The Florida Department of Education’s (FLDOE) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Report (2007) listed and defined students who are in the process of learning English as a second language as English Language Learners (ELL). The graduation rate of English Language Learners in Florida is consistently smaller than the graduation rate of the total population of students (Echevarria, Short and Powers, 2006) in part due to the requirement for students to pass the FCAT in order to graduate. ELL students face the challenge of having to learn a different language, learn the subject area content in that language, and often-times pass a standardized test in order to graduate. In Florida districts, ELL is categorized as a subgroup often times not meeting adequate yearly progress in Reading (Florida Department of Education 2007). This study measured the effectiveness of a district approved computer based intervention in increasing student achievement for English Language Learners as identified by the Florida Department of Education (US DOE, 2009).

The purpose of this study was to determine the technology skills that principals perceived as essential for newly hired teachers. The study used a mailed survey to explore three technology constructs in order to determine which skills principals deemed important, how they evaluated those skills after teachers were hired, and which technology skills principals felt colleges of education should be teaching prospective teachers. The technology constructs examined were basic computer and technology operations and concepts, the personal and professional use of technology, and the application of technology in instruction. The study also examined whether principals who perceived themselves as technologically advanced also preferred to hire teachers at a similar level of expertise and whether principals who took the Florida Educational Leadership Examination, which included a technology domain, preferred teachers who were talented in the uses of technology. The findings of the study revealed that most principals, regardless of their own level of expertise or whether or not they took the FELE, are very aware of the instructional benefits of technology and that they perceive the basic, professional, and instructional uses of technology to be essential skills for teachers to possess.

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 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. / by Michelle L. Goldberg. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

This study examined the practices of Title I elementary school principals in the state of Florida for the school year 2009 - 2010. Elementary school principals in six Florida school districts responded to a survey to determine the extent of implementation of instructional and organizational practices identified by research to improve instruction and learning. The practices (sub-constructs) examined were identified as curriculum, instruction, assessment, educational agenda (vision, mission, beliefs, goals), leadership for school improvement, community building, and culture of continuous improvement. The results of this study indicated that participating Florida Title I principals believed that they were implementing effective instructional and organizational practices in their schools. Despite this belief, all but two of the schools represented in the results failed to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for school year 2009-2010. The analysis of the responses indicated a negative, but not statistically significant, correlation between self-reported scores and AYP percentage points earned. These results warrant further study to determine if the reported indicators can be verified by observation or other personnel. Within the limits of this study, the negative correlation suggested that school principals should examine their practices related to instructional and organizational effectiveness for fidelity and stakeholder buy-in. Principals must not only believe that these practices are evident, they must verify them through constant monitoring and quantitative measures.

Issues of sexual assault have become pervasive across all social strata in American society. Citizens need to start having conversations regarding these issues. To combat the issue of sexual assault, children need to be educated regarding the multifaceted aspects of sex through sex education in order to understand consent and resources they have available to them. Utilizing grounded theory methodology, this thesis analyzes sex education literature provided to Palm Beach County Middle School students. Using Burke’s theory of terministic screens and Foucauldian theories of power and control; an understanding of the ideological underpinnings of this literature and discourse were acquired. After analysis, suggestions for disclosure and sex education programs are provided. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The goal of this project was to survey selected school systems in the State of Florida and to determine their philosophies, policies: and techniques for grading reading. The area of special concern was children reading below assigned grade level but up to potential. The focus of this paper was to identify reports to parents that dealt in a positive way with below grade level readers and allowed for effective as well as cognitive development. Positive aspects of current reports were pointed out and suggestions for improvement to better serve needs of children reading below grade level were made. Since most school systems do give grades, recommendations were made for further research and development of this project topic.