Office of Curriculum, Technology, & Assessment

Title II, Part D - Awards 2007-2008

East Dakota Educational Cooperative

This project, proposed by a partnership which includes East Dakota Educational Cooperative, Education Service Agency (ESA) Region 2, and the schools located within its boundaries is aimed at improving achievement in mathematics, reading, and science for the students in ESA Region 2. School districts in the region are statistically stagnant in math and inconsistent in reading when it comes to moving students from basic and below basic to proficient. At this time, schools lack sufficient data in regards to student achievement in science.

This project will provide instruction on the principles of formative and summative assessment. Educators will become proficient in the use of Achievement Series and incorporate technology that will actively engage students in learning to improve student achievement. Teachers will analyze student data to determine student learning priorities, monitor progress, and help sustain continuous improvement. Teachers will write and implement standards-based lessons with the assistance of a cognitive coach, and incorporate existing technology to engage students in learning.

Educators will receive a minimum of 45 hours of direct instruction, supported through year-long communications with local educators through the use of DDN and/or bulletin boards or message boards. Participants will build knowledge of formative and summative assessments, integrate technology into mathematics, reading and science classes, and develop course-specific lessons to engage students in understanding the content area. Participants will conduct action research throughout the study to determine the effectiveness of classroom instruction based upon student need.