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Pages
- Title
- "Advertisement for Mail Service," Post Office Department, March 21, 1947.
- Author
- Post Office Department, Robert E. Hannegan
- Abstract/Description
-
Advertisement for a proposal of a mail service route between Pensacola and Joy Brook Corner.
- Identifier
- uwfgbhs1947-03-21_Advertisement_for_Mail_Service
- Format
- Image (JPEG)
- Title
- "Foolish men that prayse gin eke t'envy": armes, armor, and eroticism in Spenser's The Faerie Queene.
- Author
- Desimone, Noah Ryan
- Abstract/Description
-
In Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene, scenes of armament and disarmament allegorize the way that idealized and degenerate forms of masculinity are forged. Armor, in Spenser, is less a physical than a psychological shield. Donned at the wrong time, the knights become cruel, untrustworthy, and apathetic. Removed at inappropriate junctures, they descend into lust, avarice, and gluttony. Spenser's epic models the self-fashioning by which gentleman could come to embody the harmony of Venus and...
Show moreIn Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene, scenes of armament and disarmament allegorize the way that idealized and degenerate forms of masculinity are forged. Armor, in Spenser, is less a physical than a psychological shield. Donned at the wrong time, the knights become cruel, untrustworthy, and apathetic. Removed at inappropriate junctures, they descend into lust, avarice, and gluttony. Spenser's epic models the self-fashioning by which gentleman could come to embody the harmony of Venus and Mars. Empedocles' principle of love and war--the idea that eros and strife must come together for the generation of life to occur--is central to Spenser's idea of exemplary masculinity as well as to his political and artistic vision of harmony. The epic models a paradigm of courtly masculinity that places a premium on intense emotional relationships between men, even as it divorces eros from the realms of martial honor and patriarchalism. Since Spenser's vision of self-fashioned masculinity depends upon his understanding of court culture and the woman presiding over it, I conclude my thesis by looking at the epic's critique of Elizabeth I's use of romantic tropes and erotic pageantry
Show less - Identifier
- 1296388542, WFE0000781
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- "Home Away from Home," Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.
- Author
- Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
- Abstract/Description
-
A list by the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce of tourist lodging in Pensacola and the surrounding area, including a description of accommodations and addresses.
- Identifier
- uwfgbhsHomes_Away_from_Home
- Format
- Image (JPEG)
- Title
- "READER WANTS ANSWERS ON PORT, WAREHOUSE USE," PENSACOLA NEWS, SEPTEMBER 11, 1966.
- Author
- Pensacola News, Sam Dane, W. S. Underwood
- Abstract/Description
-
Article featuring two op-eds reacting to an article about the Port of Pensacola Director Philip Alvarez’s fiscal plan and H. Green’s letter about the fiscal spending of the Port.
- Identifier
- uwf_PF126_Oversize003
- Format
- Image (JPEG)
- Title
- 'WHAT GOOD IS A PRETTY FACE WITH NOTHING BEHIND IT?': THE SPECTER OF THE INAUTHENTIC IN TRUE STORY MAGAZINE AND LITERARY MODERNISM.
- Author
- Smith, Georgia Clarkson
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis situates the narratives of True Story magazine in the 1920s within and against the context of their surrounding advertisements in order to reveal a popular resistance to the logic of consumption that was aggressively marketed to working class readers at the turn of the century. I argue that while the confessional narratives of True Story magazine explore the possibilities of self reinvention and upward mobility in market society, they paradoxically reveal an anxiety about the...
Show moreThis thesis situates the narratives of True Story magazine in the 1920s within and against the context of their surrounding advertisements in order to reveal a popular resistance to the logic of consumption that was aggressively marketed to working class readers at the turn of the century. I argue that while the confessional narratives of True Story magazine explore the possibilities of self reinvention and upward mobility in market society, they paradoxically reveal an anxiety about the veracity of the mass market's promises for sociocultural advancement via consumption. Further, I explore the trope of the self-constructed consumer persona in modernist fiction in order to tease out a thematic "preoccupation with inauthencity" that repeatedly begs attention not only in popular confessional magazines like True Story, but also in middle-market and canonical modernist novels such as Anita Loo's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, James Joyce's Ulysses, Ford Madox Ford's The Good Soldier, and William Faulkner's If I Forget Thee Jerusalem.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- WFE0000387, uwf:61065
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- 1981 survey of citizens of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties.
- Author
- University of West Florida, PALMM (Project)
- Date Issued
- [1981], 1981, 1981
- Identifier
- AAB0745QF00005/18/200401/13/200516453BfamIa D0QF, ONIWF192- 3, FHP S WF 2004-05-18, FCLA url 20040602, FIPS12033, FIPS12091, FIPS12113, FIPS12131, WF00000155, 2611173, uwf:15393
- Format
- E-book
- Title
- A BIG FIVE PROFILE OF THE MILITARY PILOT: A META-ANALYSIS.
- Author
- Castaneda, Michael Anthony
- Abstract/Description
-
Attempting to improve the selection process of military aviators, an empirical review of the literature was undertaken to provide a more accurate, empirically based estimate of the true population personality profile of the military aviator. Results are reported from a meta-analysis of standardized mean differences between military aviators and the general population on the Big Five personality domains. Eighteen studies were identified which met all inclusion criteria. The Hedges and Olkin ...
Show moreAttempting to improve the selection process of military aviators, an empirical review of the literature was undertaken to provide a more accurate, empirically based estimate of the true population personality profile of the military aviator. Results are reported from a meta-analysis of standardized mean differences between military aviators and the general population on the Big Five personality domains. Eighteen studies were identified which met all inclusion criteria. The Hedges and Olkin (1985) random-effects model was applied. Weighted mean effects, confidence intervals, heterogeneity of effects and fail-safe N were computed. Four of the Big Five domains were found to have significant effects, suggesting military aviators were less neurotic and agreeable and more extraverted and conscientious than the general population. All tests of homogeneity were nonsignificant; therefore, no moderators were investigated. Avenues for future research to further identify the predictive validity of personality on military aviator selection are considered.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000097, uwf:60698
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY APPROACH OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF BROWN BARGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE CLOSING OF A. A. DIXON SCHOOL FOLLOWING AUGUSTUS VERSUS ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.
- Author
- Juneau, Gayle Ann Alexandra
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to explore three historical time periods. I interviewed residents who experienced one or more of the three events defined by the cases. I compared and contrasted their responses with information I retrieved about the three events from newspaper articles and meeting minutes. The stories revealed participants struggles with sacrificing their historical African American community schools as they supported school integration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000090, uwf:60689
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY IN ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION AT A NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY.
- Author
- Kuszynski, Lawrence Joseph, Nichols, Joyce C., Thompson, Carla J., Wentz, Charles H., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
-
The practice of assessment for learning based on the four principles identified by Stiggins (2007a) as perceived by both instructors and students at a northeastern university was examined in this case study. Five factors were identified representing the four principles. Results indicate that both instructors and students perceived that assessment for learning was being practiced at this northeastern university. There was no significant difference (Sig. > .05) between instructors' perceptions...
Show moreThe practice of assessment for learning based on the four principles identified by Stiggins (2007a) as perceived by both instructors and students at a northeastern university was examined in this case study. Five factors were identified representing the four principles. Results indicate that both instructors and students perceived that assessment for learning was being practiced at this northeastern university. There was no significant difference (Sig. > .05) between instructors' perceptions and students' perceptions of assessment for learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000228, uwf:60951
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY IN HOW THEORETICAL CONCEPTS UNDERLYING INTEGRATED LEARNING OBJECT-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS TRANSLATE INTO EFFECTIVE PRACTICE.
- Author
- Dawson, David Bruce
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine how theoretical concepts underlying an implementation of an integrated learning object-based instructional system translate into effective practice. Underlying theoretical concepts are grouped into the 5 dimensions of a grounded learning systems design model: psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and pragmatic. These 5 dimensions serve as a framework for examining a case of integrated learning object-based instructional systems...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine how theoretical concepts underlying an implementation of an integrated learning object-based instructional system translate into effective practice. Underlying theoretical concepts are grouped into the 5 dimensions of a grounded learning systems design model: psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and pragmatic. These 5 dimensions serve as a framework for examining a case of integrated learning object-based instructional systems development. Such systems possess characteristics, features, and processes that embody varying interpretations of those theoretical foundations while also reflecting the contexts within which they are developed. Using documentary evidence, structured interviews with key development team members, and critical analyses of main interface screen shots, the framework is used to characterize the links between those practical expressions and the underlying theoretical concepts of such systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- Identifier
- WFE0000023, uwf:60753
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COLLECTION OF POETRY: MY LIFE STAINED IN INK.
- Author
- Aldikacti, Elyse Semiha
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis examines the nuances of womanhood, particularly the author's life experiences. The first section will be composed of poems relating to childhood, followed by poems relating to the young adult years, and finally poems dealing with adulthood. The poems will focus on various people, places, events and cultures that have influenced the poet. "My Life Stained in Ink" will demonstrate the nuances of womanhood with poetic prose from the poet's recollection of memories.
- Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000254, uwf:60898
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER UTILIZING COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND AEROBIC EXERCISE.
- Author
- Smith, Erika Nicole
- Abstract/Description
-
This preliminary study examined the impact of an 8-week aerobic exercise treatment on symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among adult women who have experienced sexual violence. Fourteen participants were recruited naturalistically through a Certified Rape Crisis Center in Pensacola, Florida. Participants received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or CBT plus group aerobic exercise sessions (CBT+E). Measures included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV- Current and...
Show moreThis preliminary study examined the impact of an 8-week aerobic exercise treatment on symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among adult women who have experienced sexual violence. Fourteen participants were recruited naturalistically through a Certified Rape Crisis Center in Pensacola, Florida. Participants received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or CBT plus group aerobic exercise sessions (CBT+E). Measures included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV- Current and Lifetime Diagnostic Version (CAPS), the PTSD Checklist-Specific Version (PCL-S), and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Results revealed that both groups improved on all measures: main effects for time and group were observed for the CAPS, PCL-S, and SCL-90-R. Clinical significance was also observed: more participants in CBT+E no longer met the criteria for PTSD at the conclusion of treatment when comparing CAPS Frequency > 1/Intensity > 2/Total Severity > 65 (F1/I2/TSEV65) scores. There was also a trend on most measures in favor of the CBT+E treatment group. Results suggest that aerobic exercise programs may be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for individuals diagnosed with PTSD and/or a history of having experienced trauma. This study is the first known to compare aerobic exercise to an empirically validated form of treatment (CBT) for PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000257, uwf:60900
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE CLIMATOLOGY OF TORNADO OUTBREAKS AND OUTBREAK VARIABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES.
- Author
- Foglietti, Rebecca Vizzi
- Abstract/Description
-
In the U.S.A., tornado outbreaks contribute to hundreds of fatalities and cause considerable physical and monetary damages annually. Historically, tornadoes, and particularly tornado outbreaks, have been poorly understood in terms of physical processes and spatiotemporal variability. One source of this uncertainty is the lack of an objective definition of "tornado outbreak." The aims of this study were to examine the spatiotemporal variability in historic U's. tornado outbreaks using...
Show moreIn the U.S.A., tornado outbreaks contribute to hundreds of fatalities and cause considerable physical and monetary damages annually. Historically, tornadoes, and particularly tornado outbreaks, have been poorly understood in terms of physical processes and spatiotemporal variability. One source of this uncertainty is the lack of an objective definition of "tornado outbreak." The aims of this study were to examine the spatiotemporal variability in historic U's. tornado outbreaks using different definitions of the term "tornado outbreak." The potential associations between outbreak variability and eastern tropical Pacific SST variability were also investigated. We find that over the period 1975-2014, "Tornado Outbreak Alley" is centered in northern Alabama. Additionally, outbreak activity exhibited increasing trends with time for Winter, Spring, and Fall according to four of five outbreak records. State-level linkages to winter ENSO influences, focused generally in the Southeast, may indicate the tropical Pacific as a forcing factor in U's. outbreak variability. We demonstrate both the contrasts in outbreak records that result from different definitions of outbreak, and that outbreak activity appears to be increasing, regardless of definition.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- WFE0000608, uwf:61306
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THERMAL TOLERANCE, HYPOXIA TOLERANCE AND WATER LOSS RESISTANCE IN TWO FAMILIES OF INDO-PACIFIC AMPHIBIOUS FISHES.
- Author
- Wright, Joni Elizabeth
- Abstract/Description
-
Two families of amphibious fishes, mudskippers (Family Gobiidae) and rockskippers (Family Blenniidae), occupy the mangal habitat of Hoga Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tidepools serve as an aquatic refuge during diurnal low tide events; however, harsh conditions including high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen exist. Capable of bimodal respiration, these fishes are able to escape to land when tidepool environments become severe, although exiting tidepools to escape austere conditions may...
Show moreTwo families of amphibious fishes, mudskippers (Family Gobiidae) and rockskippers (Family Blenniidae), occupy the mangal habitat of Hoga Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tidepools serve as an aquatic refuge during diurnal low tide events; however, harsh conditions including high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen exist. Capable of bimodal respiration, these fishes are able to escape to land when tidepool environments become severe, although exiting tidepools to escape austere conditions may create a risk of dessication. Both families have the ability to utilize terrestrial environments; however, temporal resource partitioning of media has been observed between mudskippers and rockskippers. Three species of rockskippers, lined, Istiblennius lineatus, streaky, I. dussumieri, and Ambon, Paralticus amboinensis, along with common and barred mudskippers were collected from the mangals of Hoga Island. To elucidate the role physiological adaptations play in resource partitioning, I compared thermal tolerance, hypoxia tolerance, and water loss resistance between mudskippers and rockskippers. Rockskippers demonstrated higher aquatic thermal and hypoxia tolerance when compared to mudskippers. Common mudskippers showed no significant differences in thermal tolerance between media, while barred mudskippers revealed higher thermal tolerance in air over water. It is likely that a combination of thermal and hypoxia tolerance contribute to resource partitioning between these groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000233, uwf:60932
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF CERAMICS FROM THE PADRE ISLAND AND EMANUEL POINT SHIPWRECKS.
- Author
- Sorset, Scott Ryan
- Abstract/Description
-
The focus of my thesis is to develop an archaeological baseline ceramic patterning for colonial period Spanish ships, using ceramics as an example, through which maritime archaeologists can better identify and interpret Spanish shipwrecks from the 16th century. By intensively reviewing the ceramic artifact assemblages from the San Esteban, Emanuel Point I, and Emanuel Point II shipwrecks, I propose that a thorough typological, spatial artifact analysis and scientific methodical approach to...
Show moreThe focus of my thesis is to develop an archaeological baseline ceramic patterning for colonial period Spanish ships, using ceramics as an example, through which maritime archaeologists can better identify and interpret Spanish shipwrecks from the 16th century. By intensively reviewing the ceramic artifact assemblages from the San Esteban, Emanuel Point I, and Emanuel Point II shipwrecks, I propose that a thorough typological, spatial artifact analysis and scientific methodical approach to excavation affords archaeologists the ability to differentiate between ships of similar cultural and temporal affinity but with different prescribed missions. These similarities are shown to be material reflections of the society that operated these vessels. Therefore, by anthropologically analyzing the ceramic artifacts from two fleets with vastly different missions, I started the process of identifying and mapping a baseline Spanish ship pattern. It is my hope that other researchers will incorporate similar datasets to further refine uniquely Spanish shipwreck artifact patterns.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- WFE0000406, uwf:61169
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE COLLABORATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH STUDENTS' STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT.
- Author
- Eliason, Norma Lynn
- Abstract/Description
-
The effects of incorporating an online social networking platform, hosted through Wikispace, as a method to potentially improve the performance of middle school students on standardized math assessments was investigated in this study. A principal strategy for any educational setting may provide an instructional approach that improves the delivery of instruction and enhances the learners' self-efficacy, motivation, and performance. A pedagogical approach that is centered on learner interaction...
Show moreThe effects of incorporating an online social networking platform, hosted through Wikispace, as a method to potentially improve the performance of middle school students on standardized math assessments was investigated in this study. A principal strategy for any educational setting may provide an instructional approach that improves the delivery of instruction and enhances the learners' self-efficacy, motivation, and performance. A pedagogical approach that is centered on learner interaction and engagement is a social collaborative learning environment. The social collaborative learning environment provides an academic atmosphere that highlights Bandura's social cognitive theory of reciprocal determinism. This study identified the triadic reciprocal determinants incorporated within a social collaborative learning environment: (a) social collaborative environmental variables, (b) academic achievement variables, and (c) personal perception variables. The function of the instructional treatment, online social networking collaborative learning environment, for this study was to expose the students to an asynchronous learning environment that encouraged the members to exchange thoughts, communicate perspectives, and employ prior knowledge to enhance problem-solving skills in mathematics. Although the results of the study did not indicate a statistically significant difference in student performance on middle school math standardized assessment, future research could strengthen the effectiveness of developing and implementing an instructional design that incorporates a (online or face-to-face) social collaborative learning environment that will promote learner self-efficacy, motivation, and performance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000438, uwf:61105
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF TWO VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN STUDENT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAMS.
- Author
- Manning, Kelly Jennifer
- Abstract/Description
-
Increasing transportation costs have led software development organizations to seek ways to allow individuals in different locations to work together without traveling. Virtual technology has been one proposed way, though there has been some debate over the type of technology that will maximize team performance and social development. A conceptual model was developed which predicts how the combined influence of team diversity, technology use, social presence and sociability affect intervening...
Show moreIncreasing transportation costs have led software development organizations to seek ways to allow individuals in different locations to work together without traveling. Virtual technology has been one proposed way, though there has been some debate over the type of technology that will maximize team performance and social development. A conceptual model was developed which predicts how the combined influence of team diversity, technology use, social presence and sociability affect intervening psychological states that, in turn, affect team processes and outcomes. In addition to conducting an initial test of the model, this study was conducted to assess the effects of two virtual technologies on 15 3-person teams completing an undergraduate software engineering project. Teams were randomly assigned to communicate either via videoconferencing or virtual worlds technology. Results suggest virtual world teams were able to perform equivalently to videoconferencing teams, but virtual world members were more likely to report negative experiences such as conflict and less likely to report positive experiences such as coordination. This study supports that student teams working in a virtual world environment perform as well as teams meeting in more traditional distributed media. This study also suggests that the model shows promise, though further research is needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000447, uwf:61082
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF PREDICTING CERTIFICATION AND PROGRAM COMPLETION SUCCESS IN A SAMPLE OF REGISTERED NURSING STUDENTS.
- Author
- Lipford, Karen Denise
- Abstract/Description
-
Nursing shortages are a real concern in today's world. Nursing programs play a pivotal role in helping to solve the nursing shortage by graduating successful nursing students. What are the characteristics of a successful nursing student? The purpose of this study was to investigate a risk profile of nursing students within a nursing program. The participants in the study were comprised of two different nursing classes that attended a college in a rural area of North Florida. The risk profile...
Show moreNursing shortages are a real concern in today's world. Nursing programs play a pivotal role in helping to solve the nursing shortage by graduating successful nursing students. What are the characteristics of a successful nursing student? The purpose of this study was to investigate a risk profile of nursing students within a nursing program. The participants in the study were comprised of two different nursing classes that attended a college in a rural area of North Florida. The risk profile included 25 discrete demographic and academic learner entry characteristics of these participants. This retrospective study utilized archival data collected from academic records. There were five independent variables within the study: prerequisite information (admit grade point average [GPA] and Nurse Entrance Exam Test [NET] score), remedial coursework, nursing course failures and grades, nursing GPA, and cumulative GPA. The independent variables were compared to the dependent variables of successful completion of the nursing program and successful first attempt at the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Correlational analyses yielded the following: as the NET scores increased, the likelihood of success in the program decreased, and as the need for remedial coursework increased, the likelihood of success in the program decreased as well. In terms of nursing coursework, most first-year nursing classes demonstrated a positive correlation and, most second-year nursing classes demonstrated a negative correlation in terms of success in the program and on the NCLEX-RN. Furthermore, as the nursing course failures increased, nursing GPA decreased, and the chances of success in the program or on the NCLEX-RN also decreased. With regard to the cumulative GPA, as the GPA went down, the chances of success in the program and on the NCLEX-RN increased. In comparing the successful versus the unsuccessful group of students, the NET scores and the nursing grade point average were lower for unsuccessful students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000170, uwf:60806
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE ALABAMA READING INITIATIVE-PROJECT FOR ADOLESCENT LITERACY.
- Author
- Merold, Michael Kent
- Abstract/Description
-
This study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched...
Show moreThis study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched the ARI-PAL with three primary purposes. The first purpose was to build highly successful adolescent literacy demonstration sites by making research-based local education authority (LEA) investments in adolescent literacy efforts and by concentrating the available ARI secondary resources in a small number of schools. A second purpose for the ARI-PAL was to develop advocacy and to secure funding for implementing the ARI into more secondary schools. The third purpose for the ARI-PAL was to increase the effectiveness of the ARI secondary model by making it compatible with the latest research on adolescent literacy instruction. The results of this study explain the experiences of the 14 ARI-PAL schools and provide recommendations for other secondary schools interested in strengthening the reading and writing skills of their students. To address the purpose of this study, the following research questions were explored: 1. Did the students participating in the ARI-PAL program in 14 selected Alabama schools increase their achievement as measured by SAT-10? 2. Using descriptive data from site visits and educators' experiences, what were the perceived successes and challenges of the ARI-PAL program during the first year of implementation? SAT-10 data were analyzed to determine if the ARI-PAL model was successful in positively impacting the reading achievement of students in the participating schools. To document the implementation and challenges to the implementation of the ARI-PAL model, site visit forms designed to provide weekly anecdotal data on progress in each school were analyzed. Areas addressed in the site visit reports included instructional leadership, the administration of formal and informal assessments, reading intervention for struggling readers, implementation of strategic teaching in the content area classrooms, and professional development.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000147, uwf:60784
- Format
- Document (PDF)