Standards+Question+9


 * Read the Case Study regarding Research-Based on page 21 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-5. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information.**

1. What kinds of decisions do educators regularly make that require a more thorough examination of research?

Research is needed for appropriate spending on valuable resources to further student learning. It is also needed to determine the extent of effectiveness prior to school adoptions.

2. What kinds of challenges in your school and/or district could benefit from an action research effort?

A challenge that could benefit from an action research effort is self-evaluation of your teaching methods and level of student acquisition. 3. What does the phrase "critical consumer of research" mean to you?

It refers to someone who "critically" researches methods to make sure it supports its evidence. Many things say they are "research-based", but we need to do the extra work to make sure it is really successful and does what it claims it can. The improvements should be seen and reflect the goal. 4. What are various application of the information in the standard for the school and/or district?

A schoolwide reform program that has been researched and brought to a school or district is one type of application. The school works as a whole to research the program before putting it into use. Then, they meet to set a goal and expectations. After that, they get together to analyze work. If student achievement is not gained, then changes will be made. We feel that anytime a school or district adopts a new program, plenty of research time is put into it. The goals are given from the beginning, and the student achievement is monitored.

5. What are options to consider when a program proposal lacks an adequate research base to support its adoption?

It is important to look at positives and negatives. It is always a good idea to start small before expanding to the whole school or district. These small studies will help provide first-hand evidence to back up the research.