Michael R. Vitale
East Carolina University

Nancy Romance
Florida Atlantic University

Abstract: Overviewed are results and implications of a collaborative 5-year longitudinal school research project conducted in a large urban school district in the southeast that evolved into a supportive environment for developing teacher action research skills. Discussed in the paper are how the prototype model naturally provided the critical elements necessary for teachers to function successfully as members of the educational research community. Emphasized is how ongoing research that successfully improves classroom practice within a school improvement framework can provide a foundation for developing the research interests and capabilities of teachers.

Citation: Vitale, M. R., & Romance, N. (1994). Evolution of a collaborative school research project as a prototype environment for empowering teacher action research: results and implications. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 34(1), 61-69.

Download:  Vitale.341.pdf (1209 downloads )

Ronald L. Pinnell
Stetson University

William R. Eissele
Seminole County Public Schools

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine to what extent the formal written evaluation of athletic coaches existed in the high schools of a central Florida school district. It was determined that 1 of the 6 high schools in the school district utilized such a system of evaluation. However, there was not consensus among the respondents of this school regarding how this system operated. The results also indicated that there was strong support within the school district from principals, athletic directors, and athletic coaches for a formalized system of evaluation. It was suggested that the coaching domains offered by Pflug (1980) provide a functional framework for determining what should be assessed in such a system. Based on these findings, seven recommendations were made regarding the implementation of a formalized system of evaluation in schools.

Citation: Pinnell, R. L, & Eissele, W. R. (1994). A survey of attitudes toward coaching evaluation. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 34(1), 51-60.

Download:  Pinnell.341.pdf (1119 downloads )

Janet K. Pilcher
University of West Florida

Linda A. Weeks
University of West Florida

L. Carolyn Pearson
University of West Florida

Abstract: Brown Barge Middle School, located in the Escambia County School District, Florida, is a voluntary magnet school. Characteristics of Brown Barge Middle School include: 1) a flexible schedule that can accommodate extended time blocks for instruction, planning, and special events; 2) technology components that are incorporated in the core curriculum; and 3) an integrative and cooperative cross grade level approach to designing and implementing curriculum and instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine Brown Barge students’ and their parents’ attitudes towards these characteristics. The results indicated that the integrated approach in the curriculum design implemented at Brown Barge Middle School was viewed positively by most students and their parents.

Citation: Pilcher, J. K., Weeks, L. A., & Pearson, L. C. (1994). Students’ and parents’ perspectives on a magnet school’s effectiveness. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 34(1), 14-30.

Download:  Pilcher.341.pdf (973 downloads )

Godfrey Franklin
University of West Florida

Carol A. Lane
Escambia County School System

Abstract: The relationship between self-selection seating choice and academic performance in a classroom was investigated. Eight teachers and 161 pupils in a Florida middle school participated in the study. Results indicated that pupils who sat in the front of the classroom did better academically than those who sat in the middle. However, students who sat in the front of the classroom did not necessarily do better than those who sat in the back.

Citation: Franklin, G., & Lane, C. A. (1994). “Action zones” and academic performance in a middle school classroom. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 34(1), 5-13.

Download:  Franklin.341.pdf (1218 downloads )