Action Research Project Title: Improving the reading ability of the
lowest quartile students at Freiheit Elementary.
Blog URL: http://laurelwilson182200.blogspot.com/
Number of AR Project Documented Hours: 88 hours
AR Project Summary (at least 250 words): My action research project began over
the summer with the development and implementation of professional development
for the entire teaching staff in the use of Thinking Maps and Quality
Tools. Thinking maps was taught in
its entirety; however, quality tools are being rolled out progressively at each
faculty meeting and supplemental staff development. Also completed is the training of staff in the use of a
universal screener and an introductory training in how to analyze data from
these screeners to drive instruction.
Multiple informal meetings have been conducted to speak with teachers
about the products that are being generated in classrooms, how thinking maps
and Langford Tools, along with accurate data can help to drive planning and
instruction. Continued modeling
and development of data use will take place throughout the year. As teachers use the thinking maps and
quality tools to improve instruction, I as a reading coach, am using their
samples to share with other grade levels and promote professional learning
communities that are helping to enhance teacher leaders on campus and build the
rigor of lessons. I am collecting
images, student feedback, teacher feedback and making observations of the use
of these tools. Still needed are
survey results as well as capacity matrices to determine the level of
understanding and application of the tools in the classroom. Also, continued monitoring of data
throughout the year will help show progress as we move our lowest quartile of
students towards improved reading ability.