Classroom Observation Data for District B: Anecdotal Observation Results

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2007-01-01
Authors
Olson, Jeannette
Foegen, Anne
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Project AAIMS
Project AAIMS, funded from January 2004 through December 2007, was designed to achieve two objectives related to the teaching and learning of algebra for students with and without disabilities. First, we examined algebra curriculum, instruction, and assessment for students with and without disabilities and determine the extent to which they were aligned. Second, we developed algebra assessment tools that can be used for monitoring the progress of students with and without disabilities as they learn algebra. We then investigated the measures' reliability, validity, and sensitivity to growth. This website has information about the activities, research, and products associated with Project AAIMS. Our district partners include Fort Dodge Community School District, South Tama County Community School District, and Ballard Community School District.
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Abstract

This report documents the results of anecdotal observations conducted in District B during the fall of 2004. It describes the algebra topics addressed during our observations, the expected tasks (class activities), teacher actions, and student actions in four Algebra IA classes and two Algebra IB classes in this district. We looked at the algebra curriculum for students in these beginning algebra classes, the ways that class periods were structured in these classes, the kinds of instructional approaches that were used, and students’ responses to these instructional approaches. Student with and without disabilities were all enrolled in general education beginning algebra classes in District B; therefore they completed the same curriculum. The two Algebra IA teachers moved through the textbook at slightly different rates, but students were exposed to basically the same content. One teacher taught both of the Algebra IB classes, and her lessons concentrated on the same topics for each class. The most common expected task varied by teacher. Teacher 1 taught one section of Algebra IA and two sections of Algebra IB. In her Algebra IA class, the most typical task was checking homework, in Algebra IB, it was leading a review. Teacher 2 taught three sections of Algebra IA where the most prevalent expected task was teacher-led instruction. The most typical instructional approaches that we observed in District B were providing individual student assistance and modeling as the teacher showed how to solve algebra problems or reviewed for an exam in both courses. Completing assignments was the most typical productive student action in both courses, with listening observed just as often in the Algebra IB classes. Off task behavior was the most common nonproductive student action, and it was the most often observed student action in District B.

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Project AAIMS is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Grant # H324C030060; Technical Report #8.

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