A Topic for My Action Research...

This week I began to finalize my topic for my action research.  My current thoughts around the topic are as follows:

• Evaluate the use of formative assessment data to impact classroom instruction and modify instructional practices.

Best practice supports the use of formative assessments to drive instruction.  The purpose of my action research is to explore the use of formative assessments in my district and identify how often teachers truly use formative assessment data to shape daily instructional practices.  My research would focus on the following challenges:

• What types of informal classroom formative assessments are utilized?
• From the given district assessment measures, which pieces of data do teachers use?
• Do teachers use the results of formative assessment data to impact instruction?  If so, how?
• Do teachers use data to modify current instructional practices?  If so, how?
• How can I support teachers in the use of formative assessments and data analysis?

I believe that further investigation around the use of formative assessments, the implications of formative assessments on instruction, the actual implementation of data analysis to drive instructional decisions, and the resulting growth of students whose teachers utilize formative assessment data will add value to the teaching and learning that is occurring in my district.  The data collected through this action research will benefit students, teachers, campus administrators and content coordinators by creating awareness and addressing ways to increase assessment literacy.  This will ultimately increase student learning through differentiated instruction.