McLemore 1

Action Research Projects Proposal

MIAA 310
Cassie McLemore
D. Sylvia Turner
































McLemore 2
Action Research Project Proposal

Research Proposal
This is my 8
th
year of teaching at the middle school level. My credential areas are Single Subject
Social Science and Administrative Services. This is my sixth school year teaching in the Title I
and English Learner arenas. I currently teach three sections of intervention English and three
sections of intervention mathematics. Most teachers in my position hold a multiple subjects
credential and have the appropriate amount of mathematics training/education to instruct at this
level. I have always enjoyed learning and teaching mathematics, but the State and Federal
Programs that govern my area of teaching require either a Multiple Subjects Credential or a
specialized credential in mathematics. When I began my quest in my thirties to embark on a
second career I wanted to become a math teacher, but I struggled with calculus and thus went
with my second love history. I believe that I have a good grasp of mathematics up to calculus
and am excited to work to achieve the mathematics K-8 authorization. Although I am confident
in my ability to calculate mathematics at this level I struggle with teaching mathematics to my
students. It is my goal to learn strategies and a deeper understanding of mathematics so that I
can become a better teacher for my students.

Research Questions
In what ways will deepening my own understanding of mathematics effect my students
understanding?

Subquestions:

1. MIAA 320 How will developing essential questions deepen my own understanding of
mathematics and effect my students understanding?
2. MIAA 330 How will designing varied assessments deepen my own understanding of
mathematics and effect my students understanding?
3. MIAA 340 How will using assessments to design interventions accommodations and
differentiated programs deepen my own understanding of mathematics and effect my
students understanding?
4. MIAA 350 How will increasing my content, representative and theoretical
mathematical knowledge deepen my own understanding of mathematics and effect my
students understanding?
5. MIAA 360/370 How will designing mathematics instruction and fieldwork
experiences deepen my own understanding of mathematics and effect my students
understanding?

MIAA 310
In this action research project I will have the opportunity to deepen my understanding of
mathematics and increase the strategies useful in teaching my students mathematics. This course
will allow me to accumulate useful strategies in varied areas of teaching as well as grade levels.
This project will provide me with instruction in mathematical discourse, assessment, equity,
content, representations, theories, and instruction.


McLemore 3
MIAA 320
This course will provide instruction on the effects that essential questioning and mathematical
discourse have on our diverse student populations. It will explore the role of teacher in
identifying essential questions that increase engagement and attitudes, as well as increase
mathematical vocabulary. This course will also delve deeper into mathematical pedagogy that
will foster meaningful mathematical understanding.

MIAA 330
This course will provide me with the instruction to analyze the effect that designing varied
mathematical assessments have on instruction and deeper mathematical understanding. It will
analyze the varied assessment types and their appropriateness on understanding, fluency and
eventual proficiency. It will truly use assessment to drive instruction, as well as increase
communication with both colleagues and parents on student progress and achievement.

MIAA 340
This course will provide me with the instruction to analyze the effects of intervention,
accommodation and differentiation programs designed from assessment data. It will give me a
deeper understanding of mathematics so that I will be able to evaluate, modify and implement
differentiated programs that target specific student needs at varied grade levels.

MIAA - 350
This program will provide me with the instruction to analyze both students and mine own
understanding of complex mathematical contents. It will provide proper sequencing and
scaffolding for a deeper understanding of mathematical content, representations and theories.

MIAA 360/370
This course will provide me with the instruction to analyze the effective implementation of
collaborative lesson planning on student results. It will allow me to collaborate with colleagues
and plan lessons appropriate for deeper understanding in mathematics. These lessons will
address both the developmental and cultural needs of student populations while still providing
challenging and engaging mathematical lessons at all grade spans.

Reflection
This research project will provide me with a deeper understanding of mathematics so that I can
provide my students with a varied, challenging, engaging and relevant mathematical education. I
will become a better teacher of mathematics and work to help my students gain the love for
mathematics that I have.