From: http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/prodev/si11olc/Day4_action_research_2011.pdf   So here’s the problem: Although many of our students perform well in writing and apply writing to the inquiry, we have some students (often not receiving EAL support) that consistently under perform in writing compared to their speaking and listening (and sometimes reading) abilities.  These students often struggle with purpose and product (producing using…… Continue reading Planning for Action Research

Nourishing relationships and listening… How many times today did I ask kids how their holidays went?  How many kids did I see writing “what I did over my vacation” recounts?  Did I really listen to what the students told me?  Did I truly ingest their recounts?  Honestly, I’m sure there were times I in fact…… Continue reading Empower

Doing a bit of research on how to do research… Links I’m starting with: How to do action research ASCD on action research Classroom Action Research Practical Guide to Action Research for Literacy Educators What I’m thinking of researching: Small group writing support in grade 3 (effectiveness of small group targeted writing instruction using ISHCMC…… Continue reading Action Research Part 2

In a recent leadership meeting, a much-adored friend and coworker responded to “must-do statement” in a sorting activity that said, “Don’t do things that aren’t based on research” with a statement where she basically posited that we are a school that is doing things that are so innovative that there is no research about them.  I think I responded…… Continue reading Action Research

During a two day PD at our school, we spent 4 sessions focusing on positive education and positive psychology. It’s much like a lot of what I’ve heard and read about the research about non-cognitive skills (i.e. grit or persistence, resilience, self-discipline,etc.)  This research emphasizes that these skills are more influential toward student success than intelligence and cognition.…… Continue reading Positive Education Reflection