AECT Standards

AECT 5.2 Candidates apply research methodologies to solve problems and enhance practice.

Justification:

• Enhanced ELA instructional practice by researching "Words Their Way" and other early reading instructional practices and collaborating with colleagues
• Applied research techniques to determine effectiveness of "Words Their Way" phonics instruction on 1st grade early readers
• Maintained weekly reflections, implemented regular assessments, and monitored student progress to enhance practice

AECT 5.3 Candidates apply formal inquiry strategies in assessing and evaluating processes and resources for learning and performance. (p. 203)

Justification:

• Used statistical understanding in developing a reliable and valid research project to determine whether "Words Their Way" was an effective strategy for reading instruction
• Recorded data by providing regular assessments, both formal and informal, and by keeping a reflective blog of the experience
• Kept regular logs of observations directly following small group instruction

AECT 5.4 Candidates conduct research and practice using accepted professional (p. 296) and institutional (p. 297) guidelines and procedures.

Justification:

• Student identities protected according to FERPA requirements
• Used collected data to recognize areas of difficulty or misconception, and addressed student learning needs
• Applied Red Clay district practice for lesson outlining referred to as "Skill Based Instruction" when designing lessons for strategy learning to reflect lessons taught by classroom teachers