Preparing preservice teachers for data-based decision making in working with struggling readers: A collaborative effort
Abstract
This article describes a partnership between a school of education and a professional development school (PDS) in the development and implementation of an after school tutoring program linked with an undergraduate literacy practicum course. The primary goal of this initiative was improving the assessment literacy and enhancing the data-based decision making skills of preservice teachers by having them work with struggling readers. We discuss the collaborators'roles and responsibilities and provide a course description followed by an explanation of the logistics of the tutoring program. Four case studies of participating children and their tutors are provided to illustrate lessons learned.
Reference
Lipsky, M., Schumm, J. S., Doorn, K., & Adelman, A. (2014). Preparing Preservice Teachers for Data-based Decision Making in Working with Struggling Readers: A Collaborative Effort. Journal Of Reading Education, 40(1), 36-42.
Journal
Journal of Reading Education
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
- Elementary/Special Education dual certification
- P–12 ESOL
Programatic Focus
- Elementary
- ESOL
- Special Education
Research Location Context
- Professional Development Centers
- Reading methods
Preservice Participants
- undergraduates in a Reading Methods course
Preservice Sample Size
4
Other Participant Data
- Students in tutorial setting
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- Diagnostic testing of 3 dimensions of pre-service teachers' general literacy skills (spelling, vocabulary and word building; punctuation, sentence construction, and grammar)
- Tutoring plans
- Tutoring reflections
Data Analysis Tools
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
"The primary goal of this collaborative initiative was the improvement of the assessment literacy of preservice teachers, particularly with respect to data-based decision making." (p. 37)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"A secondary goal was to prepare preservice teachers for their student teaching semester by providing a venue in which they would work with small groups of students before being expected to manage an entire class." (p.37)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes