This dissertation presented research by the author in the development of a computer Decision Support System (DSS) for assisting in providing equal educational opportunity in a public school district. The research process consisted of five major phases: (1) The support of a local school district was obtained, and, with the assistance of the superintendent, a task group of concerned administrators was assembled to assist in defining the needs and goals for the DSS. (2) A list of key variables was developed for inclusion in the support system. Data were gathered and stored for a preliminary version of the DSS. (3) A thorough literature review was undertaken in order to reach an understanding of the concepts involved in Equality of Educational Opportunity (EEO) sufficient to provide a model to be included in the DSS. The literature review led to the development of four conceptual (subjective) EEO models. (4) Analytical techniques were undertaken to determine which model, if any, best represented reality (as defined by the data gathered in Phase 2.) The analytical techniques used were: correlation analysis, subgroup analysis, graphic analysis, and phenomena explanation. The results showed that one model, identified as the EEO Achievement Aspects Subjective Model, best fit the data examined. (5) The model was incorporated into a DSS in such a way that a single value, termed an EEO Accountability Index, was calculated for a given set of data. The potential uses of such an index and of such a DSS were then explained. The expected use of the DSS is in providing analyses based on a statistically-derived model of reality. The process of building the statistically-derived model is expected to add new insights into the concepts of EEO. Accordingly, this research is anticipated to be of particular use to (1) information specialists, (2) school district board members, superintendents, and decisionmakers, and (3) other academicians interested in developing a better understanding of the concepts of EEO and the implications those concepts have for educational decisionmaking.

Zhang, Xiaoyu. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-47). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

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This study approached the concept of equity in public elementary and secondary school finance as a complex, multi-variable phenomena. The purpose of this study was to develop a procedure for determining whether or not an equitable distribution of current expenditure per pupil in a state had been achieved based upon the interrelationships of multiple fiscal, non-fiscal school and community variables, and pupil output measures. Six orthogonal factors, derived from principal components analysis and varimax rotation of 24 school and community variables from 131 Virginia school districts during the 1987-88 school year, became the independent variables in multiple regression analysis with school finance data and student output data as the dependent variables. Community Type, Fiscal Capacity, and Economic Composition of a District Population accounted for 61% of the variability in current expenditure per pupil and 63% of the variability in the percentage of students planning to attend a four year college. Over 70% of the variability in Achievement Test Scores was accounted for by Black Family Structure, Fiscal Capacity, Economic Composition of a District Population, and Community Type characteristics. / Ph. D.

Studies to date of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act have not yielded definitive evidence of increased student achievement or of the effects of instructional resource allocations on student reading achievement. This evidence has been obscured by methodological flaws, instrumentation problems, a continued focus on national rather than local-level evaluation, and the investigation of resource variables over which the local schools have little or no control. The degree of Title I impact on the student it is designed to serve is determined by decisions made at the local school and classroom levels. Previous investigations have found that most of the variation in student achievement lies within rather than between the local schools. For these reasons, this study identifies locally controlled and easily changed types of instructional resource allocations which are expected to influence the achievement of students in Title I instructional groups within the schools. Each resource allocation is defined by several variables which jointly represent the several aspects of each resource. The relationships between the levels of allocation of these resources and the levels of student achievement in Title I classes are investigated using a hierarchical multiple regression model. The effects of three sets of resource variables on the reading achievement of 4,332 second, third, and fourth-graders in fifteen Virginia public school systems are investigated by determining the incremental amounts of achievement variance which each type of resource allocation contributes to the total explained variance using classrooms as the unit of analysis. The results indicate that variations in the amounts of instructional time, the proportion of total teacher time spent in instruction, and the student-to-teacher ratio are not associated with significant achievement increments. In addition, the degree of administrative support of Title I instruction and the activities of parent advisory councils do not explain significant amounts of achievement. However, there is some evidence that the use of instructional aides in the classroom is related to increases in achievement. The findings of this study indicate that the effects of Title I instructional resource allocations may exist primarily within classrooms rather than between classrooms. Interactions between individual student characteristics and the ways in which instructional resources are allocated by the teacher in the classroom are suggested as a possible source of Title I effects. / Ph. D.

Intercultural development is not an intentional goal or expected outcome for College Success courses. However, since such courses are designed to help students adapt to academic and campus cultures, an overlap and alignment between the development of intercultural skills and competence and the development of college competence might exist. This thesis investigated the degree to which intercultural learning was integrated into College Success courses at the curricular level, in instruction practices, and in the individual learning experiences of students, and it also identified current instructional activities most amenable to further targeting of intercultural learning. The research was guided by the following three questions. 1) What are the ways, if any, in which intercultural skills align with those skills seen as necessary for students' successful adaptation in academic and professional settings? 2) Do College Success instructors intentionally or unintentionally incorporate intercultural competence development into the curriculum and instruction? 3) What, if any, are the ways in which instructional practices in College Success courses contribute to intercultural skill development and help students leverage their current experiences with cultural differences? The research was focused on the study of one College Success class at a community college. Data was collected through multiple methods. Class sessions were observed. Interviews were conducted with students in the course, the instructor and the administrator responsible for the course. Documents, including the course syllabus, student learning outcomes, a selection of assignments and the course textbook were reviewed and analyzed. Research findings suggest that there is significant alignment between the development of college competence, as fostered in the College Success course studied, and the development intercultural competence, though such was unintentional and unrecognized by the instructor. The data also illuminated areas where course learning outcomes, curriculum, and instruction could be modified to further support the development of intercultural competency.

Though America's public schools have become increasingly diverse, the teaching staff remains relatively homogeneous. This gap is more apparent in California schools that serve large numbers of students of color, being taught by teachers who are predominately White and female. Because the population of kindergarten-through-12th grade teachers is predominately white and middle class, theorists recommend the self-discovery process of striving for cultural proficiency as a solution. Teacher cultural proficiency is a series of characteristics that are learned, honed, and constantly evolving to create a classroom that is culturally aware and culturally sensitive for all students. Although there is ample literature regarding multicultural education, there is limited research discussing teachers' perceptions and experiences with cultural proficiency, especially white women, who represent the largest population of teachers in California. The purpose of this study was to further investigate teacher stories along their journey on the cultural proficiency continuum. This study includes interviews with three teachers who have reputations for being culturally proficient and who work in elementary schools in a California Central Valley district serving large populations of students of color. The purpose of the interviews was to further explore the teachers' experiences striving for cultural proficiency and implementing culturally aware practices in their classrooms. The results of this study suggest that the continued journey to cultural proficiency mirrors cultural proficiency theory but lacks one key component: self-reflection in regard to whiteness. The interviewed teachers struggled with the theoretical foundations of critical whiteness theory and cultural proficiency, but they believed that the goal of cultural proficiency was one in which they would constantly be striving. The findings of this study address some of the culturally proficient themes of self-discovery, curiosity, experience, and travel that contribute to these teachers' culturally proficient reputations, and they add to scholarship by suggesting an additional tenet to cultural proficiency, that of being intimately aware of one's own whiteness and privilege.

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 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. / by Maria de L. Rodriguez. / Vita / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.