills and Techniques associated with college-career readiness (CCR) indicators for Grade 5 students (ACT, 2008a; Brigman & Webb, 2012; Conley, 2010; Robbins, Allen, Casillas, Peterson, & Le, 2006). School counselors in the treatment schools were trained in the implementation of the SSS classroom program and subsequently taught the material to Grade 5 students. Comparison school counselors conducted business as usual. The study applied a quasi-experimental pre/post1/post2 design utilizing student self-report instruments (Student Engagement in School Success Skills Survey [SESSS], Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire [MSLQ]), and a teacher survey instrument (Student Participation Questionnaire [SPQ]).
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004448, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004448
Subject Headings: Achievement in education, College school cooperation, College student development programs, School improvement programs, School to work transition, Student centered learning
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: An Assessment of Leadership Practice in High Schools: Improving Graduation Rates.
Creator: Osorio, Maria Eugenia, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Bogotch, Ira, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This research was based on a multi-case study design focused on the leadership practice of high school principals and assistant principals and their roles in improving graduation rates. The study sought to answer one overarching research questions: In schools that demonstrate an increase in graduation rates what leadership practices are evidenced in principals and assistant principals and teacher leaders. One sub-question addressed the tools and interventions that the leadership team...
Show moreThis research was based on a multi-case study design focused on the leadership practice of high school principals and assistant principals and their roles in improving graduation rates. The study sought to answer one overarching research questions: In schools that demonstrate an increase in graduation rates what leadership practices are evidenced in principals and assistant principals and teacher leaders. One sub-question addressed the tools and interventions that the leadership team practices in relation to improving graduation rates and the second sub-question addressed the accountability of changing standards with respect to graduation rates. A third sub-question sought to answer how interactions of principals and assistant principals relevant to improvement in student performance are interpreted by faculty and staff. The purposeful sample from each of the three high schools consisted of one principal, four assistant principals and one teacher leader. Data collection methods included interviews, observations and qualitative document review of high school graduation rates. The study reveals six major findings: (a) school leaders establish a clear vision, mission or goal to increase graduation rates, (b) identification, management and evaluation of academic enrichment programs are necessary interventions for student success, (c) school leaders build a culture of student learning and achievement through a system of processes, programs and support initiatives, (d) the leadership team is knowledgeable, strongly motivated and devoted to their role as leaders in serving all students, (e) school leaders use data as guiding variables in making decisions regarding at-risk student achievement and success, and (f) school leaders develop and foster positive relationships with students and teachers.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004618
Subject Headings: School improvement programs., Educational leadership., School management and organization., School principals--Professional relationships., Assistant school principals--Professional relationships., Organizational behavior.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improving School Performance: Leader Autonomy and Entrepreneurial Orientation.
Creator: Feit, Keith G., Pisapia, John, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: In a growingly complex and ambiguous world it is thought that flexible, change-oriented leadership that encourages a culture that is risk taking, innovative, and proactive is necessary to survive and prosper. The extant literature offers entrepreneurial leadership as having a positive impact in such environments in business settings. Schools, which are not exempt from complex and ambiguous environments, might also benefit from this new type of leadership. Hence, this study expands the study...
Show moreIn a growingly complex and ambiguous world it is thought that flexible, change-oriented leadership that encourages a culture that is risk taking, innovative, and proactive is necessary to survive and prosper. The extant literature offers entrepreneurial leadership as having a positive impact in such environments in business settings. Schools, which are not exempt from complex and ambiguous environments, might also benefit from this new type of leadership. Hence, this study expands the study of entrepreneurial leadership to the education profession, examining the relationship between principal autonomy, a principal’s entrepreneurial orientation, school culture, and school performance. This study, supported by findings of numerous educational leadership studies, posits that a significant positive indirect relationship exists between a principal’s entrepreneurial orientation and school performance, with school culture as a mediating variable. It is proposed that a greater disposition to proactive and risky behaviors in pursuit of innovation will correlate with greater cultural innovativeness, leading to higher levels of school performance. The contribution this study makes is both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it adds a new dimension to the educational leadership literature by investigating the potential effectiveness of entrepreneurial leadership in improving teaching and learning in American schools, and the impact of risk taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness as individual distinct determinants of school performance. Practically, the study could identify new dispositions valuable to principals in efforts to improve their school’s performance. The study uses a nonexperimental, quantitative research design to explore these relationships, using correlational and regression analyses.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004589, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004589
Subject Headings: Educational leadership., Educational innovations., Entrepreneurship., Education--Aims and objectives., Education and globalization., Academic achievement., School improvement programs.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Impact of a School Counselor Led Intervention on Grade 5African American Student Self-Regulation, Test Anxiety andSchool Attendance.
Creator: Mack, Clifford Henry Jr., Brigman, Greg, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom intervention on grade 5 African American students’ self-regulation, test anxiety and school attendance. This study analyzed pre-existing, non-identifiable student data collected by school counselors at 30 elementary schools in South Florida. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to determine differences in self-regulation, test anxiety, and school attendance between the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom intervention on grade 5 African American students’ self-regulation, test anxiety and school attendance. This study analyzed pre-existing, non-identifiable student data collected by school counselors at 30 elementary schools in South Florida. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to determine differences in self-regulation, test anxiety, and school attendance between the students who participated in the SSS classroom intervention compared to those students who did not participate. Statistically significant differences were found between groups in all three factors and support the use of SSS classroom school counseling intervention with grade 5 African American students. Effect size estimates were reported for each of the measures.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004644, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004644
Subject Headings: African American students -- Education, Educational counseling, Motivation in education, Personality assessment of children, School improvement programs, Self control
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploration of factors affecting the academic success of students in a college quantitative business course.
Creator: Davis, Mary M., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The American Association of Colleges and Universities reports that over 50% of the students entering colleges and universities are academically under prepared; that is, according to Miller and Murray (2005), students "lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, writing, and mathematics". Furthermore, approximately 30% of the students in a state university undergraduate quantitative business course fail or withdraw from the course. The purpose of this study was...
Show moreThe American Association of Colleges and Universities reports that over 50% of the students entering colleges and universities are academically under prepared; that is, according to Miller and Murray (2005), students "lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, writing, and mathematics". Furthermore, approximately 30% of the students in a state university undergraduate quantitative business course fail or withdraw from the course. The purpose of this study was to explore non-cognitive and cognitive factors that may be related to the academic success of those students enrolled in the course. To this end, a survey was conducted, collecting the perceptions and opinions of 301 undergraduate college of business students with regard to relevant constructs such as cognitive load, mathematics and general self-efficacy, math anxiety, and motivation. Additional data were collected from the students' transcripts. Findings revealed that the significant cognitive factors contributing to the academic success were the overall GPA of the students as well as the average of their grades in the two prerequisite courses. The statistically significant non-cognitive factors related to the final exam score were the students' perceived levels of cognitive load and mathematics self-efficacy. A moderating effect of mathematics self-efficacy was revealed between the final exam score and overall GPA; however, other selected potential moderators of the final exam score and cognitive load were not significant. Post-hoc analyses verified no significant difference in the final exam score for gender or race; however, a statistically significant difference was found on cognitive load for different instructors. The findings emphasized the importance of prior knowledge and instructional design as both are sensitive to cognitive load (Mayer & Moreno, 2003; Sweller, 1999)., The implications of the findings resulted in the recommendation that knowledge should be addressed through appropriate advising as well as pretests at the onset of the course. Finally, the course instructors should take into consideration various instructional design techniques to reduce cognitive load. Recommendations are made for future practice with a focus on inclusive pedagogical methodologies and further research directions with promising potential predictors.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/331845
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, Psychological aspects, Learning, Psychology of, Motivation in education, Achievement motivation in education, School improvement programs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of the Ready for Success program in the reading achievement of second- and third-grade students.
Creator: Goldberg, Michelle L., College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The focus of this study is on evaluating the impact of a school counselor-led program, Ready for Success (RFS) on the academic achievement of second- and third grade students. The research question investigated in this study was: How do students in grades 2 and 3 who receive the RFS classroom intervention perform on the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) when compared to students in grades 2 and 3 who do not receive the RFS classroom intervention. This study is significant because it...
Show moreThe focus of this study is on evaluating the impact of a school counselor-led program, Ready for Success (RFS) on the academic achievement of second- and third grade students. The research question investigated in this study was: How do students in grades 2 and 3 who receive the RFS classroom intervention perform on the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) when compared to students in grades 2 and 3 who do not receive the RFS classroom intervention. This study is significant because it addresses the need for more outcome research tying school counselor led interventions to student achievement. Research based interventions for school counselors that improve academic achievement directly address the current focus on student achievement outcomes as well as the need for accountability of school counselors. The sample for this study included 240 participants, 107 in the treatment group and 133 in the comparison group. Students were selected from all second- and third-grade classes at four schools in South Florida. There were 66 participants in the second grade; 37 were male and 29 were female. There were 174 participants in the third grade; 92 were male and 82 were female. Academic achievement was measured using a standardized, objective, state-wide assessment instrument, the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI). The analysis used for this study was an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Pretest scores on the SRI were used in the study as covariates on the dependent variable to account for group differences at pretest. The statistical analysis shows that there was no significant difference between the comparison and treatment group reading achievement levels on the SRI. Upon further review of the research a significant, confounding variable was discovered. High concentration of non-ESOL students were in the comparison group as compared to the treatment group., Further data exploration led to a discovery of variance in the fidelity of treatment, which may have also accounted for the given results. The lack of a significant finding may suggest the need for elements of the program to be adjusted particularly when considering that the two programs upon which RFS was based have been consistently shown to be effective.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/359924
Subject Headings: School improvement programs, Academic achievement, Educational tests and measurements, Reading (Elementary), Study and teaching
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Here, Let Me Show You: The Use of Senior Exhibitions in Conjunction with Traditional Assessments.
Creator: Mimbs, Christopher, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This case study examined how senior exhibitions function in a progressive educational environment that employs traditional assessments. The researcher interviewed 18 students and three faculty members of The Crefeld School about the Creative Expression, one of the 14 exhibitions that students are required to complete for graduation. The researcher conducted a document analysis and content analysis of rubrics for two essays and the Creative Expression. The researcher conducted a survey of...
Show moreThis case study examined how senior exhibitions function in a progressive educational environment that employs traditional assessments. The researcher interviewed 18 students and three faculty members of The Crefeld School about the Creative Expression, one of the 14 exhibitions that students are required to complete for graduation. The researcher conducted a document analysis and content analysis of rubrics for two essays and the Creative Expression. The researcher conducted a survey of student participants and a questionnaire to assess students’ perceptions of authenticity. The researcher observed three students present their Creative Expression in front of faculty, students, and family. The researcher conducted a survey analysis based on Cooper’s (1976) and Whitney’s (1978) tests for polarity of sentiment and Hsu’s (1979) test for disagreement. The researcher used a program designed by Morris (1979) and transposed to Microsoft Excel by Liebermann and Morris (2015) in order to calculate p values and to determine the ES value based on the standard deviation. The researcher also attempted to conduct a point biserial Pearson Product Moment to determine if a relationship existed between results on a mathematics exam and results on the Creative Expression. The findings of the study revealed that students at The Crefeld School had a positive experience working on the Creative Expression; many of them identified how the project reflected their interests, prepared them for college and careers, and was a good representation of authentic assessment. Tests for polarity were used to measure participants’ perceptions of authenticity. The category of task had the least amount of disagreement, while the category of overall authenticity had the most disagreement. Document analysis and content analysis of rubrics showed how thorough the rubric descriptions were so students knew how they were being assessed; interviews with students and faculty revealed that the rubrics, while used as guidelines, were not followed strictly in any of the major assessments. Survey data revealed any disagreements in responses to survey questions, based on Cooper’s (1976) and Whitney’s (1978) tests for polarity. As no dichotomous variable existed, a point biserial test was unwarranted regarding results on a traditional assessments and on the Creative Expression.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004733, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004733
Subject Headings: Action theory., Education, Secondary--Evaluation., School improvement programs., Educational evaluation--Methodology., Educational tests and measurements., Educational innovations.
Format: Document (PDF)

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