Title:
Development of an instrument to ascertain teachers' use of CFIP as a tool for improving classroom instruction and learning
Author:
Linda L. Birdsong
Thesis Advisor:
Gary L. Thrift
Committee Member:
Mark Fenster
Committee Member:
Ronald S. Thomas
Degree Granting Institution:
Notre Dame of Maryland University--School of Education
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Date Created:
2015
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
born digital
Abstract:
This research was designed to develop an instrument to evaluate how use of the Classroom Focused Improvement Process (CFIP) affected teachers' perceptions of using student data. The CFIP process requires that teacher teams regularly analyze student data, to strategically plan, reevaluate, and re-plan. Teams own achievement for all students. Ainsworth (2006) asserted teams must use collaboratively created short-cycle assessments to ensure common student growth. Data guide team-adjusted teaching, and professional development. Teacher belief in interim assessments' potential derives from formative assessment research, particularly studies demonstrating formative assessments and daily classroom feedback can improve teaching and student performance (Goertz, Olah, and Riggan, 2009). Engaging in this process, perhaps teachers can shift data perceptions from an accountability tool, to a means to improve student learning. The No Child Left Behind Act stipulated every child should test on-grade-level in reading and mathematics by 2014, evidenced by state standardized tests. Federal funding formulas required states to decrease achievement gaps, increase graduation rates, and prepare students for careers or college. The March 2010 draft Reauthorization of the ESEA stated teachers believe colleague collaboration is imperative to improve student achievement (USDE, 2010, p. 5), and Daniels (2009) testified that school structures must exist for teachers/administrators to analyze data and set goals. Additional research noted achievement gains when teachers examined student data in Professional Learning Communities (Aylsworth, 2012; Gallagher, Means, and Padilla, 2008; Galligan, 2011; Goddard, Hoy, and Hoy, 2000; Roberts, 2010). This research developed an instrument to discern CFIP's use in improving instruction and learning. The research design was a mixed methods concurrent design using survey research with quantitative analysis and open-ended qualitative questions, and qualitative structured, teacher interviews. Participants included 81 teachers from four CFIP and four non-CFIP elementary schools in two U.S.A. Mid-Atlantic suburban school systems. Conclusions indicated that value exists in pursuing research to discern if teacher teams using data literacy methods consistently and frequently can improve classroom instruction and student learning. Surveyed teachers identified the need and desire for more time for team data analysis and data literacy coaching. Educational leaders must consider providing this time and training for all teacher teams.
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Level:
Doctoral
Discipline:
Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations
Restrictions on Access:
Author has given permission to make this work available online.
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Identifier:
BirdsongLL-15
