Case # 8 Maya Thomas Implementing New Instructional Approaches in a K-12 Setting By Chandra Orrill and Janette R.

Hill I choose this case, because it made me think of my students who struggle the most. Even though Maya teaches middle school math and I teach kindergarten it made me ask some of the same questions and reflect on my own students learning needs. analysis design development implementation evaluation Preliminary Analysis Questions 1. Critique the steps Maya took to identify the needs of the case, including the collection and analysis of data. Maya first listened to the needs to the teacher, Ruth Ann, via an email and then she met with her face to face, where she asked lots of questions. Maya starts to hear things that stand out like when Ruth Ann talks about, getting kids to work more problems. This led to some observations and more what if types of questions about how she teaches, where she teaches from, and what strategies she currently uses when she teaches. Then she interviewed previous students, teachers who taught the same class and administrators to obtain the big picture. By interviewing these groups of people it gave her insight and invaluable data to analyze. Maya learned what affects student performance (what did or did not motivate students). She also found commonalities between the different levels of classroom performance and the differences. She also looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the approach teachers used and the effect on student performance. By talking to the assistant principal, it gave her added information on what was truly expected from the teacher. Maya then analyzed the data which gave her a good idea of the problems and how these problems could be turned around if Ruth Ann could design her class in a different way. The implementation would be challenging, because it is out of her comfort level and the curriculum that is used now would need to be supplemented with new materials, including how she assesses and evaluates their learning.

2. What are some of the options Maya can explore to support the learning environment Ruth Ann requested? Maya analyzed both Ruth Anns strengths and weaknesses, listening to her concerns and needs. This allowed Maya to put pieces together to find possible solutions that would enhance overall student learning and engagement. Having the data about what the students liked and disliked also made a difference. Her goal was to create a learning environment that is safe; allowing students to ask questions, get help with homework, have hands on experiences and overall feel

supported in the classroom, both in a whole classroom or small group setting. Since students feel that using technology is a basic drill and practice, finding an alternative way to use technology to motivate learning pre-algebra skills is a challenge. Technology could provide a way to bring real life examples to a topic that can be tedious and boring to some students, yet challenge students who grasp the concepts quickly. Another way to support the learning environment is by supplementing current curriculum with newer and fresher ideas which offer students the opportunity to relate to day-to-day problems or issues happening today.

3. What are some of the critical factors Maya needs to attend to if this effort is to be successful?
Maya needs to look at how the writing piece is going to look and work in Ruth Anns classroom. It will be important to find a new way to assess students that is effective and meets the requirement of the administrators, as well as the teachers. Mayas plan is to review Ruth Anns teaching style and determine how she can use the skills she currently has plus add new ways of implementing and updating the curriculum while focusing on state and national standards that are required. To be successful, Ruth Ann needs to create lessons that engage students through hands on learning, entwine real life experiences and encourage the use of technology. At the same time she needs to find unique ways to enhance learning other than just doing problem after problem. Ruth Ann needs an advocate. She needs someone with whom she can share her successes and who will offer her feedback regarding areas where she needs to improve. The plan is for Maya to assist in this area. She is already taking the time to give Ruth Ann the support and encouragement she needs to implement these ideas.

4. Consider how the work with Ruth Ann could be used as a starting place for schoolwide mathamatics reform. Doe this change the way Maya should work with Ruth Ann and the other math teachers? Does it change the options they should consider?
I see the value in the work Ruth Ann is putting into this one particular class. However, I think there is a much bigger picture. She needs to not only help this class, but re-examine the way she is teaching other subject areas in addition to mathematics that would enhance overall learning and create a productive learning environment. Endeavors like this are a process. You have to try it out, test to make sure it works, find out what changes would be beneficial and how it will be implemented in the most effective way possible. (This sounds like Instructional Design process.) To answer the question, I dont think Maya should change how she works with Ruth Ann and the other teachers. It is a good place to start, by asking questions and testing possibilities. However, I also think the answer to the question is yes, because by looking at this one class it opens up possibilities to help other teachers who struggle with the same issues and concerns Ruth Ann is dealing with. Maya has the ability to not just impact one class, but has created the opportunity to help other teachers and schools who are looking to expand their way of thinking and teaching to meet the needs of their students.

5. How might the community and parents influence the success of this effort?
I think the community and parents will have a huge impact on the success of this effort. It is my experience is that when a community and parents become involved in the schools and take an active interest in childrens education amazing things can happen. They can support and encourage new ideas and teaching methods. Students can take what they learn and pass that knowledge onto their parents, especially about technology and different ways to use it. Changes to curriculum can have an impact on students, teachers, parents, administrators and people within the community. These changes can be positive or negative. They can develop quickly or sometimes very slowly. But people within the community often come together to make these updates and changes a positive experience. Sometimes changes may not always be positive, but the process of change will often open up discussions and questions that challenge people to think about issues from a different perspective.