Project Description Draft #1 (Take 2)

I had started to take CEP 812 last spring, but had to drop the course due to managing a full-time job, part-time job, and 2 courses (not manageable!)-- So, looking back at the problem I was thinking about is still a problem I am concerned about, now that I am in my first year of teaching at the 5th grade level.

Differentiating instruction is a philosophy in teaching that I truly believe in, BUT it is a tremendous challenge for me. I have a few students who are reading at a 6th-7th grade level, and others at a 2nd-3rd grade level. The same goes for math understanding. At my school, I am required to follow the reading curriculum in a basal reader each week, so in order to differentiate I need to create centers for the children to work around. I am a first-year teacher, and even more difficult is that I started 5 weeks into the school year. I have had to learn the curriculum, charter school standards, etc., and teach at the same time! Although, I know it is imperative to differentiate my instruction to meet the needs for all of my students, I am struggling with the balance between modifying to the academic needs and teaching the basal each week.

My school prides on being a "data-driven" school. The first quarter of school has been focused on gathering of data. In Florida, students take benchmark tests on the state standards, and also a FAIR development test to give us tons of data on where exactly the students are at and where their needs lie. We also have data from last year's FCAT scores (comparable to the Michigan MEAP test), and of course 1st quarter report cards, and our own observations within the classroom. My job at a "data" school is to study the data and use it to differentiate my instruction. I have such an overwhelming amount of resources to use that I feel as if I am not accomplishing the goal, but rather, sorting out all of the different possibilities. As a first year teacher I am struggling with finding what method works best for me and my students.

I believe this is a problem worth tackling because it will help me think about what each student in my classroom needs most. This is something I need to do in my job anyway, so this class will be designated time for me to think about this important issue. I think this is the perfect problem to solve because the solution will maximize learning and growth for every student in my classroom, which is the most important goal.