Action+Research+Plan

**Describe the Problem and Areas of Focus:**
According to 2009 Dakota Step tests, Mrs. McConnell's fifth grade students at Harrisburg Liberty Elementary school scored low on reading indicator 2: Students are able to evaluate text structures, literary elements, and literary devices within various genres to develop interpretations and form responses. According to the unpacked standard, students need to improve in this area: 5.R.2.1: Students can utilize comprehension strategies while constructing meaning.

**Describe a Plan:**
====I. I will integrate 21st Century Skills Tools and Technology into my lesson plans for standard 5.R.2.1.====

2. I will administer Achievement Series Pre & Post tests for the following:

 * ====5.R.2.1 Students can utilize comprehension strategies while constructing meaning. ====

====**Reflection:** When comparing pre and post achievement series tests, I noticed a huge improvement for most students. I kind of expected big improvements since they had already seen the test, however, not all students had those big gains.Many of the test questions that were used came from premade tests which was convenient, however, I found several errors which skewed my results. Next time, I will be more selective with the questions. Probably creating my own. I will definitely use the things that I learned in class this year again because the gain was real. I liked the data that was provided, the achievement series provided immediate feedback for both student and teacher that was very useful. It allowed me to redirect the teaching towards things that I knew the students didn’t already know. Which was a time saver. Students also enjoyed the new technology that I shared with them from class. ==== ====**Implications for** **Future Work:** Through this class, I realized the importance of using formative assessments to guide my teaching. I will definitely use achievement series for pre and post tests in all content areas. My students and I also found many uses for Wikis and Blog sites, as well as the many other technology tools that I learned about this year. Lastly, I was very impressed with how helpful and knowledgeable the folks at ESA are and will be utilizing their resources more from now on. Thanks for a great year of growth. ====