PS 114 Inquiry Team Action Plan 2008 - 2009
Focus and Target PopulationSchool wide focus:
Math: Investigate the impact of targeted instruction using the math process strands on increasing performance of the targeted fourth grade students.
Hypothesis: That targeted instruction, with explicit focus on the Math process strands, would improve students’ skills in areas identified through analysis of the focus group’s performance on the 2008 NYS 3rd grade Math test and on formative and summative classroom assessments..
Target population:
Fourth grade Math students with a Proficiency Rating of 2.0 to 3.25 on the 2007 - 2008 NYS Maths Test. The target population includes ELL, and general and special education students. There is a balance between girls and boys (12:13).
After analyzing each student’s answers to the Grade 3 Math Test and to classroom assessments of fourth grade Performance Indicators, and comparing this to the rest of the student data, the Inquiry Team members determined that the target population had limited skills in reading and interpreting data, fluency in basic operations, and extending and describing numeric patterns.
Measurable Goal
· All students in the target group will maintain or improve their proficiency rating as measured on the March 2009 NYS Math test
· Students will show an improve-ment in their proficiency rating between Create Your Own pre- test and post-test in reading and interpreting data, fluency in basic operations, and extending and describing numeric patterns. / Actions
· Identified AIS teachers will work with students in three week cycles
· The AIS teachers, in collaboration with the Math Coach, will plan a series of activities focusing on the process strands: Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Connections and Representation
· Pre-test and post-test will be administered before and at the end of each cycle.
· Each test result will be analyzed and proficiency ratings recorded
· Modifications to strategies used will be made as the results dictate / Timeline
· October/November: Select goal, identify target population and staff, staff conduct low-inference observations of targeted students, analyze data for specific skills to be addressed, create and administer and evaluate pre-test, formulate hypothesis, and prepare to conduct inquiry by selecting investigative interventions.
· Cycle 1: December 1 –19, 2008 - Number Patterns
· Cycle 2: January 12 – 30, 2009 - Fluency in Basic Operations
· Cycle 3: February 2 –22, 2009: Reading and Interpreting Data
· Cycle 4: March, 2009 - Number Patterns
· Cycle 5: April, 2009 – Fluency in Basic Operations
· Cycle 6: May, 2009 – Reading and Interpreting Data
· June, 200- Final Assessment, Data Analysis and Implications / Monitoring Progress
The following sources of data will be used by the Inquiry Team: Student attendance data; EDM RSA data from Grade 4 classrooms; Performance on questions from previous state tests; EDM Unit Progress Checks; and the Acuity Predictive and ITA assessments. Data assessment tools, in order to maintain consistency, will come from both internal and external sources.