The Case Of Maya Thomas  ———

.: What I would have done differently :.

   First, I would have created a problem statement, and then moved onto gathering data. Here is an example problem statement I created.

   "Ruth Ann’s 7th grade at-risk, low-level pre-algebra class lack the proper textbooks, attitudes and motivation to successfully learn the pre-algebra. This is a problem because there is little money for additional materials and the community does not foster a healthy learning environment."

   I think the interviews gleaned important information, so I am not going to say she shouldn’t have conducted this type of data. I think the inclusion of a survey tool would have defined the students better and perhaps would have given more open and honest answers. The students were primarily defined through the assumptions of Ruth Ann.

  Maya did a good job of reviewing the national standards and finding the limitations of the textbook. However, she did not do a good job of convincing Ruth Ann of it's limitations. Getting Ruth Ann’s buy-in is very important because the Assistant Principal is willing to try anything she suggests. Also, some textbooks even offer interactive CD-ROM’s that accompany the textbooks. This would be something to consider when evaluating new textbooks.

  The use of technology is not disused at all. It doesn’t sound like there is more money available for computers or software but identifying ways to integrate them in the classroom should have been discussed. She has at her disposal 7 student computers and one teacher computer with an Internet connection.

Let's discuss what lessons were learned —>