ECPEL+892+Action+Research+Project

Action Research Project Action Research Project- Developing Collective Efficacy __ Action Research: __ Now into our fifth year of inquiry our teams have moved through cycles each time adding to their knowledge of data use, collection, understanding and implementation. Through our inquiry work we have revised the ways we use, create and adjust data to identify student outcomes. In addition teams have developed goals and integrated protocols in their work. As we reviewed our data the core inquiry team began to notice that the problem of practice shifted from skill and strategy work to a greater problem of implementation. Instruction (especially when working with struggling students) shifted to a teacher-dominated lesson resulting in the inability of students to self-monitoring their learning. Staff members had difficulty identifying what big umbrella ideas resulted in the success of their students. Our core team identified two protocols to use to assist teacher in the identification of this process. The protocols allowed teachers to identify the key elements necessary for student success, which is measured by student growth.

__ Problem of Practice: __ In an effort to assist students, teachers have shifted their teaching style to teaching a step-by-step model of instruction leaving little to no room for self-monitoring. Teachers have created an environment where students are often walked through each step of the work. This approach is hindering students from becoming independent learners and thinkers. As a result, students are not taking ownership of learning, causing difficulty with self-monitoring.

__ State the Rationale for the Problem of Practice: __ In an effort to support student achievement teachers are delivering instruction using a step-by-step approach, limiting students ability to reflect on their own learning. As a result, students are relying on teacher feedback rather that through their own experiences with the work. Students are not taught the importance of self monitoring and engaging in questioning to develop deeper understanding of content.

__ Provide an Overview of a Plan of Action: __ As we review the current cycle of inquiry work and data collection our core team has struggles to identify what is holding back students from making the bif jumps needed to show significant progress. The team came up with the plan to conduct data conferences with teachers using the success protocol and collaborative assessment protocol. Teachers arrive prepared at the meeting to present the case study of a “success” student and a “challenge” student. Teachers must provide student work across curricular areas. Teachers and instructional cabinet use the protocols to look at student work to share best practices for their successful students and elicit next steps for their challenges.