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 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. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The purpose of the study was to determine if the Educational Planning and Resource Management System (EPRMS), implemented by the Orange County Public Schools, increased parent and/or teacher involvement and communication in the school level decision making process. The study surveyed parents, teachers, and principals about their perception of the communication and involvement at their school during 1982-83 and 1983-84 (the year EPRMS was fully implemented). It was assumed that any increase in communication and/or involvement would be due to the Educational Planning and Resource Management System. A questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature review and input by a panel of experts. Separate questionnaires were administered by mail to a random sample of parents, teachers and principals. The data were analyzed with analysis and variance and cross-tabulations. Since three surveys were administered, three separate univariate analysis of variance designs were used. In each case, the analysis of variance was a repeated measures design including a factorial between subjects and a within subjects component. The data analysis revealed that parents, teachers and principals reported an increase in communication and involvement during the 1983-84 school year. These increases, while statistically significant, were relatively small. It also showed that principals and high school respondents gave the highest ratings to communication and involvement while teachers and junior high respondents gave the lowest ratings. The study did, for the most part, support the assumption that there was more perceived communication and involvement at the school level since the implementation of EPRMS. Even though the statistically significant increases for the various groups and levels were small, question 34 provided substantial support to the finding of increases school-level involvement. Almost three-fourths (74.7%) of the respondents reported that more opportunities for involvement existed during the 1983-84 school year than during the 1982-83 school year. Recommendations included additional monitoring of EPRMS with regard to staff and parent involvement and extensive management training in group dynamics and managing group interactions.

The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent Dade county has kept its educational program abreast with the rapid development of the community and thereby met the educational needs of the children in this section of the country.

No description available.

The face of North America's public education system is changing. Across the United States, hundreds of thousands of students have migrated away from traditional public school into charter schools. While both are considered public schools, often that is where the similarity ends. Claims and counter claims have been made about the virtues and advantages of a charter school versus the traditional public school. This study, focused on the nation's sixth-largest school system in Broward County, Florida, compares comments from stakeholders involved in charter programs to feedback from those still involved in the traditional public system. Three hypotheses are evaluated including: whether traditional schools are not adequately serving the needs of students; whether charter schools are better at serving student needs; or people believe that charter schools are doing a better job at serving the needs of students. Evidence suggests that while each model of education has its advantages and disadvantages, neither clearly provides a ""better" opportunity for students. Conclusions are that consumer perceptions are driving the shift in enrollment. This is attributed to the narrative about "choice" created by charter school advocates that aligns with American ideologies of liberty, freedom and independence. Ultimately, it is argued that the deconstruction of the traditional public education system is part of a larger effort to shift selected rights and privileges out of the public sphere and back into private control. For traditional public schools to regain momentum, they must learn to control the narrative and ultimately public policy and public opinion about our nation's public schools. / by Merrie Elyn Meyers. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013. / Includes bibliography. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / System requirements: Adobe Reader.