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Book Middle School Teachers  Perceptions of the Value of Data to Inform Literacy Instruction

Download or read book Middle School Teachers Perceptions of the Value of Data to Inform Literacy Instruction written by Kimberly D. Boyd and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examined middle school teachers' perceptions of the use of assessment data to inform literacy instruction in the content areas. Forty-two teachers from five middle schools within southeastern Pennsylvania participated in the study. Multiple data collection instruments were utilized to provide qualitative data on teachers' perceptions of the value of assessment data, how teachers analyzed data, and how data analysis resulted in changes to middle school teachers' curriculum and instruction. The researcher found that teachers recognized strong value for data, primarily in planning instruction, improving teaching, and identifying effective instructional practices. The research also revealed that classroom level data were most meaningful, although a need existed for ongoing professional development in data analysis. Response data indicated that conditions such as, monitoring student progress, accessibility to data, and administrator support were important for promoting the use of data in the school. Teachers identified the importance of data-based decision making as it applies to literacy instruction.

Book Investigating the Influence of Standards

Download or read book Investigating the Influence of Standards written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-01-27 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since 1989, with the publication of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, standards have been at the forefront of the education reform movement in the United States. The mathematics standards, which were revised in 2000, have been joined by standards in many subjects, including the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards published in 1996 and the Standards for Technical Literacy issued by the International Technology Education Association in 2000. There is no doubt that standards have begun to influence the education system. The question remains, however, what the nature of that influence is and, most importantly, whether standards truly improve student learning. To answer those questions, one must begin to examine the ways in which components of the system have been influenced by the standards. Investigating the Influence of Standards provides a framework to guide the design, conduct, and interpretation of research regarding the influences of nationally promulgated standards in mathematics, science, and technology education on student learning. Researchers and consumers of research such as teachers, teacher educators, and administrators will find the framework useful as they work toward developing an understanding of the influence of standards.

Book Exploring Middle School Math Teachers  Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning Teams Within Professional Learning Communities

Download or read book Exploring Middle School Math Teachers Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning Teams Within Professional Learning Communities written by Molly Rothermel Rawding and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of what makes a collaborative learning team (CLT) effective for novice and experienced teachers. Professional learning communities have emerged as one approach for job-embedded professional learning so that teachers have the opportunity to collaborate with the end goal of improving their teaching practices as well as promote continuous school improvement. To explore these issues, the research questions that guided this study included: How do CLTs influence middle school math teachers to explore the nature of the mathematics content and pedagogy? What are the perceptions of novice teachers in terms of effective components of their CLT? What are the perceptions of experienced teachers in terms of effective components of their CLT? How does teaching experience influence perception for effective CLTs? Qualitative data were collected through three interviews from four novice and three experienced middle school math teachers in two different middle schools in the mid-Atlantic. The school sites were selected because teachers participated in regularly scheduled CLT meeting.

Book Middle School Math Teachers  Perceptions of the Impact of Professional Development on Their Knowledge  Skills  and Dispositions to Meet the Needs of At risk Students

Download or read book Middle School Math Teachers Perceptions of the Impact of Professional Development on Their Knowledge Skills and Dispositions to Meet the Needs of At risk Students written by Muditha Warnasuriya and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Data Driven Instruction

Download or read book Data Driven Instruction written by Stephen J. O'Toole and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 103 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to determine middle school mathematics teachers' perceptions about student achievement data, the structures within the school system that help or hinder their ability to use data, and the teachers' perceptions towards the effect that examining data has on student achievement. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of 20 middle school mathematics teachers' use of data to drive their instruction. Through the use of constructed response and open-ended survey items, the study identified (1) how teachers use student achievement data, (2) the types of data used most frequently, (3) the supports and impediments to using data, and (4) their beliefs about the effect using data has on their instruction and student achievement. Individual interviews with 6 participants provided additional information pertaining to the 3 research questions. The findings from this research reveal that middle school mathematics teachers frequently use and value course level formative assessments compared to state and district level assessments. The results indicate that teachers believe there are supports in place to help them use data. Supports included data warehouses, meetings with colleagues, and administrative assistance. Response data identified lack of time for analyzing data and for implementing instructional strategies based on data as significant impediments to using data to drive instruction. Teachers believed that using data changed their instruction and raised student achievement of struggling students.

Book The Effects of Professional Learning Communities on Middle School Math Teachers in Developing Curriculum  Instruction  and Assessments for Common Core

Download or read book The Effects of Professional Learning Communities on Middle School Math Teachers in Developing Curriculum Instruction and Assessments for Common Core written by Jessika Kim and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: The world of education in the K--12 setting is constantly changing. The most recent shift in educational reform is the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These new standards require students to think critically and demonstrate higher depths of knowledge. As a result, teachers are faced with the large task of realigning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to meet the new demands of Common Core. Unfortunately, with new standards and new expectations for assessments, teachers may feel overwhelmed and overextended. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) offer a structure in which educators are able to collaborate and align content across grade levels. The six guiding principles outlined by DuFour, DuFour, and Eaker require PLC teams to state a shared vision, maintain a collaborative culture, collective inquiry, action orientation, commitment to continuous improvement, and result orientation. These principles, when combined with curriculum, instruction, and assessments, and the key elements of the CCSS provided the conceptual framework for this study. This study confirms when PLC structures are implemented with authenticity; individual members are better equipped to withstand the unpredictable changes in education. This qualitative case study sought to better understand the manner in which PLC structures supported the development of curriculum, instruction, and assessments for 7th and 8th grade Common Core math. Through semi-structured interviews during the beginning and end of the first semester, multiple observations of PLC meetings, and document analysis, this study determined the following findings. First, this case study found that curriculum development for the Common Core Standards was supported as individual members built capacity between each other to redevelop new district-mandated textbooks. Second, instruction strategies for the new standards was maintained as PLC members demonstrated high levels of trust with each other in an effort to share individual shortcomings and challenges. Third, assessment development required teachers to reflect on both curriculum and instruction in an effort to promote student achievement. Finally, an unexpected finding of shared decision making was determined through participant interviews. Participants longed for greater autonomy within their PLC structures, and hoped to have greater input in the larger overarching decisions made school wide. The implications of this study encourage educators in various school settings—urban, suburban, and rural—to continuously improve year after year through PLCs. Regardless of new reforms in education, PLC structures provide a stable environment for educators to professionally learn in their site communities. The recommendations for this qualitative case study include suggestions for policy, practice, and future research. For policy, district members and officials would be well advised to provide additional professional development days for all certificated staff on how to authentically implement PLC structures at school sites. For practice, the major themes of capacity building, trust, reflection, and shared decision making can guide PLC teams as they practice true collaboration through PLC structures. Once PLC structures are authentically implemented, curriculum development can begin, instructional strategies can be shared and improved, and assessments can be effectively aligned to new standards. For future research, it is recommended that the scope of study be expanded to include the K--12 grades as well as extend the study for multiple years. As educators and school sites continue to make greater meaning of the CCSS, the impact of PLC structures in relation to student achievement will improve. Therefore, additional research on the effectiveness of PLC structures in relation to curriculum, instruction, and assessments will be richer as Common Core continues to be implemented.

Book Bringing Math Students Into the Formative Assessment Equation

Download or read book Bringing Math Students Into the Formative Assessment Equation written by Susan Janssen Creighton and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2015-01-21 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Make formative assessment work for you—and your math students! Finally, formative assessment that adds up! Bringing Math Students Into the Formative Assessment Equation is the ultimate resource for helping teachers implement formative assessment in the middle school mathematics classroom. And it’s much more than that. With this research-based, teacher-tested guide, you won’t just learn effective teaching strategies—you’ll turn your students into self-regulated learners. They’ll monitor and assess their own progress—and communicate to you about it! Features include: A clear and manageable six-aspect instructional model Detailed strategies for helping students own their successes Real-life examples from middle school mathematics teachers Useful resources and a companion website to help you implement formative assessment in your classroom Formative assessment isn’t just for teachers anymore. With the help of this essential resource, you’ll work together with your students toward a common goal of math success. "This book is outstanding. I would recommend it to any math educator. The depth of research integrated into practice is extensive and, as a result, it is the most practical book I have come across related to formative assessment and mathematics The self-regulation aspects, as well as the ownership and involvement emphasized in the book, went beyond the traditional cognitive strategies endorsed in most books." Marc Simmons, Principal Ilwaco Middle School, Ocean Beach School District, Long Beach, WA "The ideas in this book are brought to life with examples of teachers and students in the classroom. The teacher voices, comments, and quotes lend credibility and are a big component of the book’s strengths as well as the visuals and graphics." Rita Tellez, Math Coordinator Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso, TX

Book Teachers  Perceptions of a Teaching and Learning Action Plan for the Development and Implementation of Problem Solving Strategies in Middle School Mathematics

Download or read book Teachers Perceptions of a Teaching and Learning Action Plan for the Development and Implementation of Problem Solving Strategies in Middle School Mathematics written by Jessica E. Shambaugh and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Declining standardized test scores due to the increased rigor of curricular standards is a problem for many school districts in the United States. To combat this issue, administrative teams develop plans to better meet the needs of teachers and students. The purpose of this case study is to identify teachers' perceptions of an action plan that addressed declining test scores through the development and implementation of problem-solving strategies in the classroom. The researcher interviewed six middle school teachers and two school administrators regarding their experiences and perceptions working with the math action plan. Open-ended interviews with all 8 participants informed answers to the following research questions: 1) How do middle school math teachers in a residential school perceive the impact of an action plan on their development and implementation of effective teaching strategies for problem-solving in a mathematics classroom? 2) What evidence is there that the action plan influenced teachers' instructional strategies related to teaching problem-solving in the mathematics classroom? 3) What supports, and constraints do teachers identify that benefit or impede their ability to implement components of the action plan? In addition to open-ended interviews, the researcher also analyzed the action plan, teacher lesson plans, and previously analyzed student achievement data. Based on the participants' shared experiences and the researcher's analysis, four themes emerged: shift in curriculum and instructional strategies, time as a negative and positive factor, the effectiveness of professional development, and collaboration. Teachers expressed a strong focus on professional development and the need to increase reading and writing in the math classroom. The researcher determined multiple recommendations to improve instruction through the findings of this study.

Book An Investigation of Middle School Mathematics Teachers  Perceptions  Analyses  and Uses of Formative Interim Assessment Data

Download or read book An Investigation of Middle School Mathematics Teachers Perceptions Analyses and Uses of Formative Interim Assessment Data written by Joshua Benton Griffin and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Mathematics Education in the Middle Grades

Download or read book Mathematics Education in the Middle Grades written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2000-02-11 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In September 1998, the Math Science Education Board National held a Convocation on Middle Grades Mathematics that was co-sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Middle School Association, and the American Educational Research Association. The Convocation was structured to present the teaching of middle school mathematics from two points of view: teaching mathematics with a focus on the subject matter content or teaching mathematics with a focus on the whole child and whole curriculum. This book discusses the challenges before the nation's mathematical sciences community to focus its energy on the improvement of middle grades mathematics education and to begin an ongoing national dialogue on middle grades mathematics education.

Book Teachers  Perceptions of Instruction  Rigor  and High Achievers

Download or read book Teachers Perceptions of Instruction Rigor and High Achievers written by Diane R. Best and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this qualitative study was: (a) to determine the impact of the introduction of the PA Core Standards in mathematics on advanced middle school students and identify the impact of adaptable and rigorous instructional practices currently utilized in schools on high achieving students in mathematics and (b) to determine teachers' perceptions of how a framework, such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), impacts the instructional practices utilized to meet the needs of advanced learners to increase student achievement. This study examined the instructional practices and frameworks used by middle school mathematics teachers to advance the learning of high achievers. Additionally, this research identified the need for a systematic framework to identify and accommodate the advanced learner's individual student needs. Looking at instructional practices and components of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support/Response to Intervention/Response to Instruction and Intervention (MTSS/RtI/RtII) as self-reported by teachers and comparing the average growth index (AGI) in the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) for advanced students provided evidence of instructional practice effectiveness. Qualitative data was collected through an online survey and allowed the researcher to study the connection of instructional practices within a systematic framework. The researcher determined the types of instructional practices implemented in the middle school mathematics classes as related to the Depth of Knowledge level that advanced students needed to grow academically. The researcher also identified teacher perceptions of important aspects of the mathematics classroom and collected evidence to support instructional practices and organizational structure of the school.

Book Standards based Mathematics Assessment in Middle School

Download or read book Standards based Mathematics Assessment in Middle School written by Thomas A. Romberg and published by Teachers College Press. This book was released on 2004 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume takes an in-depth look at the problems and practices involved in conducting formative assessments in middle school mathematics classrooms. In these chapters, researchers and teachers identify the challenges teachers faced as they attempted to implement new assessment procedures, moving from more traditional methods to an emphasis in the quality of student work. This authoritative book: Documents the shift from traditional ways of judging student performance (tests to measure what students know) to reform notions of mathematical literacy (documenting students' growth in understanding specific content domains); Discusses four key steps in the change process that helped teachers to accomplish the necessary shift in assessment practices. Includes two chapters written by teachers that describe their personal experiences with implementing these new practices in the classroom and outlines a professional development program that evolved as a consequence of the work done by the teachers and students discussed in this book.

Book Standards for the Assessment of Reading and Writing

Download or read book Standards for the Assessment of Reading and Writing written by IRA/NCTE Joint Task Force on Assessment and published by International Reading Assoc.. This book was released on 2009-12-03 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With this updated document, IRA and NCTE reaffirm their position that the primary purpose of assessment must be to improve teaching and learning for all students. Eleven core standards are presented and explained, and a helpful glossary makes this document suitable not only for educators but for parents, policymakers, school board members, and other stakeholders. Case studies of large-scale national tests and smaller scale classroom assessments (particularly in the context of RTI, or Response to Intervention) are used to highlight how assessments in use today do or do not meet the standards.