My+Project

My Project My Project with this grant is going to deal with Math and the unit of Geometry. I chose this standard because it is the weakest standard in Math for our school district. I am going to incorporate geometry by naming plane and solid figures, identifying various polygons and identifying types of lines.

This seems to be an area of weakness for students in the fourth grade in our district.
 * Problem**: Standard M.G.1-Use deductive and inductive reasoning to recognize and apply properties of geometric figures.


 * Question**:How can I implement 21st century skills to enhance the learning of this standard and to improve student achievement?


 * Plan:** I will administer a pretest on the Achievement Series over the measurement standard to check the students’ understanding. Then I will use the 21st Century Skills and technology in my lessons to improve my students understanding on measurement. I will use formative assessment in the classroom to check understanding. After teaching the lesson, the students will take a post test to check the students’ understanding.

For all these reasons I decided (4.M.G.1) would be a good standard to focus on for my project.
 * Use of Data:** I used the DakotaStep test results from last year to find my lowest standard and student results. I also used the program Successmaker. Successmaker is an individualized computer program for grades K-6, that engages students in reading and math for 30 minutes per day. Each child works at his own level and progresses through the math strands at his own pace. Teachers can view reports and determine which are areas of weakness for individuals as well as for the entire class. Geometry was a weak area for my class as a whole according to the Successmaker program. Therefore every Wednesday they do a Math session that concentrates solely on gemoetry. It seems there is a direct correlation between Successmaker scores and standardized test scores in grades 3-6 as well as student performance in the classroom. I also used the Emetric site to assess our district scores at the third grade level and beyond. Geometry was again a weak standard.

My project with Geometry was a big success. The students loved the voicethread project, creating posters to share with their classmates not even realizing they were learning more about geometric shapes then they ever knew before. The students showed a great improvement from their pre-test to post-test. The students were actively engaged, acquiring new knowledge, but most importantly having a good time! Overall I am thankful I had the opportunity to be involved with the STAT21 program. It was a postive learning experience and I will continue to use what i've learned in the years to come.
 * Reflection:** While being involved with this STAT 21 grant, I really feel I have grown professionally as an educator. The technology I used, I may have never attempted to use if I had not been involved with this 21st Century Learning Skills class. I feel it was also great for the kids in my classroom to see the technology in our world and how it can be put to use and that it is also very fun!! Our world is advancing and we as teachers need to realize that our kids live in a time where life is different then it has ever been before! We have to keep up with the technology so we are on track, leading our students in the right direction and teaching according to the world they live in.

1. 9/22/09-21st Assessments 2. 9/29/09-Blogs & Wiki's 3. 11/10/09-Smartboard Workshop 4. 02/04/10-Google Workshop
 * Sessions attended at ESA:**