View All Items

Title: Cultural perspectives among children of Guatemalan Maya immigrants in Lake Worth, Florida.
Creator: Sprague, Tara., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: Every day children of Guatemalan Maya immigrants balance two cultures. They reside in The United States and attend American schools but are being raised by their Guatemalan Maya parents. They continually navigate between the two and are faced with challenges daily. Since these children are influenced by two cultures, my interest was primarily on the cultural perspectives of these children, more specifically: what effects does the new culture have on the old? Through volunteering at a...
Show moreEvery day children of Guatemalan Maya immigrants balance two cultures. They reside in The United States and attend American schools but are being raised by their Guatemalan Maya parents. They continually navigate between the two and are faced with challenges daily. Since these children are influenced by two cultures, my interest was primarily on the cultural perspectives of these children, more specifically: what effects does the new culture have on the old? Through volunteering at a Guatemalan Maya after-school program, interviewing and administering the Children's Apperception Test, results showed these children to be influenced by American culture. The biggest indicator, play, was reported to be an important aspect in their lives, which is not considered essential in Maya culture. At the same time, these children keep close ties to their cultural heritage through their strong family ties. Overall, these children are influenced by American culture, but at the same time, keep their heritage.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352884
Subject Headings: Children of immigrants, Social aspects, Guatemalans, Social conditions, Immigrants, Cultural assimilation, Guatemalan Americans, Ethnic identity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Passive acoustics as a monitoring tool for evaluating oyster reef restoration.
Creator: Zenil Becerra, Hilde P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Oyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and...
Show moreOyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and restored oyster reefs, with special attention on snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.) snap sounds, in the St. Lucie Estuary, Florida over a one year period. Season, estuary region, habitat and day period had an effect on sound production. Passive acoustic monitoring of snapping shrimp sound production may be a useful non-destructive technique for monitoring the progress of oyster reef restoration projects once further correlations are established between environmental effects and sound production.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352882
Subject Headings: American oyster, Ecosystem management, Restoration ecology, Aquatic ecology, Underwater acoustics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The art of leadership: a study of administrative practices in Florida's schools of the arts.
Creator: Perry, Kevin Gardner., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify common practices of school-of-the-arts administrators and to determine if these commonalities differ from the practices of effective school leaders in general. A sample of administrators (n=92) completed a 3-part Likert survey based on the 21 attributes identified in the balanced leadership model. Five research questions guided this study which looked for both common and unique leadership challenges facing principals in schools of the arts...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory study was to identify common practices of school-of-the-arts administrators and to determine if these commonalities differ from the practices of effective school leaders in general. A sample of administrators (n=92) completed a 3-part Likert survey based on the 21 attributes identified in the balanced leadership model. Five research questions guided this study which looked for both common and unique leadership challenges facing principals in schools of the arts. Prinicpals ranked the practices in order of importance. Although the statistical analyses revealed no significant differences among the variables of instructional levels (elementary, middle, and secondary), gender, or school grade designations, descriptive statistics as well as qualitative data found a number of emergent themes including principal outreach, principal advocacy, focus, flexibility, curriculum, funding challenges, and the commitment to being there(i.e., at the school). Based on the findings, a plus one model was developed illustrating the tensions across organizational management, instructional leadership, and artistic leadership, all of which must function simultaneously in order to lead a successful school of the arts. While only one study, the findings suggest that regular school principals might want to consider incorporating successful school-of-the-arts practices in their own schools.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352282
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Educational administration, Arts, Study and teaching, Teacher-principal relationships
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An evaluation of methodology, dispersal and habitat usage of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) from a supplemental stocking on Lake Okeechobee, Florida.
Creator: Jordan, Alyssa., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fishery was at an all time low on Lake Okeechobee when experimental supplemental stockings were done to try and enhance local bass populations. Largemouth bass had never been stocked on a large lake like Lake Okeechobee. The objectives were to develop a methodology, study dispersal, and compare stocked versus wild bass habitat choices. The methodology underwent considerable changes between studies. Bass dispersed to the edges by the second sampling...
Show moreThe largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fishery was at an all time low on Lake Okeechobee when experimental supplemental stockings were done to try and enhance local bass populations. Largemouth bass had never been stocked on a large lake like Lake Okeechobee. The objectives were to develop a methodology, study dispersal, and compare stocked versus wild bass habitat choices. The methodology underwent considerable changes between studies. Bass dispersed to the edges by the second sampling period, so a larger sampling area may be needed. Water depth and pH were found to be significantly different between wild and stocked bass. Hatchery bass are naèive about predators, which may have resulted in stocked bass not moving to shallower areas like wild bass. The pH was weakly correlated with depth, so differences may be partially due to the fact that as depth increases, pH may also increase.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342199
Subject Headings: Largemouth bass, Habitat, Largemouth bass, Ecology, Freshwater ecology, Fishery management, Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mollusks of the late Pleistocene oèolitic facies of the Miami Limestone in the Miami-Dade County, South Florida.
Creator: D'Antonio, Heather M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The oèolitic limestone that makes up the bedrock of Miami-Dade and parts of Broward County, Florida, is a relatively well studied formation, with poorly studied fossil content. No published systematic record of Pleistocene fossils in the Miami Limestone is available. Besides the basic knowledge of taxonomy and biodiversity of the mollusks, comparison with extant assemblages can yield important information about the biodiversity changes in southern Florida during the past ~130,000 years....
Show moreThe oèolitic limestone that makes up the bedrock of Miami-Dade and parts of Broward County, Florida, is a relatively well studied formation, with poorly studied fossil content. No published systematic record of Pleistocene fossils in the Miami Limestone is available. Besides the basic knowledge of taxonomy and biodiversity of the mollusks, comparison with extant assemblages can yield important information about the biodiversity changes in southern Florida during the past ~130,000 years. Preliminary surveys of several localities, both previously described and new, within the Dade County yielded a record of diverse mollusks from over 28 families, 34 genera and 40 species. The preliminary findings of molluscan fossils have led to a new, unstudied and unpublished fossil locality with the second discovery of a possible Strombus costatus in the Miami Limestone. Miami Limestone fossils are being compared to recent South Florida mollusks indicating patterns of local diversification and extinction related to the minor changes in sea level and disappearance of certain habitats such as the rocky shore substrates that Cittarium pica once thrived on.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342045
Subject Headings: Mollusks, Fossil, Limestone, Geology, Stratigraphic
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of student participation in the cultural Spanish translation of the Student Success Skills program on high school student achievement.
Creator: Urbina, Ivett., College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spanish cultural translation of the Student Success Skills (SCT-SSS) classroom program as a school counselor intervention for increasing Hispanic student academic achievement scores as measured by standardized mathematics and reading tests. The research question evaluated in this study was: "What is the effect of student participation in the SCT-SSS on student achievement of high school Hispanic students in...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spanish cultural translation of the Student Success Skills (SCT-SSS) classroom program as a school counselor intervention for increasing Hispanic student academic achievement scores as measured by standardized mathematics and reading tests. The research question evaluated in this study was: "What is the effect of student participation in the SCT-SSS on student achievement of high school Hispanic students in reading and mathematics as measured by Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)"? The sample for this study included 352 Hispanic students in Grades 9 and 10 from two public high schools in south Florida. The treatment group included 166 students and the comparison group included 186 students. In order to be eligible for participation in this study, students had to meet three different criteria: (a) they identified themselves as Hispanic on their school registration form; (b) they were enrolled in a Spanish for Native Speakers foreign language elective course: and (c) they had Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) pretest scores on the reading and math tests. A series of preliminary univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to determine if differences existed between participants on the FCAT reading and mathematics pretests Developmental Scale Scores (DSS). To control for grade level and English language learner (ELL) differences between study participants on pretest reading scores, a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted using the FCAT reading pretest DSS as the covariate. An overall effect size of the current study was +0.50 with a variance of 0.0060 (95% CI [0.35, 0.65])., The results for the overall math effect size was +0.32 with a variance of 0.0115 (95% CI [0.10, .53]), and the results for the overall reading effect sizewas +0.70 with a variance of 0.0127 (95% CI [.48, .93]). These effect sizes were statistically significificant at the.05 level. The results from this study demonstrated that the SCT-SSS classroom program is an effective intervention for increasing student achievement for high school Hispanic students. Students who received the SCT-SSS classroom program achieved greater gains when compared to students who did not receive the intervention.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334099
Subject Headings: Achievement in education, School improvement programs, Children of immigrants, Education, Hispanic American children, Education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: English language learners in Florida: a dissertation about a legal and policy study of Florida's Multicultural Educaton Training and Advocacy (META) Consent Decree.
Creator: Rodriguez, Maria de L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The increasing number of English language learners (ELL) in Florida's public schools has brought challenges to educational leaders as they work to provide educational opportunity to these children. In 1990, several community and activist groups filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Education to pressure it to provide adequate English language programs in all public schools. The lawsuit resulted in Floridas META Consent Decree (MCD), a legal accord by which Florida agreed to...
Show moreThe increasing number of English language learners (ELL) in Florida's public schools has brought challenges to educational leaders as they work to provide educational opportunity to these children. In 1990, several community and activist groups filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Education to pressure it to provide adequate English language programs in all public schools. The lawsuit resulted in Floridas META Consent Decree (MCD), a legal accord by which Florida agreed to provide adequate teacher training and educational programs, thereby improving access to equal opportunity for ELLs. ELLs are also called limited English proficient (LEP) students in other states. This term was changed in Florida because the LEP label brought with it a negative connotation as it referred to proficiency within the learning of English as a limitation rather than as an asset. The study presents a comprehensive review of the MCD and its eleven main components. Through document and content analysis, the study intended to ix determine whether Florida's 67 public school districts comply with the decree and whether policies are in place to implement the court authorized processes. The study begins with an introduction, which includes historical data and Florida demographics that relate to the issue of second language learners. A review of the literature incorporates legal cases and pertinent educational policies that have preceded the decree., The review also examined the major political and educational barriers that English language learners (ELL) encounter in Florida, as well as the research that suggests what programs and practices are required for successful second language learning. From the impact of antiimmigrant sentiments and English-only movements, to the League of United Latin-American Citizens (LULAC) v.FL Board of Education (1990) class action lawsuit, the study investigated the status of ELL programs in the state of Florida and the debates that surrounds them.The study intended to inform fellow educational leaders of these topics so that our work on behalf of K-12 ELLs can be more effective. Recognizing and preparing for the impact that the increasing numbers of ELLs will continue to have in Florida is an integral part of becoming a well-rounded educational leader and facilitates providing the services these students require, deserve, and to which they are entitled. The study also informs policymakers and practitioners of the pending needs and provides a roadmap to improving second language learning programs and practices in Florida.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3333311
Subject Headings: English language, Study and teaching, Foreign speakers, Second language acquisition, Minorities, Education, Language arts, Educational equalization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of a culturally translated school counselor-led intervention on the academic achievement of fourth and fifth grade Haitian students.
Creator: Jean-Jacques, Velouse Jean-Pierre., College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Haitian Hybrid Student Success Skills (HHSSS) program on the academic achievement of 4th and 5th grade Haitian students. This intervention included both the Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom program in English (Brigman & Webb, 2004), followed by the Haitian SSS small group translation Teknik Pou Ede Eláev Reyisi (Brigman, Campbell, & Webb 2004, 2009). School counselors in the treatment schools implemented the HHSSS program in...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Haitian Hybrid Student Success Skills (HHSSS) program on the academic achievement of 4th and 5th grade Haitian students. This intervention included both the Student Success Skills (SSS) classroom program in English (Brigman & Webb, 2004), followed by the Haitian SSS small group translation Teknik Pou Ede Eláev Reyisi (Brigman, Campbell, & Webb 2004, 2009). School counselors in the treatment schools implemented the HHSSS program in grades 4 and 5 after receiving training from the study researcher. A series of ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses then were conducted to determine whether there were significant differences between the treatment group, the comparison group 1, and the comparison group 2 in reading and math using the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) as a benchmark. Statistically significant differences were found between: (a) the treatment group and comparison group 1 in reading, (b) the treatment group and vii comparison group 2 in reading, and (c) between both comparison group 1 and comparison group 2 in reading. This study provides empirical support showing that students who are taught key cognitive and self management skills in their native language can begin to close the academic gap regardless of their language background. Furthermore, it supports the positive impact school counselors can have on student success by implementing an evidence-based program.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332255
Subject Headings: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Achievement in education, Motivation in education, Children of immigrants, Education, School improvement programs, Educational counseling
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The modeling of an ecology of language: Haitian Creole among first and second generation Haitian college students.
Creator: Kepley, Kristyl Williams., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research study was to identify and define important components that might constitute an ecology of language (Mufwene 2001; Haugen 1972). Focusing on components as varied as social networks, physical ecology, identity and linguistic realities allowed for the construction of such a model, which was then applied to a specific case study addressing the vitality of Haitian Creole among first and second generation Haitian college students in South Florida. The resulting ecology...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to identify and define important components that might constitute an ecology of language (Mufwene 2001; Haugen 1972). Focusing on components as varied as social networks, physical ecology, identity and linguistic realities allowed for the construction of such a model, which was then applied to a specific case study addressing the vitality of Haitian Creole among first and second generation Haitian college students in South Florida. The resulting ecology of language model demonstrates that the competition and selection pressures guiding language use among first and second generation Haitian college students hinge on two ecological factors: the survey respondents' level of American acculturation and their desire to be involved in or affiliated with a separate subgroup of Haitians. The study found that (1) the reported language behavior of parents had no correlations with the respondents' interest in affiliating with other Haitians, and (2) Haitia n college students who do identify strongly with Haitian culture do not necessarily equate that cultural identity with the Haitian Creole language. These results suggest, in contrast to the claims of Zephir (2001), that Haitian college students will acculturate quickly into American linguistic society despite their desire to maintain the hyphenated identity of Haitian-American. Additionally, many of the conditions which are noted in the language endangerment literature (Grenoble & Whaley1998; Nettle & Romaine 2000; Crystal 2000) pointing towards language loss are occurring within the Haitian college community in South Florida. Despite the fact Haitian college students in South Florida all have positive attitudes towards Haitian culture and language, the respondents prefer to speak English rather than Haitian Creole. As is the case with other minority languages (Potowski 2010), it can be predicted that Haitian Creole will maintain its integrity and vitality in America continued, immigration.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332252
Subject Headings: Languages in contact, Social ecology, English language, Study and teaching, Creole speakers, Language attrition, Haitians, Languages, Linguistic minorities, Ecolinguistics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Retention in Florida community colleges: a study of the 2005-2008 academic years.
Creator: DeLuz, Ancil., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examined the relationship between selected student and institutional characteristics and the retention rates of first-time, degree seeking, full-time and parttime, freshman student cohorts in public community colleges in Florida. Based on data obtained from the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System on selected student and institutional variables for three years beginning fall 2005, 2006 and 2007, retention rates were analyzed for the years beginning fall 2006, 2007 and 2008...
Show moreThis study examined the relationship between selected student and institutional characteristics and the retention rates of first-time, degree seeking, full-time and parttime, freshman student cohorts in public community colleges in Florida. Based on data obtained from the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System on selected student and institutional variables for three years beginning fall 2005, 2006 and 2007, retention rates were analyzed for the years beginning fall 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. This quantitative non-experimental descriptive study relied on multiple regression to analyze aggregated data on eight predictor variables to determine their impact student retention rates. A moderating variable (institutional size) was used to determine its influence on the relationship between the predictor variables and the criterion variable. The results suggest that gender and age were positively related to student retention rate at the parttime level, academic support expenses were negatively related to student retention rates at the part-time and full-time levels, and institutional size moderated the relationship between certain predictor variables and retention rates at small institutions.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332179
Subject Headings: Commuity college students, Achievement in education, College dropouts, Prevention, College attendance, Universities and colleges, Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida's performance accountability system and the effectiveness of workforce education providers.
Creator: Cunningham, Richard G., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study investigated performance based accountability in Florida's system of workforce education in Florida's state colleges and school districts. In Florida, workforce education is governed by Florida State Statute (K-20 Education Code Chapter 1004). The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Florida's performance accountability policy as applied to workforce education. Additionally, it analyzed the impact of performance accountability on performance by the...
Show moreThis study investigated performance based accountability in Florida's system of workforce education in Florida's state colleges and school districts. In Florida, workforce education is governed by Florida State Statute (K-20 Education Code Chapter 1004). The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Florida's performance accountability policy as applied to workforce education. Additionally, it analyzed the impact of performance accountability on performance by the providers of workforce education - state colleges and school districts, and the value for investment achieved by the policy over the time period. The study was guided by three questions: (a) What is the relationship between effectiveness and year? (b) Is the relationship between effectiveness and year moderated by each of the contextual variables? (c) To what extent does each of the contextual variables predict performance and effectiveness? This study utilized a non-experimental quantitative research design and a costeffectiveness analysis framework. The unit of analysis was the providers of workforce education in the State of Florida. This study was framed by the outputs and outcomes the workforce education service providers achieve and the alterable and unalterable variables which might influence the provision of workforce education. Performance was measured through two measures: quantity of outputs, and quality of outcomes. The alterable and unalterable variables included: the type of institution delivering the service, either state college or school district; the delivery model used in each delivery area, either single or dual-delivery; and population characteristics, the percentage of students economically disadvantaged, the percentage of minorities, and the percentage of males. The study used correlation and regression techniques to analyze the longitudinal impact of the performance accountability system.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332176
Subject Headings: Evaluation, Evaluation, School districts, Evaluation, Postsecondary education, Evaluation, Adult education and state, Evaluation, Educational accountability
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Technology and fifth grade teaching: a study of teacher reported classroom practice, professional development, access, and support.
Creator: Beaudry, Debbie., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study investigated 5th-grade teachers' reported use of computer technology and variables that have been identified by researchers as affecting teachers' use of technology, including professional development activities, physical access to computer technology, and technical and instructional support provided for teachers. Quantitative data were collected from 80 5th-grade teachers from a Florida public school district through an online survey in which teachers reported how...
Show moreThis mixed methods study investigated 5th-grade teachers' reported use of computer technology and variables that have been identified by researchers as affecting teachers' use of technology, including professional development activities, physical access to computer technology, and technical and instructional support provided for teachers. Quantitative data were collected from 80 5th-grade teachers from a Florida public school district through an online survey in which teachers reported how frequently they used and had their students use computer technology for 27 different purposes. The teachers also reported the amount of emphasis those 27 different topics received during their technology-related professional development experiences, the number of hours they participated in technology-related professional development, the number of months they participating in a technology coaching/mentoring program, the access their students had to computers in the classroom and in a one-to-one co mputing environment, and the frequency that they received technical and instructional support. Information from the school district's technology plan provided a context for the study. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with seven of the survey participants. The findings indicated that for 18 different purposes of technology, there was a significant correlation between how frequently teachers used and had their students use technology and the teacher-reported emphasis those topics received during technology related professional development. Self-reported frequency of support, student-to-computer ratio in the classroom, hours of professional development, and months of mentoring did not moderate the relationship between frequency of technology use and the content of professional development., The relationship between having students use technology to work cooperatively or collaboratively and the reported emphasis that topic received in professional development strengthened if teachers reported that their students had access to a one-to-one computing environment. An additional finding was that the teachers' reported frequency of use of technology and reported emphasis of content of technology-related professional development leaned toward direct instruction and test preparation and leaned less toward innovative uses of technology. Implications and suggestions for future research are offered for technology integration and professional development for teachers at the elementary school level.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3329831
Subject Headings: Classroom management, Internet in education, Education, Elementary, Computer-assisted instruction, Curriculum planning, Teachers, Training of, Evaluation, Active learning, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Geochemical conditions and groundwater-surface interactions within a municipal well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Creator: Antolino, Dominick J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents a preliminary study on geochemical conditions within the Snapper Creek well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The study investigates the background groundwater chemistry within the Biscayne aquifer in order to provide information on the geochemical processes and water-rock interactions within the study site. In conjunction with hydraulic gradient information, major ion chemistry and deuterium and oxygen-18 data were used as environmental tracers to help describe the...
Show moreThis thesis presents a preliminary study on geochemical conditions within the Snapper Creek well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The study investigates the background groundwater chemistry within the Biscayne aquifer in order to provide information on the geochemical processes and water-rock interactions within the study site. In conjunction with hydraulic gradient information, major ion chemistry and deuterium and oxygen-18 data were used as environmental tracers to help describe the groundwater-surface water interactions between the well field and the Snapper Creek canal. Hydrologic data show there is potential for natural groundwater recharge from the canal within the shallow flow zone of the Biscayne aquifer and chemical data show evidence of canal-groundwater mixing within this zone. The limitations for the v environmental tracers employed within the study are addressed, as well as recommendations for further research involving natural geochemical tracers and groundwater-surface water interactions near municipal well fields. This study was part of a larger effort being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in order to assess municipal well field pumping effects on the Snapper Creek (C-2) canal.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3329830
Subject Headings: Groundwater flow, Simulations, Groundwater flow, Hydrogeology, Aquifiers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Florida School Recognition Program: the relationship between participation in the program and adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Creator: Wanza, Valerie Smith., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study was designed to determine the relationship between Florida School Recognition Program (FSRP) participation and adequate yearly progress (AYP) criteria met during school years 2004-2008. It also intended to discover whether schools' socioeconomic status, minority rates, and levels moderated this relationship as well as a difference in average AYP criteria met for schools that maintained FSRP participation and those that do not. The study further sought to determine whether these...
Show moreThis study was designed to determine the relationship between Florida School Recognition Program (FSRP) participation and adequate yearly progress (AYP) criteria met during school years 2004-2008. It also intended to discover whether schools' socioeconomic status, minority rates, and levels moderated this relationship as well as a difference in average AYP criteria met for schools that maintained FSRP participation and those that do not. The study further sought to determine whether these school characteristics and schools' grades predicted maintenance of participation in the FSRP. A quantitative method, including three statistical analyses, was employed to respond to 6 research questions and test 14 corresponding null hypotheses. Three thousand and seventy-seven schools were identified for data collection and analysis. Six independent variables were defined as school level, average socioeconomic status, average minority rate, average percentage of AYP criteria, aggregate number of years 100% of AYP criteria was met, and average school grade. One dependent variable was defined as aggregate years of FSRP participation. The study found that there was a relationship between participation in the FSRP and AYP criteria met, and school level, socioeconomic status, and minority rate moderated this relationship. While school level and minority rate moderated a difference in average percentage of AYP criteria met in schools that maintained participation in the program and those that did not, socioeconomic status did not. Moreover, all independent variables served as predictors for maintenance of participation in the FSRP. The study found that schools' demographic characteristics influence student achievement and participation in incentive pay programs., Six implications for future research were identified to further explore the FSRP and AYP relationship, the unintended consequences of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, the appropriateness of incentive pay education, the distribution of FSRP award dollars in schools, and student achievement by school level. Recommendations were to add an AYP criterion to the FSRP, assess the effectiveness of inducement policies in education, and add a provision for program evaluation to the FSRP statute.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/332912
Subject Headings: Academic achievement, Education and state, Educational equalization, Education, Aims and objectives
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Behavior patterns in Florida's middle archaic: activity induced articular facets from the Gauthier (SBR-193) Mortuary complex.
Creator: Nelson, Kassandra., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: This study examines activity induced articular facets and osteoarthritis in the ankle and foot complex of an Archaic hunter-gatherer population from the Gauthier (8BR-193) mortuary complex. To determine the frequency at which these characteristics occur, I scored the tibiae, tali, proximal phalanges, and metatarsals of adults and juveniles using methods developed by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) for scoring osteoarthritis and a synthesis of methods developed by Barnett (1954), and Boulle ...
Show moreThis study examines activity induced articular facets and osteoarthritis in the ankle and foot complex of an Archaic hunter-gatherer population from the Gauthier (8BR-193) mortuary complex. To determine the frequency at which these characteristics occur, I scored the tibiae, tali, proximal phalanges, and metatarsals of adults and juveniles using methods developed by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) for scoring osteoarthritis and a synthesis of methods developed by Barnett (1954), and Boulle (2001a; 2001b), Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994). Molleson (1989), Ubelaker (1979), for scoring articular facets. Despite significant skeletal fragmentation observed, articular facets were remarkbly complete, allowing for analysis of joint degeneration. While there does not appear to be a correlation between characteristics, the high prevalence of activity induced articular facets and osteoarthritis is indicative of extreme hyperdorsiflexion. Habitual kneeling and squatting postures are characteristic of hunter-gatherer subsistence activities as suggested by researchers such as Ubelaker (1975), Molleson (1969), and Trinkaus (1975).
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3318677
Subject Headings: Hunting and gathering societies, Indians of North AMerica, Antiquities, Physical anthropology, Human remains (Archaeology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Statistical correlation between economic activity and DMSP-OLS night light images in Florida.
Creator: Forbes, Dolores J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Optical Line Scan (OLS) instruments collect data from an altitude of approximately 830km above the surface of the Earth. The night light data from these instruments has been shown to correlate by lit area with national level Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and to correlate with GDP at the State level by total radiance value. Very strong correlation is found between the night light data at a new, larger scale, the Metropolitan Statistical Area ...
Show moreThe Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Optical Line Scan (OLS) instruments collect data from an altitude of approximately 830km above the surface of the Earth. The night light data from these instruments has been shown to correlate by lit area with national level Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and to correlate with GDP at the State level by total radiance value. Very strong correlation is found between the night light data at a new, larger scale, the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) within the state of Florida. Additional statistical analysis was performed to determine which industries within each MSA explain the greatest amount of variance in the night light data. Industrial variables exhibited strong multi-collinearity. It is therefore impossible to determine which industries explain the greatest variance in the night light image data.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3175019
Subject Headings: Earth, Rendering (Computer graphics), Urban ecology (Sociology), Sustainable development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of a remote sensing technique for woody vegetation in Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
Creator: Franklin, Sarah., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool....
Show moreThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool. Selection was performed with a bias toward over classification, as project objectives required identifying as many trees as possible. Classified pixels in Time 1 within 4 feet (2 pixels) of classified pixels from Time 2 were considered the same canopy. Overall accuracy for the study was 98%.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3175018
Subject Headings: Environmental monitoring, Remote sensing, Vegetation dynamics, Ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The community college baccalaureate: a study of capital costs in Florida.
Creator: Bottorff, E. Allen, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study focused on the capital costs of the community college baccalaureate (CCB) institutions established in the Florida College System (FCS) from 2001 to 2010. This period spanned the entire history to date of the Florida CCB. The data analyzed included selected institutional, financial, and baccalaureate characteristics of the Florida CCBs and for comparison included corresponding institutional and financial characteristics for the non-CCB institutions in the FCS. The data analysis...
Show moreThis study focused on the capital costs of the community college baccalaureate (CCB) institutions established in the Florida College System (FCS) from 2001 to 2010. This period spanned the entire history to date of the Florida CCB. The data analyzed included selected institutional, financial, and baccalaureate characteristics of the Florida CCBs and for comparison included corresponding institutional and financial characteristics for the non-CCB institutions in the FCS. The data analysis investigated the relationships between these characteristics and the baccalaureate capital costs reported by Florida's CCB colleges. From these relationships, the historic average of the baccalaureate start-up capital cost was derived. In addition, the total baccalaureate capital cost for the system and for each Florida CCB college was also determined. As part of the process of conducting this study, a number of additional relationships between CCB and non-CCB institutions were explored, reported, and described.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174509
Subject Headings: Community colleges, Supply and demand, Education, Higher, Forecasting, Universities and colleges, Finance
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Cultural and spatial perceptions of Miami's Little Havana.
Creator: Cordoba, Hilton A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Miami's "Little Havana" is known by many for its famous Southwest 8th Street, the Calle Ocho festival, and for the many Latin people, particularly Cubans, that live in the area. However, the current name of the neighborhood hides all of the dynamics of neighborhood change and creates the notion that Little Havana is a static monoculture neighborhood. This study measured people's perception of Little Havana by surveying 153 residents to identify the cultural associations and to capture the...
Show moreMiami's "Little Havana" is known by many for its famous Southwest 8th Street, the Calle Ocho festival, and for the many Latin people, particularly Cubans, that live in the area. However, the current name of the neighborhood hides all of the dynamics of neighborhood change and creates the notion that Little Havana is a static monoculture neighborhood. This study measured people's perception of Little Havana by surveying 153 residents to identify the cultural associations and to capture the participant's spatial perceptions of Little Havana. This study found that survey participants from inside the study area associated Little Havana more with Cuban culture and had more positive things to say about the neighborhood. Finally, this study suggests that the core of Little Havana was encompassed by West Flagler Street on the north, Southwest 8th Street on the south, Southwest 27th Avenue on the west, and Southwest 4th Avenue on the east.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174508
Subject Headings: Cuban Americans, Social life and customs, History, Description and travel, Social life and customs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a severe winter on invasive green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
Creator: Campbell, Ashley B., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory...
Show moreThe green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory analysis and behavioral observations. Blood chemistry values of cold-stunned individuals showed abnormal values similar to those reported in cold-stunned sea turtles. Territoriality and breeding behaviors, including nesting and head-bob displays, decreased or ceased during the following months. Steroid hormone concentrations were detected by HPLC and were not consistent with results from RIA studies in the literature.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174507
Subject Headings: Weather, Environmental aspects, Adaptation (Biology), Climate changes, Environmental aspects, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (107)	+ -
Florida Book Collection (29)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (28)	+ -
Open Textbooks (2)	+ -
FAU Historical Student Newspapers (2)	+ -

Campus Photographs (1)	+ -
FAU College Collections (1)	+ -
Florida Miscellaneous (1)	+ -
A Featured Video from HBOI (1)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (1)	+ -

History (16)	+ -
Description and travel (14)	+ -
Ecology (14)	+ -
Wildlife conservation (13)	+ -
Habitat (10)	+ -

Wetland ecology (10)	+ -
Education (9)	+ -
Environmental aspects (9)	+ -
Social aspects (8)	+ -
Achievement in education (7)	+ -
Academic achievement (6)	+ -
Ecosystem management (6)	+ -
Educational leadership (6)	+ -
Identification (6)	+ -
School improvement programs (6)	+ -
Sea turtles (6)	+ -
Economics and Society: Post-Civil War Florida, 1865-1913 (5)	+ -
Educational equalization (5)	+ -
Educational tests and measurements (5)	+ -
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (5)	+ -
Greenways (5)	+ -
Mathematical models (5)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (5)	+ -
Study and teaching (5)	+ -
Universities and colleges (5)	+ -
Water birds (5)	+ -
Wildlife management (5)	+ -
Bird populations (4)	+ -
Birds (4)	+ -
Children of immigrants (4)	+ -

United States (32)	+ -
Palm Beach County (11)	+ -
Everglades (10)	+ -
Jupiter (8)	+ -
Abacoa (6)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Temporal Subject

Genre Subject

Title as Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner

guidebook (1)	+ -
periodical (1)	+ -
photograph (1)	+ -
report (1)	+ -
video (1)	+ -

text (170)	+ -
moving image (1)	+ -
still image (1)	+ -

Document (PDF) (139)	+ -
E-book (28)	+ -
Serial (2)	+ -
Citation (1)	+ -
Image (JPEG2000) (1)	+ -