Improving Test-Taking Skills and Achievement in Mathematics ... - GSE

6objective with this study was to raise every student’s score to basic. Mysecondary objective was to demonstrate improvement from every child. Asindicated previously, the test scores showed great improvement. Two thirds ofthe class accomplished my initial goal. I attribute their dramatic success to thetechniques and strategies that I employed throughout the two advisories. I wasable to create immediate and recognizable improvement simply throughmodifying the standard teaching approach to a more targeted one, focused to thelearning styles of each student. Consequently, three students’ scoresskyrocketed from “Below Basic” to “Proficient.” Yet, I was somewhatdisappointed with the progress of five students that failed to achieve the “Basic”score. While I failed to attain my initial goal with this group, I did attain mysecond goal—by raising their scores a minimum of 20 point thereby demonstratemarked improvement.While concluding my study I have reflected and evaluated reasons for themore moderate success of the lower third of my class. The common factoramongst the lower third is that their class attendance was lackluster at best. Thestudents that succeeded attended class regularly and those that did not excel didnot attend class regularly. Therefore, my only hypothesis is that while targetingstudents learning styles can have a substantial impact on student performance--students must still come to class to succeed. Still, among the lower fivestudents, three were only two points away from attaining the minimum “Basic”score. 13 This Action Research helped me examine current “Best” practices moreclosely in order for me to accommodate my students learning. My students and Iwere confronted with many challenges. Nevertheless, we persevered. Mystudents overcame those challenges because I instituted the right strategies,techniques, and methods. Many students found me on the last day of schoolafter having received their final report cards. Each of them had a clearexpression of accomplishment, joy, and appreciation for what they learned in myclass. Moreover, my colleagues and Principal expressed congratulations for theaccomplishments of my students.13 Appendix 2.6