Background and Need
National reading results from the NAEP (https://www.nationsreportcard.gov) shows that reading scores were not significantly improved from 2013 to 2015. High need groups show a decrease. At the state level, California fourth graders showed similar performance. The standardized testing STAR/CST ended in 2013 and was replaced by the CAASPP test. However, the CST data provides information that is relevant to this study as it provides second grade Language Arts data, a grade level closest to the grade of the case studies observed in this research of mindfulness. Also, it is a test that students and teachers were most familiar with at the time it was administered. More current CAASP data shows an even greater drop in student scores. The CST from 2013 in the district of this proposed study tested 1,330 second grade students (https://www.cde.ca.gov). Of those students, 53% scored Basic or below. At the school where this action research will be completed, data showed that in 2013, 96 students took the CST in English-Language Arts. Of this population, 74% scored Basic or below. While many teaching practices have been re-evaluated and effective practices monitored, this data speaks to a deeper problem in that some students are not learning, even within ideal classroom situations. In looking at the assessment data from the state and the district, we have decided as a staff to begin implementing mindfulness practices as a way to reduce stress in our students and classrooms. We are attempting to create an optimal learning environment that better prepares students for academic activities such as reading. It is uncertain at this time how many teachers are actually using mindfulness and to what extent. All 4 kindergarten teachers communicate that they are using mindfulness practices at least once a day but outcomes have not been discussed. In my kindergarten classroom the student demographics represent 1% caucasian, 98% hispanic/bilingual, 4% English proficient, 5% have an IEP, and 98% receive free or reduced lunch. These demographics indicate the high needs of the students.
0 Comments
|
AuthorJennifer M. Wade ArchivesCategories |